"It is not known exactly what Niebla’s expanded duties will entail, but the Padres want to lean on his broader understanding of the game and strategy beyond the pitching side.

Niebla’s new title and responsibilities will mean an expanded role for bullpen coach Ben Fritz, who recently received a two-year contract extension.

While most coaches from last year’s staff are expected to remain, the Padres also intend to hire a bench coach, who, a source said, will be chosen by Stammen. Brian Esposito, who served as bench coach for Mike Shildt, is expected to remain in a different role."

14 comments

  1. So why not just make him Manager? Not like they’re scared of hiring someone with no management experience.

    I don’t like anything about this coaching staff changeover. It all feels….off.

  2. Associate manager? What the heck is that

    I would like to know if Niebla wanted the manager role, or not?

    If he wanted it, he should have gotten it. If he didn’t want it, then this is a weird title change.

    Feels weird either way, bizarre new trend to jump on but whatever, shouldn’t make any difference. Maybe it gets him a little more cash in his bank account. Just a weird role in general, associate manager almost feels like a downgrade from Pitching Coach. Just speaking to the title itself, sounds like a meaningless role.

  4. If they get better bats this year then we could compete, if not then it’s just gonna be another expected disappointing season.

  7. I don’t think Stammen has any plan on bringing this guy in, or even knows him, but Benji Gil should get with this organization in some capacity, ASAP.

  9. To me, this is an acknowledgment that Niebla isn’t happy he didn’t get the nod. It’s a ham fisted way to try and keep him happy because we need him where he is, but didn’t want him or trust him to manage the team, so we went with the guy who has absolutely no clue what he’s doing (at least initially). This whole situation fucking stinks, especially when your factor in the circumstances surrounding Shlidt’s departure.

  11. I think it means Ruben is the one who makes the call on pitching changes and bullpen order. And this role is well deserved

  13. I think I’d to justify a pay bump and not just make him the highest paid pitching coach, but to keep him more than an year for his collateral duties as asst. manager. this is likely what Ruben required to stay on board without getting poached.

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