San Diego Padres interview surprising candidate for manager

The San Diego Padres managerial opening has seemingly been Mike Shildt’s to lose. From the moment he was fired by the Cardinals, he appeared to be a perfect match in San Diego, a winning manager who had brought his team to the postseason in each of the past three years. Such a pairing seemed inevitable.

But the Padres are not just handing Shildt the job. They have been interviewing other candidates, with the surprising inclusion of former White Sox and Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen.

Ozzie Guillen could be right fit for San Diego Padres

Guillen actually checks the boxes of the type of manager the Padres should look for. He does have postseason experience and won a World Series with the White Sox in 2005. His personality may be a bit more outgoing than Shildt, or than the Padres would necessarily want, but that could actually be a positive.

He also has a few intangibles working in his favor. Players know exactly where they stand with Guillen, as he is not afraid to share his thoughts. That honesty and willingness to fight for his players comes back in spades, as they are willing to run through the proverbial wall for him.

Likewise, the issues that the Padres dealt with last season would not rear their heads. The enduring image of San Diego’s collapse was Manny Machado screaming at Fernando Tatis Jr. that the game was not all about him and he needed to focus on winning. A strong manager, such as Guillen, would not allow that to happen.

Chances are, he is a longshot for the role. Guillen does come with his own headaches and controversies. But he had been a solid manager during his time on the bench and deserves another opportunity. The Padres would be an interesting fit, albeit one that could work.

The San Diego Padres have reportedly interviewed Ozzie Guillen for their managerial position. He would be a surprising hire, but might be the right fit.