LA Angels: Mike Scioscia interviewing for San Diego Padres manager gig

Former LA Angels manager Mike Scioscia has emerged as a candidate for the San Diego Padres manager position.

Scioscia managed the LA Angels from 2000 to 2018.

He’s the winningest manager in the club’s history.

Mike Scioscia guided the LA Angels to its only World Series title in 2002.

The San Diego Padres are owned by a consortium of former members of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Former Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley is a consultant and part owner of the Padres. O’Malley’s two sons and two nephews are the owners of the Padres.

Scioscia was a player of the Dodgers from 1980 to 1992.

He began his coaching career with the Boys in Blue after retiring as a player.

Some say he was a natural successor to legendary Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda, but the Dodgers decided to go in a different direction.

That decision led to Mike Scioscia accepting the LA Angels offer to take over the reins from then interim manager Joe Maddon in 2000. Maddon took over the team when Terry Collins resigned with 29 games left in the 1999 season.

If he takes the job, Scioscia will inherent one of the National League’s most promising squads.

The Padres’ season collapsed in August of last season. They were a leading contender for one of the National League’s postseason wild card spots.

They were hitting well until a late season slump. The pitching staff that was built by Padres GM A.J. Preller contained big names and reputations never really gelled. Once the hitters ran out of gas the club faltered.

Padres Manager Jayce Tingler lost control of the clubhouse. His inexperience didn’t help. The team has many strong personalities, and an experienced veteran manager will help steady the team.

Former LA Angels manager Brad Ausmus has been mentioned. Also, recently fired St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt is in the running.

Neither of them has helmed a World Series champion. Mike Scioscia has. He also owes the Dodgers some payback.