Former ‘Kim Kwang-hyun-Tommy Edman’ mentor likely to coach Kim Ha-sung… Mike Schilt, SD’s next head coach
“Mike Shields leads internal search for next manager if Bob Melvin leaves.”
“San Diego Padres manager Mike Shields is the front-runner among internal candidates to be the next manager if Bob Melvin leaves,” The San Diego Union-Tribune reported today.
The Padres missed the postseason this season, going 82-80 and finishing third in the National League West. The Padres made it all the way to the Championship Series through the wild-card round last season, but struggled throughout the season and never made it to fall ball.
Fans were disappointed with the team’s offseason investments, leading to calls for Melvin’s dismissal. The speculation was put to rest when Preller said that Melvin “will be in charge of the team through 2024.”
The problem, however, is that there are teams that want Melvin. San Francisco fired Kapler before the final three games of the season. They are now reportedly interviewing several internal and external candidates.
If San Diego doesn’t grant him an interview, the chances of Melvin moving on naturally increase. To make matters worse, there are even rumors of a feud between Melvin and general manager A.J. Preller.
Melvin’s departure could also affect Kim’s position. Last season, when Fernando Tatis Jr. was suspended for PEDs and injuries, Melvin made the bold move of using Ha Sung Kim as his starting shortstop. This season, he made room for Xander Bogaerts and gave him the starting second base job.
San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin (left) and general manager A.J. Preller. /Getty Images
San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin. /Getty Images
“Preller hired three managers while he was in San Diego, and that could happen again,” The San Diego Union-Tribune said. “Currently, Mike Shields is the favorite to be the next manager if Bob Melvin leaves for San Francisco.”안전놀이터
Schildt was the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from 2018 to 2021, where he coached Kim Kwang-hyun and Tommy Hyun-soo Edman, who played for South Korea in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. For the past two years, he has served as San Diego’s senior advisor for player development and major league baseball.
However, the view of Schildt among Korean fans has been less favorable. Schultz is known for his treatment of Kim Kwang-hyun, who made it to the major leagues in 2021. He demoted him to the bullpen and moved him to the closer’s role in a series of inexplicable moves, so it’s hard to imagine another big leaguer falling victim to the same treatment.
Another candidate was Ryan Flaherty. “Flaherty joined San Diego as a bench and offensive coach, and he’s well-liked by Preller and others on the team, so it’s not out of the question,” the outlet said.
Baseball fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the Dodgers will keep Bob Melvin as their manager, or if they will make a change.