Padres exercise Bud Black's 2014-2015 contract options

The San Diego Padres have exercised their options on the contract of manager Bud Black for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, the team has announced:

The San Diego Padres announced today they have exercised the options for the 2014 and 2015 seasons on the contract of manager Bud Black…

"Buddy has a keen insight into team dynamics and creates a great environment for the players and coaching staff," said [general manager Josh] Byrnes. "He is a gifted leader with a terrific mind for the game and a genuine interest and curiosity related to all areas of our organization."

Black took the helm in San Diego in 2007 after seven seasons under the tutelage of Mike Scioscia as the Los Angeles Angels' pitching coach. The former MLB left-hander has led the Padres to a .477 record (464-509) in his six years in charge of the Padres. Black led the squad to a 90-72 mark in 2010, giving San Diego just their fourth 90-win team in franchise history and earning Black the National League Manager of the Year award.

The Padres finished the 2012 season under .500 for the second straight year --at a 76-86 mark -- but went a much-improved 49-37 in the second half of the season.