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The San Diego Padres fell short of expectations this season, after a winter that was filled with big-name trades and signings. Now with the 2015 regular season over, they have shifted their focus to finding a new manager. Interim manager Pat Murphy will not return in that capacity next season, the team announced. Former Padre Phil Nevin is being considered for the job, according to Scott Miller of Bleacher Report.
Dbacks AAA mgr & former Padre Phil Nevin among those under consideration for #Padres managerial job. Interim Pat Murphy not expected back
— Scott Miller (@ScottMillerBbl) October 3, 2015
Murphy took over as skipper of the Padres after long-serving manager Bud Black was let go after a disappointing 32-33 start. In his first season as a big league manager, Murphy went 42-54 with the Padres and fell further out of contention. Before this, Murphy had served has the head coach at Notre Dame and Arizona State. He joined the Padres organization in 2010.
It's unclear whether or not Murphy will stay with the Padres organization in some way, but if he doesn't the Brewers could have some interest in him. Earlier this season, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Craig Counsell tried to hire Murphy.
Padres announce interim manager Pat Murphy will not return in that capacity in 2016. #Brewers Craig Counsell tried to get him on his staff.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) October 4, 2015
So, if Murphy truly is a free agent, look for him to be on the #Brewers coaching staff before next spring.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) October 4, 2015
For the first time since taking over as general manager, A.J. Preller well get to hire his own manager. It may be a tough sell for Preller, as the 74-88 Padres traded away a number of top prospects and are expected to lose the losses of Justin Upton and Ian Kennedy to free agency. That means Preller will most likely have to think outside the the box with his pick, and as we've seen in the past, Preller appears to be very comfortable being outside that box.