Reasons Melvin fits into Padres

The deal has yet to be confirmed by the club, but sources indicate that it is likely to be finalized soon, and Melvin is even expected to be unveiled as soon as the next few days.

After a disappointing 2021 season, the Padres went looking for a manager who can bring out the best in a talented roster. Here are four reasons why Melvin could be the perfect helmsman for San Diego:

1. Make the best of your talents
Melvin reached the postseason in six of his 10 full seasons with the Athletics, even with the limitations of a constantly on the move roster.

Here’s what A’s vice president Billy Beane said last summer when he exercised the option on Melvin’s contract for 2021 (long before he was allowed to interview with the Padres):

“Bob has arguments to say that he has been the most successful manager we have had here, especially when you take into account the challenges he has had,” said Beane. “He has had a roster that has changed multiple times since his arrival. He has had one of the lowest payrolls. From a professional and personal relationship, his achievements speak for themselves ”.

Sure, Melvin managed some very talented A’s teams. But the talent in San Diego is on par with anyone he’s had in Oakland – starting with Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Jake Cronenworth, along with a potential pitching staff.

2. Stable results
Consider how the last two managers in San Diego ended up. The Padres were on the verge of competition on the 2019 All-Star break under Andy Green, before collapsing in the second half. With an improved roster in 2021, they seemed headed for the postseason when they began to suffer from injuries and a lack of reinforcements to make up for losses. With a similar collapse, Jayce Tingler’s internship ended.

It’s a bit unfair to blame both managers for the poor performance of the players down the stretch. But it is also worth asking if with a more experienced manager the results would have been different.

Melvin always seems to find a way to set course. That, perhaps, thanks to an environment known for constantly renewing. His former players talk about his ability to stay calm without having to impose his presence in the clubhouse.

3. Combination of old and new school
“There is a reason why [los Atléticos] it’s always October, ”Tigers manager AJ Hinch said on the last day of August. “It all starts with the stability of Bob Melvin. Look, I love him very much, I’ve worked with him before. The team plays with that extra motivation. It is a great challenge to run against them. They are winners, they know how to play and they don’t make many mistakes ”.

Perhaps Melvin’s best attribute is his adaptability. He has changed his style when necessary and that has clearly been appreciated by his players. Melvin has old-school roots, but he’s open to new ideas, working with a franchise like the Athletics that relies so heavily on analytical numbers.

4. It’s just different
This is not so much about Melvin as it is about the story in San Diego. The Padres have collapsed in August and September. His season was derailed with an 18-36 record to end the year. Change was inevitable, considering how short they fell.

Anyway, this is a major change. Melvin represents a significant contrast to GM AJ Preller’s two previous hires. Melvin is a proven head honcho with a reputation for always having the right tone in a Major League Baseball cave, through thick and thin.

Suddenly, with a hiring, that period of August and September seems less important. Sure, there will be questions with the roster build and the depth of the pitching body. They still need to define the technical team.

But the arrival of Melvin – recognized as one of the best managers in the sport – is no small feat for the Padres. With him on board, San Diego’s offseason has a different flavor in his mouth.