Robert Suarez is an example of who this Padres team is

Right out of the gate, sorry for bringing up last season again but it still irritates me as a Padres fan for many reasons. How did some describe that group as a whole? Selfish? Not together? Quitters?

I’m not saying that was everyone in that clubhouse but it was evident they didn’t have enough of what some other teams had and this year things are looking different.

Four wins in a row, seemingly impossible comebacks and finishing off teams have all occurred in the first 38 games.

Yes, the Padres are only .500 after tonight’s win at Wrigley Field against the Cubs but there seems to be more of a buy-in with this year’s group. Credit to those who were in that clubhouse last season because for a team to be together it takes everyone and it seems like togetherness has been one of the key words from the start of spring training.

Take closer Robert Suarez for example. He missed a lot of last season with an injury but so far this season he’s taken on not just the closer role but the role of a team player (as many others have as well). Need him to finish a game against the Dodgers in extras by getting more than three outs? Sure thing. Need him to get out of a bases loaded jam in the eighth and get a five-out save when almost every reliever in the bullpen can’t seem to throw enough strikes? He’s got you.

“I prepare myself every single day to help the team as best as I can,” Suarez said through his interpreter Pedro Gutiérrez tonight. “If it’s more than three outs, it’s more than three outs.”

His effort has been recognized by his teammates, including one of the leaders Joe Musgrove. “Having a closer that you can go out there and rely on for more than just three outs is huge to us here. He’s willing to take the ball and we’re grateful for it,” said Musgrove earlier this year at Petco Park.

Who knows if Suarez won’t be as effective down the road but right now his team-first mentality is appreciated by everyone and it’s a good example of what makes this year’s team different from the disappointing group from a year ago.