In a surprising twist, the San Diego Padres on Thursday hired Craig Stammen, a former relief pitcher who retired just three years ago, to a three-year deal as their new manager.

Stammen succeeds Mike Shildt, who announced after the season that he would retire . In the three weeks that followed, the Padres interviewed a slew of candidates and were reportedly down to Texas Rangers special assistant Nick Hundley, Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla and future Hall of Fame first baseman Albert Pujols.

Stammen's name hadn't been mentioned until he was announced as the team's manager.

"Craig has been a strong presence in our organization for nearly a decade. He possesses deep organizational knowledge and brings natural leadership qualities to the manager's chair," Padres general manager

See Full Page