What In The World Is A Jayce Tingler?

posted 10/24/19

​It sounds like an injury to the pitching arm, which is something the Padres and their fans know all too well.

But no, Tingler is the new manager of the San Diego Padres, a name that isn’t known outside of baseball circles and probably not known inside of them either. Once Andy Green was relieved of his duties, Ron Fowler said that getting a manager with big league experience was a priority. And so the wish lists started on social media.

Joe Madden? No chance.

Bruce Bochy? I don't think so.

Mike Scioscia? Nah.

Joe Girardi? No way.

Buck Showalter? Nope.

Ron Washington? "We're going in a different direction..."

Enter Jayce Tingler. And cue the loud groans from Padres fans.

The Padres have been a pumpkin of a franchise for basically most of their fifty years of existence. The fans wanted someone with a distinguished resume, championship experience, and I guess, a magic wand. This hire was supposed to “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boop” they’re an instant contender. They’ve had the best ranked farm system over the last two years. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Chris Paddack have shown promise. Big contracts to Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado show that this front office isn’t afraid to spend money. And because they’ve seen Houston have success with this formula, then by the associative property, San Diego should also, right? Of course, it never works that way. But you can’t blame a tired and desperate fan base for wanting that.

By all accounts, Tingler is smart and has a good grasp of baseball analytics. He fits what A.J. Preller wanted and Ron Fowler signed off on the hire. So here we are. For better or worse. 

For Preller and Fowler, it had be for the better. Otherwise, they’ll both be done. And some long suffering Padres fans might be too.