San Diego (USA), Oct 28 (EFE) .- The San Diego Padres of the MLB National League have decided to hire veteran Bob Melvin as their next manager, according to several media sources that announced the pact for three years, which will allow him to completely rebuild the team.
Melvin, who has spent the last 11 seasons in charge of the Oakland Athletics in the American League, will not have to leave California, but will have to compete, since he will now reach the National League.
This is a huge loss for the Athletics, who under Melvin have won three American League West titles, but it is a reinforcement for San Diego, which fired Jayce Tingler after the club failed to qualify for the Los Angeles. playoffs this year.
In San Diego, Melvin takes the reins of a roster packed with talent led by shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and his compatriot, third baseman Manny Machado.
Earlier this year, the Athletics exercised the 2022 season team option on Melvin’s contract. Because Melvin was under contract, the Athletics had to give the Padres permission to interview him, and apparently that was granted.
Athletic’s Dennis Lin reported that Oakland will not receive any compensation for leaving Melvin out of his contract. Now they will begin the search for a new administrator.
Melvin, 60, has been one of the best and most respected coaches in baseball for the past two decades. He joined the Athletics in 2011 and led the team to the postseason six times.
Only the big-market Los Angeles Dodgers made the postseason more times than Oakland between 2012 and 20. The A’s were 853-764 (.528) with Melvin.
Before joining the Athletics, Melvin managed the Seattle Mariners (2003-04) and Arizona Diamondbacks (2005-09), and is a three-time Manager of the Year (2007, 2012, 2018).
Melvin’s career management record is 1,346-1,272 (.514). His Major League Baseball résumé also includes 10 years as a player, plus time as a scout, bench coach and assistant general manager. He has done it all.
The Padres entered 2021 as World Series contenders and instead fell to a 79-83 record.
Melvin brings the qualities and good faith that Tingler lacked. He’s experienced, he’s won, and he’s a type of instant credibility when he enters the clubhouse.
As for the Athletics, letting Melvin go is most likely the first major move in a long offseason of cost cuts.
The team cut payroll last season and will likely do so again next year while they look for a new stadium.
It also might not be surprising if roster stalwarts Chris Bassitt, Matt Chapman, Sean Manaea and Matt Olson appear in trade rumors in the coming weeks.
(c) EFE Agency
