"Who?"
That word, no doubt uttered with raised eyebrows, escaped the mouths of many last week when news of the San Diego Padres' probable choice for the open manager position popped up.
Jayce Tingler, a minor league manager and front-office executive for the Texas Rangers, has been tagged.
When Andy Green was fired five weeks ago, after posting a record of 274 wins and 366 losses in his three years as manager, many expected the team to hire someone well-known (such as former Padres and Giants manager Bruce Bochy, for instance) to start the recovery.
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The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that team owners have put general manager A.J. Preller on notice that should hiring Tingler turn out to be an error, Preller will be looking for work.
"Jayce has extensive experience in virtually every aspect of coaching, player development and baseball operations, and our entire group believes that he's the right person to lead our talented roster," Preller said in a statement. "His multi-faceted skillset, combined with his ability to develop talent and help players reach their potential at the Major League level, were key factors in his selection as our manager."
Tingler will officially be introduced at a news conference at Petco Park on Thursday.
The 38-year-old Tingler takes over a team that has missed the playoffs for 13 straight seasons and hasn't had a winning record in nine years.
His only previous managerial experience has been at the lowest rungs, including guiding Leones del Escogido to a 9-1 start in the Dominican Winter League.
San Diego sportswriter Jay Paris talks with Midday Edition about the choice of Tingler and what the team needs to become competitive again.
