Remade Padres built to win now

Two months into the offseason, San Diego Padres fans were disappointed with the progress being made by new general manager A.J. Preller.

He made a bid for Pablo Sandoval … and lost. Then Preller made a run at Yasmany Tomas … and lost again.

Padres fans thought it was more of the same. Promises but no players. The winter meetings came and went and still nothing.

Then … Preller went to work. He made five major trades during a two-week span and then capped the wildest offseason in franchise history by signing free agent, top-of-the-rotation right-hander James Shields.

Preller overhauled the major leagues’ worst offense, adding slugging outfielders Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers, all-star catcher Derek Morris and third baseman Will Middlebrooks without touching the Padres’ strengths — the starting rotation and bullpen.

In fact, Preller bolstered those areas with the addition of Shields, Brandon Morrow, Brandon Mauer and Shawn Kelley.

On a December afternoon when Kemp was being introduced to the San Diego media, reports were circulating around the room that the Padres had traded for Upton, Myers and Norris.

“Man, rock-star GM,” Kemp said. “I am in awe, rock-star GM.”

Preller might not be a rock star.

But he has raised the profile of the Padres in San Diego at a time when the NFL Chargers are threatening to move to Los Angeles. The Padres entered spring training with their fans more optimistic than any time since they won their second National League title in 1998.

As Preller was dealing in December, Shields watched the action from his North San Diego County home.

“It was incredible to see the changes A.J. was making,” Shields said. “I’d be out somewhere and I’d be hearing people talking about the Padres. A.J.’s moves affected everyone; it affected me a lot. The moves he made have been phenomenal to watch. And he brought in guys with character as well as talent.

“This team is ready to win now. I am ready to win now. It’s why I’m here.”