On Monday, the Los Angeles Angels fired manager Brad Ausmus after just one season on the job. The Angels finished the season at 72-90, a full eight games worse than their record in 2018. Former Cubs manager Joe Maddon has reportedly shown interest in the position.
Ausmus will certainly be looking for a new job this offseason, and there is one team looking for a manager with whom Ausmus has a history: the San Diego Padres.
Ausmus came up as a catcher with the Padres in 1993 and played with the Friars through 1996. He also worked for the team as a field executive from 2011-2013. He’s familiar with the organization and would be welcomed back by the fanbase with open arms.
Ausmus’ knowledge as a catcher would help in the development of Francisco Mejia as the future starting catcher for the Padres. Mejia’s biggest critique is that he is not very good defensively. Ausmus, who won three Gold Glove awards at the position, would be a great mentor for the 23-year-old.
Some fans may argue that the Padres should try to hire a more proven manager like Maddon to lead the team, but the Padres, a notoriously frugal team, probably won’t spend the kind of big money someone like Maddon would command (Joe earned $6 million last year). The Padres could get Ausmus for a smaller price and use the excess money to fill other holes in the organization.
Ausmus has previous managerial experience and has proven he can win. He led the Tigers to a playoff spot in 2014 and had two winning seasons in four years in Detroit from 2014-2017. The Padres would be foolish not to sign him before another team does.
Former Angels manager Mike Scioscia and Cubs bench coach Mark Loretta have also been listed as potential candidates for the job.
