Who The Padres Should & Should Not Target As Their New Manager

The San Diego Padres "battled" throughout the season but a second half downfall had the team finish 79-83 and not making the postseason. Former manager Jayce Tingler only lasted two seasons as the Padres season quickly went down the drain. Now, the team is possibly looking at a manager with experience rather than Tingler and what was Andy Green. So, who should the team look at seriously and who should they avoid?

So this offseason should be even more interesting not just because it is time for a free agency frenzy, but also time for the Padres to look for a new manager. I was not a big fan of Tingler when he was hired but I am glad he brought us to the 2020 playoffs and advancing to the NLDS. But, no managerial experience really stuck in my mind. So now with Tingler gone the Padres are looking at a veteran potentially. The rumors have been swirling, but who is the best candidates to push the team to the top and bring a championship to San Diego?

Let's start with former Padres manager Bruce Bochy. This is my favorite candidate by far but that will not exclude any others on my list! In Padres history, Bochy is the most successful manager with a W-L record of 951-975. In 12 seasons with the Friars, Bochy helped the team finish first in their division four times while also winning an NL Pennant. Of course Bochy had more success with the San Francisco Giants as he claimed three World Series titles and more. But I have always respected the man. Just overall Bochy has been well respected by players and the media. I think that he would make a perfect match for a Padres team looking for answers.

Think about it, Bochy has the best resume for a team hungry to win! The rest of this list has it in order from best to worst candidates and Bochy stays high at the top. The next candidate is not too shabby but this is the second option only if the Padres cannot persuade Bochy out of retirement. Bochy has stated that he has not heard from the team but is potentially considering a return.

Next up on my list is Brad Ausmus. Now the only manager I will not include on here is Buck Showalter, sorry everyone, I just do not think he should be on the consideration list. But I do not mind Ausmus if the Padres cannot get Bochy. Ausmus, a former manager for the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angeles is one of the younger candidates at 52. Now Ausmus did not have that great of experience when with his clubs but both teams were seeing their darker days at the time. I find that Ausmus brings that tough energy just like he did as a player.

In addition, Ausmus brought the Tigers to two successful seasons with 85+ wins out of the four years there. Now the one factor that would turn me away is the fact that he is younger again just like Tingler and Green. I do not want a manager that is too old, but not one too young either.

Now it is time for the two managers I would not consider if I was Preller and the Padres. First off is Yankees manager Aaron Boone. If you look up the definition of "textbook manager," I am sure you will find Boone's name as the answer. What do I mean by "textbook manager?" Well, it is when a manager no matter the situation, no matter what is on the line, no matter how the game is going, will put out whatever pitcher he tends to do. For example, let's say the Yankees are up 6-5 in the bottom of the 8th with bases loaded and two outs. Instead of trusting his gut, Boone puts in a struggling pitcher like Chad Green and immediately gives up a grand slam. As a manager at any level, it is all about trusting your own decisions and not going by too many advanced stats. Boone has made the postseason with the Yankees, but has not reached the promise land. I just overall do not trust him managing this team with his weird decisions and overuse on the bullpen. (Reminds me just of Jayce Tingler.)

Now we have reached the bottom of the totem pole. Former Texas Rangers' manager Ron Washington. Whenever I head a Ranger is in consideration for something on the Padres, it is a red flag to me. Look I get that Washington has won two AL Pennants and brought notice to the Rangers franchise. But one mistake is just not having me take him seriously as a candidate and knowing our luck, the Padres will hire him over the others. Back in 2010, Washington tested positive for the use of cocaine and Washington stated that it was true later on. It is not like Washington was young making a mistake either. It is interesting that Manny Machado liked an Instagram post revolving around a possible Washington hire. As much as I am for Captain Machado, I would like to say Ron Washington is not the best choice.