Hah! The Padres ownership has sabotaged the team's entire season every year since 1999 (the year after San Diego voters approved financing for a downtown ballpark, but that's merely a coincidence, I'm sure) by refusing to spend the money for decent players. In 2012, the team had the lowest payroll in the National League.
However: the team was just sold to a group of investors that includes the O'Malley family, former owners of the NY/LA Dodgers. Given the historic performance of that club over the years—especially after the move to California—there's reason for hope.