As the San Diego Padres franchise prepares to launch its 41st campaign amid recessionary times, the new CEO has said that his first season will be marked by formulas that make games and concessionary goods easier on the pocketbook. More than a month before he was introduced as Padres CEO and vice chairman on Thursday, March 26, Jeff Moorad stressed the importance of the affordable baseball experience, especially as it affects families. “It is critically important, whether it’s concessions, merchandise or the baseball experience itself, that it is affordable — not only to the businesses that support the club, but especially to the individual families and those who bring kids and experience baseball,” he said during a conference call in February. “Affordability has got to be the theme that rings true, and that certainly will be the theme as the new ownership group transitions in.” Several businessmen, including former NFL quarterback Troy Aikman, recently took control of 35 percent of the club from John Moores, who retains the franchise chairmanship. Moorad anticipates that his group will own 100 percent of the club by or before 2014. The total sale could peak at $500 million. Moorad owns 40 percent equity in his group of 12. The team payroll ranges between 70 and $80 million. “I think the fan base can support [such a payroll], and to the extent that they do, that’s certainly what we’ll do,” he said March 26. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: This is a jewel of a franchise.” The Padres, which won National League West titles in 2006 and 2007, lost 99 games in 2008, their worst finish in 15 campaigns. Key players such as pitcher Trevor Hoffman and shortstop Khalil Greene have departed the club. The Padres kick off their 2009 season at Petco Park with their home opener Monday, April 6 at 4:05 p.m. against the Los Angeles Dodgers.