San Diego Padres made mistake by firing Andy Green
By David Hill
The San Diego Padres fired Andy Green after nearly four seasons at the helm. That decision was a mistake.
On the surface, one can understand the reasoning behind the San Diego Padres firing Andy Green. They had been active over the past couple of offseasons, landing two of the top free agents in Manny Machado and Eric Hosmer. Although the Padres were not considered to be a playoff contender this season, it was expected that they would show progress in 2019.
Technically, the Padres have done so. Their 69 wins heading into Saturday were three more than they had for the entirety of 2018 after all. Yet, one could understand that the Padres front office was hoping that the team would be closer to .500 then their current showing.
And yet, this is still a young team. Ian Kinsler is the only regular in the lineup over 29 years of age, and the oldest starter this season is 26 years old. The Padres top pitching prospects are still in the minors, and may be a year or two away. There is some talent, but there are still a lot of holes.
Yes, Green had posted a 274-366 record in his tenure as the Padres manager. And yes, more was expected this season than minimal gains in the standings. But San Diego is still a year or two from contending – something that even Machado admitted when he signed as a free agent. Success needs to be measured in other ways.
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Success for the Padres should be the way Fernando Tatis Jr. performed prior to his season coming to a premature end due to injury. He had produced a stellar .317/.379/.590 batting line with 22 homers and 16 steals over his 372 plate appearances, showing why the Padres veterans wanted him to be a part of the Opening Day roster.
While most of the Padres top pitching prospects have yet to reach the majors, Chris Paddack made his presence felt this year. Although San Diego managed his innings, he produced a solid 3.33 ERA and a 0.981 WHiP, striking out 153 batters against just 31 walks in his 140.2 innings.
Former top prospects had begun to show that they were major league pieces as well. Luis Urias has been much better since August 1, with a .278/.356/.383 batting line in his 149 plate appearances. Francisco Mejia has begun to look like the potential franchise catcher he was expected to be, with a .303/.357/.503 batting line, along with eight homers and five doubles in 168 plate appearances since returning from his first stint on the disabled list.
Despite spending large amounts to sign Hosmer and Machado in free agency, and in their extension of Wil Myers, the Padres are a young team. They will need a manager that can not only handle the veteran players on the roster, but help develop that younger talent. Based on the progress displayed by the Padres youngsters this season, Green was that manager.
Next. Options to replace Andy Green. dark
On paper, one can understand why the San Diego Padres fired Andy Green. However, based on the construction of the roster moving forward, firing Green was a mistake.