The San Diego Padres focused their search for a manager this week as they continue to look for the best fit post-Andy Green.
The team conducted several interviews, according to various sources, reports 10 News, but both finalists have backgrounds with the Texas Rangers.
The Padres hired GM AJ Preller away from the Rangers five years ago. Finalists Ron Washington, a former Rangers manager, and Jayce Tingler, who worked in the Texas front office, are believed to have had second interviews with Padres’ brass this week.
MLB.com reports that Tingler is well regarded for his skills in player development, but has limited managerial experience. Washington took the Rangers to two World Series, in 2010-11, but questions remain about his willingness to incorporate analytics into his management style.
Source: Ron Washington was in San Diego today. He and Jayce Tingler should know if they got the job by Monday.https://t.co/aUqmHcYaEI
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) October 18, 2019
Management even took feedback from star acquisition Manny Machado. He put in a word for former manager Buck Showalter, according to CBS Sports.
Machado just completed his first season with the Padres. He had a brief sojourn with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who obtained his services in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles. Machado played for Showalter there.
In addition, Padres’ coaches find them themselves the focus of discussions for other prominent vacancies. The New York Post reported that first-base coach Skip Schumaker sat for an interview with the Mets. The Mets fired Mickey Callaway earlier this month.
Many folks around baseball believe AJ Preller will pick Jayce Tingler, Rangers player development exec, to be the Padres next manager. Doesn’t mean it’s a done deal, and Ron Washington, who Preller also knows from Texas, is also in the running. Tingler is seen as favorite though.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 17, 2019
– Staff reports
