What's happened
The San Diego Padres have appointed Craig Stammen as their new manager, replacing Mike Shildt. Stammen, a former reliever, signed a three-year deal and will oversee a roster facing key offseason challenges, including injuries and free agency. The team aims for continued success despite roster uncertainties.
What's behind the headline?
The Padres' decision to appoint Craig Stammen marks a shift towards valuing leadership and communication over managerial experience. This approach reflects a broader trend in MLB where teams prioritize internal leadership qualities. Stammen's familiarity with the roster and clubhouse, especially his rapport with star players like Manny Machado, suggests a focus on team cohesion. However, the team faces substantial challenges, including losing key pitchers Yu Darvish and Robert Suarez, which could impact their competitiveness next season. The Padres' strategy indicates a belief that strong leadership can mitigate roster gaps, but success will depend on effective roster management and player development. This move signals a potential shift in how MLB teams evaluate managerial candidates, emphasizing leadership potential over traditional experience.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that Craig Stammen was chosen for his leadership and communication skills, beating out candidates like Albert Pujols and Ruben Niebla. The Independent highlights that Stammen's appointment follows two successful seasons under Mike Shildt, who cited burnout. AP News emphasizes the team's deliberate search process and Stammen's background as a reliever and baseball operations assistant, noting the challenges ahead with roster changes and injuries.
How we got here
Craig Stammen, a longtime MLB reliever, retired in August 2023 after a seven-season stint with the Padres and six with the Nationals. He spent last season as an assistant in the Padres' baseball operations, gaining leadership experience. The Padres recently experienced success with two playoff appearances under Mike Shildt, who cited burnout in his departure. The team is now preparing for a pivotal offseason with significant roster decisions.
Go deeper
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The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego, California. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League West division.
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Michael Timothy Shildt (born August 9, 1968) is an American former professional baseball manager and coach. He managed in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres. He currently serves as a coordinator of instruction...
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Craig Nicholas Stammen is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. He previously played for the Washington Nationals.