SAN DIEGO, — According to a source familiar with the matter, the San Diego Padres have appointed Bob Melvin from the Oakland Athletics as their new manager.
The person spoke to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity because the hiring had not been officially announced. According to the person, Melvin, 60 years old will be given a three-year contract.
Jayce Tingler was fired Oct. 6, after Jayce Melvin, who had been in a second-half meltdown that saw the Padres lose their second wild card spot in the NL, and ended up losing for the 10th consecutive season. San Diego was third in the talented NL West at 79-83.
Stephen Vogt, an Atlanta Braves catcher who played in Oakland for Melvin, said that Bob is the manager in big leagues that lets you be yourself. He doesn’t have any expectations about how you should play. He lets you be yourself. He only asks that you work hard and play hard for your partner.
“He is an incredible communicator, an amazing motivator, clearly a genius of baseball minds, and he puts each of his players in a position for success.”
General manager A.J. Preller did a complete 180 by hiring Melvin. Preller’s previous managerial hires were not experienced as big league skippers.
Melvin brings 18 years of managerial experience in big-league management and a 1,346-1.272 record with Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, and A’s. He was named Manager of The Year in both leagues three times.
Melvin was the winningest Oakland manager, but the team missed the playoffs after three consecutive postseason berths. With the Athletics, he was 853-764.
Melvin was the manager of the Mariners for two years and the Diamondbacks five seasons.
Melvin may have gone to San Diego because of uncertainty about Oakland’s ballpark situation. However, Melvin was allowed to interview with the Padres by the A’s with one year remaining on his contract. In June, Oakland exercised his option for 2022.
Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because that’s what it was.” A’s ace Chris Bassitt tweeted Thursday night. He’s the best manager in the game. You should be grateful. “I’m sure of it.”
Preller also hired Ruben Niebla, a Cleveland pitcher’s coach, on Wednesday.
Midway through 2011, the A’s turned towards Melvin to replace Bob Geren. Melvin brought stability to the club that was sorely lacking. His fairness, kindness and willingness to try new things earned him respect from his teammates.
Melvin assumes control of a fun-loving, family-oriented team that had five All-Stars (including Manny Machado, Manny Tatis Jr. and Jake Cronenworth) but which was badly underperformed down to the last stretch.
Vogt, calling from Atlanta on Thursday night, said that he is someone who trusts you right from the moment you step in. “He’s someone I look up too probably more than anyone else in this game, and is just such an extraordinary person and special manager. The Padres have one of the most respected, if not the greatest, leaders in the game when he enters their dugout.
After two consecutive wild-card finishes, Oakland won the AL West in the 2020 pandemic-shortened season. The playoffs saw the A’s defeat the White Sox in round one to end a nine-game losing streak. This was a major league record dating back to 1973 World Series. They then lost to the rival Houston Astros in four games in an AL division series.
After trailing by five games, Oakland won the pennant or division. They defeated Texas in three of the last five games.
