The statement is from an article by Bernie Wilson of the Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/padres-dysfunction-leadership-machado-preller-0ad274720efbe24b41cb5db7a913ef1e, which was published on September 25, 2023. The article reports on how the Padres are pushing back against reports that there is a lack of leadership and dysfunction in their organization, after a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs despite having one of the highest payrolls in baseball.
• The article quotes pitcher Joe Musgrove, who admits that there were issues in the clubhouse that were not addressed properly, but denies that the organization is dysfunctional. He says that not much has changed since last year, when the Padres reached the NLCS for the first time since 1998.
• The article also mentions two other reports that questioned the Padres’ culture and management. One is by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. https://friarsonbase.com/posts/san-diego-padres-new-article-toxic-environment-2023-season, which was published on September 15, 2023. The report cites anonymous sources who say that there is a lack of winning culture and engagement among the players, and that Manny Machado, who signed a $300 million contract with the Padres in 2019, controls the clubhouse and sets the tone for the team. The report also suggests that there is tension between Machado and star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., who signed a $340 million contract extension with the Padres in February 2023.
• The other report is by Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin of The Athletic. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10089649-mlb-rumors-manny-machado-padres-lack-winning-culture-engagement-per-insiders, which was published on September 19, 2023. The report paints a bleak picture of the Padres’ organization, describing it as toxic and dysfunctional. The report blames general manager A.J. Preller for making poor hiring decisions, alienating managers, coaches, and players, and creating a culture of mistrust and fear. The report also says that Preller’s relationship with manager Bob Melvin is unfixable, and that Preller has failed to build a sustainable contender despite acquiring high-end talent.
The reports have sparked a lot of reactions from fans and media outlets, who have expressed their disappointment, frustration, and anger at the Padres’ performance and problems. Some have called for Preller or Melvin to be fired, while others have defended them or blamed the players or injuries. Some have also compared the Padres to other teams that have spent big money but failed to win championships, such as the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Pres1 Research Team
Leave a comment