Rookie Manager Craig Stammen Faces ‘Big Learning Curve’ Taking Over Padres

A.J. Preller turned to the former reliever and asked him in a light-hearted way, “How’d we get here? Preller turned to the former reliever and light-heartedly said, “How’d we get here?”That’s something Padres fans and many people around baseball have wondered since Thursday, when the Padres made the surprising announcement that Stammen had replaced Mike Shildt. Shildt cited burnout as the reason for his retirement on October 13th, after only two years on the job. This was less than two weeks following the Padres’ wild card round elimination by the Chicago Cubs. Stammen is 41 and has been working with the Padres since 2017. Preller thought Stammen had the right qualities and the knowledge of the team, despite his lack of previous experience in coaching or managing at any level. Stammen went from interviewing candidates to being a contender to winning the job. He’ll lead a team that’s made four playoff appearances in six seasons and is led by stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado.He retired in August 2023 after it became clear he wouldn’t bounce back from a shoulder injury sustained during spring training. Preller asked Stammen if he would like more responsibility in the organization, while also understanding that Stammen had to balance his work with the family life he shared with Audrey and their four children in Ohio.Stammen said that Preller was initially very coy. “We kind of got through the interview process, the beginning of it, and then he put the sales kibosh on me and said, ’I really want you to be a part of the process; I want you to think about being the manager of the Padres.'”Stammen wasn’t sure about moving his family to California. He had numerous conversations with his wife and others and cited Preller’s continued belief in him, without which “I probably would have not gone down the path as strongly as we did.”It got to a point where we said yes. To make this happen, we made some decisions as a family. Once we made that decision, there was a peace and a joy that came with it and an opportunity that there’s no way I could say no to. That’s where we said yes, and luckily enough and thankful enough, I was offered the job and here we are today, ready to make something happen.Preller hired Stammen for the Padres’ sixth manager since 2015, not counting interim skippers. Stammen is the Padres’ sixth manager since 2015, not counting interim skippers.Preller harkened back to what he’s seen of Stammen since his first season with the Padres in 2017, when he was coming off an arm injury and had joined San Diego as a free agent.”He’s an elite competitor, incredibly hard worker, very prepared and a natural leader and somebody that, as a pitcher, was able to touch different elements of our clubhouse and be able to bond and connect with different players in that clubhouse over the course of a seven- or eight-year period here in San Diego.” Preller said.”Craig has a unique seat, a unique lens. He was part of those building teams, and then he’s been able to see it through to the playoff teams and the teams that have won 90-plus games here the last two years. He’s part of some really high highs … Craig starting a playoff game, which is definitely a career highlight, and he also had a front-row seat to some of the disappointments of the last few years, and I think he’s going to carry those experiences with him here in this chair.”Stammen was best known for his start in the final Game 3 of the Wild Card Series 2020 against the St. Louis Cardinals. At the time, Shildt managed the Cardinals. He was the first of the Padres’ nine pitchers to pitch in the 4-0 win. The Padres won their first series since 1998. I have a steep learning curve in front of me. But he said he has a great relationship with pitching coach Ruben Niebla – who was interviewed for the manager’s job – as well as with many of the players who were once his teammates.”One of the advantages of being a relief pitcher and viewing the game from that lens is you’re always monitoring when the pitching changes are coming,” Stammen said. “I was required to be on my feet from the very first pitch of the game until the final out.Reporting by The Associated Press. “He said he will be a “lethal combo” when it comes to making pitching choices. Follow leagues, players, teams, and more to receive a customized newsletter every day! FOLLOW Personalize your FOX Sport experience by following your favorites
2025-11-11 16:09:53