Here we go again.
Two years after handing Jayce Tingler the keys to a Padres franchise on the rise, President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller is looking for a skipper to help them complete their ascent.
Will he continue his pattern of hiring first-time Major League managers like Tingler and Andy Green, or will he opt for one of the seasoned names on the market?
Now that the wheels of the search are turning, we'll keep tabs on what names are being mentioned as possibilities for the Padres.
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October 25: Former Mets Manager Luis Rojas Gets Interview
A.J. Preller and the Padres are taking a close look at Luis Rojas, and according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune Rojas interviewed for the vacant managerial position over the weekend.
New York moved on from Rojas after two seasons, which included a drop from first place in the NL East in August to third and out of the playoffs. Rojas has a strong tie to the Padres organization, as the half-brother of Moises Alou. Alou is a special assistant to Preller and had an opportunity to vie for the job in 2019.
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October 24: Ruben Niebla in Line to Become Pitching Coach
ESPN's Buster Olney reported that Cleveland assistant pitching coach Ruben Niebla is trending towards taking over the Padres' pitching staff.
Niebla has spent the last two seasons with the Indians' big league club. Prior to that he was the organization's minor league pitching coordinator for seven years.
The Calexico High School grad is well respected throughout the league. Eno Sarris of The Athletic tweeted, "Niebla is super well spoken of by anyone who’s worked with him, this would be a huge hire, especially if they give him power up and down the organization."
October 22: The Padres Will Interview Mike Shildt
According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic the Padres lined up an interview with former Cardinals manager Mike Shildt. St. Louis parted with Shildt after three full seasons, each of which ended in the postseason. In September the Cardinals won 17 straight games to take the National League's second Wild Card spot. Two years ago he guided St. Louis to the NLCS and won NL Manager of the Year.
Lin also reported that former Angels manager Mike Scioscia is believed to be a potential candidate. Meanwhile Ron Washington and Buck Showalter are not believed to be in the discussion.
October 13: Ron Washington Hasn't Heard from the Padres
The Braves third base coach spoke with Darren Smith of XTRA 1360 Wednesday and said there has been no contact between he and the Padres.
He explained how he would approach the task of helping the club achieve its potential.
"Togetherness, oneness. All of us trying to get the job done together. And through that there are difficulties," Washington said. "When you have the same goal in mind you fight through all of that, and in the end you begin to reach the gold that's at the end of the rainbow."
October 13: Bochy and Buck Among Those Discussed by Padres
USA Today MLB columnist Bob Nightengale tweeted that some of the names being discussed by the team include former Padres and Giants manager Bruce Bochy and three-time MLB Manager of the Year Buck Showalter.
Nightengale's list also includes former Rangers manager Jeff Banister; John Gibbons who helped the Blue Jays reach the ALCS in 2015 and 2016; Dodgers special assistant Ron Roenicke who managed the Red Sox in 2020 and got the Brewers to the NLCS in 2011; John Farrell who won the 2013 World Series with Boston and was fired in 2017 after back-to-back losses in the ALDS; and Brad Ausmus who managed the Tigers for four seasons including one trip to the ALDS and spent 2019 with the Angels.
October 11: Possible Homecoming for Aaron Boone?
If the Yankees move on from Aaron Boone, the La Mesa native might not be out of a job for long.
ESPN's Buster Olney says there is speculation that Boone could be a viable candidate for the Padres. Olney also mentioned that the club has asked around about Ron Washington, Bruce Bochy and Buck Showalter. He believes the Padres are curious if Boone will come available.
After four years in the Bronx his contract is up, and there is uncertainty as to whether New York will keep him in pinstripes. Boone was at the helm for two 100-win seasons, including a trip to the ALCS in 2019. This year the Yankees lost in the AL Wild Card game after going 92-70.
October 11: Ron Washington Wants to be the Padres Next Manager
According to Robert Murray of Fansided the Padres have an interested candidate in Ron Washington. The highly respected 69-year-old third base coach of the Braves believes he is qualified for the gig.
“I think I can get that team over the hump," Washington said. "That’s my thinking. I need that general manager to think like that. I’m definitely able to get them where they want to go.”
LISTEN: With NBC 7 San Diego's Darnay Tripp and Derek Togerson behind the mic, On Friar will cover all things San Diego Padres. Interviews, analysis, behind-the-scenes...the ups, downs, and everything in between. Tap here to find On Friar wherever you listen to podcasts.
LISTEN: With NBC 7 San Diego's Darnay Tripp and Derek Togerson behind the mic, On Friar will cover all things San Diego Padres. Interviews, analysis, behind-the-scenes...the ups, downs, and everything in between. Tap here to find On Friar wherever you listen to podcasts.
