After learning that Bob Melvin (manager) and AJ Preller (GM) didn’t get along at all, questions arose in San Diego.
The first: why bring both men back after a horrible season for the Padres?
Obviously, after learning on Sunday that the manager had the OK to interview for the position of manager of the Giants, we understood: it’s a question of money.
By not firing him, the club doesn’t have to pay him if he goes elsewhere… and the Padres can receive additional compensation.
And that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
To no one’s surprise, the Giants decided, after a brief discussion, that the next manager will be veteran Bob Melvin. It happened quickly, anyway.
The California native therefore does what Bruce Bochy did in the past: he goes from the Padres to the Giants. Will San Francisco fare as well?
Buster Posey and the club’s other shareholders hope the results will be similar with Melvin, a San Francisco area native who managed the A’s for years before moving to San Diego.
The former manager of the Mariners and Diamondbacks is therefore leaving San Diego after two years and after failing to rally the troops in 2023.
The challenge in SF will be similar to that of Oakland, but to a greater extent: maximizing resources… not to mention doing a lot with a little.
This therefore means that there are officially (if we consider that the departure of Melvin is official) four positions open: Mets, Guardians, Angels and Padres. Who will the Padres turn to now?
Ryan Flaherty and Mike Shildt are two names that come up often.
Note also that the Astros may have to find another manager, considering that veteran Dusty Baker is heading towards retirement.
The Angels consider Buck Showalter (to his great pleasure) for the position of club manager. He has ties to Perry Minasian, the CEO.
Finally, note that if Craig Counsell leaves the Milwaukee Brewers, whether to go to New York or not, the Brewers will also look for a manager.
To be continued, therefore.
