When the San Diego Padres began their search for what would become their fifth full-time manager in eight years, Craig Stammen, then a member of their front office, was among those interviewing candidates, asking questions on video conferences, sources familiar with the process told ESPN.

In the end, Stammen got the job himself.

Stammen, a highly regarded former reliever who pitched as recently as three years ago, was announced as the Padres' new manager on Thursday, shocking people throughout the industry who were unaware he was even considered a candidate.

Stammen, who signed a three-year deal, will succeed Mike Shildt, who announced shortly after the season that he would retire .

The Padres' front office -- led by chairman John Seidler, chief executive officer Erik Greupner and

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