The Padres Get Their Guy…and It’s A Great One
After 11 years as Oakland’s Manager, Bob Melvin is OUT for the A’s and IN for the Padres. On his 60th Birthday Thursday, Bob Melvin agreed to a 3 Year Contract with the Padres via ESPN’s Jeff Passan to fill their vacant managerial position.
Why Melvin??
According to Padres Beat Write Dennis Lin, San Diego was eager to get a manager who could command a talented dugout. Melvin, a 3x Manager of The Year winner gives the Padres exactly what they need after Jayce Tingler was unable to find get the results upper management was looking for. Though Melvin has no history with the Padres, things reportedly “came together quickly” with President of Baseball Ops. A.J. Preller. With speculation of a potential Bruce Bochy re-union, Showalter’s re-emergence & Washington’s 2nd chance to manager the Padres; San Diego gets a highly respected manager that has been very successfully throughout his career.
For Melvin, this new career path makes sense. After a brief stint with Seattle, an eventful-yet forgettable tenure with Arizona & two rebuilds with Oakland, Bob potentially avoids a third tear down with the A’s. With 13 eligible free agents this winter, Oakland is potentially in full “rebuild” mode while San Diego has big expectations for 2022.
EXPECTATIONS
After failing to replicate their success from 2020 (albeit a shortened season), the Padres will certainly be looking towards an NL West Crown. With the most committed payroll for the 2022 season, a divisional crown will not come easy with the Dodgers & Giants looking towards improving as well. The addition of Melvin gives a young Padres team something to be excited for with Perennial MVP candidates in Manny Machado & Fernando Tatis Jr. eager to help propel San Diego to that next step.
Melvin’s Legacy in oakland
853-764 Record
.528 Win %
3x AL West Division Winner
6 Postseason Appearances