San Diego is still reeling from the surprise retirement announcement of Mike Shildt as the Padres manager. The organization stated the search for a new skipper will begin immediately. But it should start and end with the hiring of Bruce Bochy. His experience and proven track record make him the ideal choice for a team whose window of postseason opportunity is slowly closing.
The Return of Boch
It would be a second tour of duty for Bochy with the Friars. He managed the team from 1995 to 2006, leading the Padres to four
National League West division titles and one World Series appearance. His name is all over the Padres managerial section (wins and games managed) of the franchise record book.
Success came elsewhere, as Bochy won four World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants (2010, 2012, 2014) and the Texas Rangers (2023). He is one of three managers to win a World Series in both leagues. His teams are 17-4 in playoff series-clinching games and a perfect 6-0 in series elimination games. Cooperstown is getting his spot ready as a Hall-of-Fame manager once he officially hangs up the uniform.
Friars’ veteran roster could excel under Bochy
It will be liberating, in a way, for Bochy to manage a veteran roster like the one constructed in San Diego. The lineup is void of rookies, who are prone to making mistakes. Instead, it is a veteran lineup that takes the field with the same mentality: compete until the final out.
Bochy expects his teams to be fundamentally sound in the field, well-prepared to play each night, and have great on-field chemistry with one another. His inability to trust a rookie with a prominent role in the lineup has been a source of criticism, as Bochy consistently favors a proven veteran over an unknown talent. He prefers to invest in building a bond with experienced players. Bochy believes creating a winning culture will be beneficial for rookies to reach their full potential.
The math is pretty simple for success: the confidence shown allows the players to come through in crucial moments in games.
The Padres’ inconsistent offense will be a challenge for him. Bochy will need to find ways to capitalize on potential scoring opportunities and eliminate the threat of the lineup falling into prolonged batting slumps.
Calming demeanor in the dugout
If you observe him, Bochy has a calming demeanor in the dugout. He sits on the bench with his arms folded on most nights. Bochy is not watching the game; he is assessing what is taking place. It could be something small and insignificant, but his observations could help to gain an advantage later in the contest.
For his managerial career, Bochy has consistently maintained a strong working relationship with his pitching coaches. Ruben Niebla will not have a lesser role in the next managerial regime, as he has been instrumental in the team’s recent success. He has consistently developed quality pitching staffs since his arrival in 2022.
Bochy knows how to handle a bullpen. His Giants championship teams were pitching-dominant. Being a former catcher, he understands that the demands of the position take a toll on the body.
Bochy prefers situational matchups that will dictate which reliever comes into the contest rather than using a set order out of the pen. He staggers his relievers’ appearances, which allows them to remain effective all season.
Bochy has spent over 40 years as a player and manager in the majors. To last that long, you need to adapt to the ever-changing world of Major League Baseball. Bochy embraces the use of analytics and partners the information with his own adjustment ideas based on the flow of the game.
Clock is ticking on Padres and Bochy
The clock is ticking on the Padres’ veteran core, as they played October baseball in three of the last four seasons. But no World Series appearances for their effort. Now, this group is heading into the back nine of their playing career.
Bochy can lessen the pressure of the “win now” mandate that will ring loudly once the team gathers in Peoria for Spring Training. He will deflect the pressure by answering all of the media questions once they gather in the clubhouse. His actions help to build trust and a connection with the team.
Yes, there are concerns about his energy level to last the grind of another baseball season because of his age (70). But Bochy’s success with Texas shows he can lead a team to the sport’s ultimate prize.
If Bochy sends a signal to the Padres, the organization had better respond with a job offer.
