San Diego Padres' Fans Should Be Excited About New Management and Here's Why

The San Diego Padres have a new ownership group and there's a lot to be excited about if you a Padres' fan.

Headed up by investment banker Ron Fowler, part owners include former Dodgers' owner Peter O'Malley and professional golfer Phil Mickelson.

The team was sold by John Moores for $800 million. That is a lot more than the $525 million agreed upon price between Moores and Jeff Moorad's group, a deal which fell through.

With the new ownership group, there are a lot of reasons to be excited as a fan. Here are five of those reasons.

Lefty Is an Owner

For those who don't follow professional golf, Phil Mickelson is one of the most likable guys on tour.

Now, he's a part owner of the Padres.

Although this doesn't do too much on the field since he's not a majority owner, it does guarantee that there is a likable guy is a high place.

Mickelson brings another name to the ownership group and the money he brings in could possibly help bring an extra free agent or two in the offseason.

The O'Malleys Are Back in Baseball

For those who remember the O'Malley family selling the Dodgers to Rupert Murdoch and NewsCorp in 1997, it was a time of sadness. The Dodgers went from a family-run operation to a business.

Now, that same type of family-oriented business will be evident with the Padres.

When that happens, players are happy and fans are happy. When you combine those two things, you get a successful franchise.

Don't be surprised to see some changes around Petco Park to make it even more family friendly.

There's Money to Spend

According to a report by CBS Sports' Navin Vaswani, the Padres will have a lot of money to spend this offseason.

The report says the owners will have between $25-30 million to spend this offseason. The team locked up Carlos Quentin and Huston Street at the end of July.

With the outfield being one position of need for the Padres, the team could go after guys like Michael Bourn or B.J. Upton.

And, isn't that something nice for fans to look forward to?

Coming into the 2012 season, San Diego ranked last in all of baseball with just over $55 million as the team payroll. In 2011, they were third from the bottom with $45.87 million.

The last time the Padres weren't in the bottom five was in 2008 when they had a payroll of $73.67 million.

Carlos Quentin Was Re-Signed

When Carlos Quentin was re-signed to an extension, the new ownership group likely gave the go-ahead to general manager Josh Byrnes.

What this does is give the Padres a veteran leader in the clubhouse that will help the young guys along. Also, it gives Padres' fans a hometown guy to cheer for.

Just like the Braves have Jason Heyward, the Padres have their hometown guy in Quentin.

For diehard fans, it's always fun to root for a local guy, who grew up just down the road from the stadium.

John Moores Is Gone

Like Dodgers' fans felt about having Frank McCourt as their owner, Padres' fans felt the same about John Moores.

Moores started slashing payroll in 2008 as he was trying to sell the team. Fans knew big-name guys wouldn't come to San Diego and homegrown players would eventually leave—Adrian Gonzalez anyone?

Let's not forget the disaster that's been Petco Park (move in the fences already).

Those are just a few of the things to name, but there are many more as to why it's great that Moores is gone.

I don't know where the next phrase came from, but I think it's very appropriate for Moores.

Don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you.

Let the fun begin Padres' fans, things should get better.