Minnesota Twins: Ron Gardenhire favorite to be new San Diego Padres manager

It looks like former Minnesota Twins managerRon Gardenhireis close to being back in the game. ESPN’s Jim Bowden is reporting that Gardenhire is the leading candidate to get the open managerial job with the San Diego Padres.

Gardenhire has interviewed for the San Diego gig twice now and looks to be the leader in the clubhouse with Padres third base coachRick Sofieldbeing the other finalist. Sofield does not have any managerial experience at the major league level.

Gardenhire had also interviewed for the open job with the Washington Nationals, but that job looks now to be filled byBud Black. Black, ironically enough, is the reason there is an opening in San Diego after he was let go mid-season.

More from Minnesota Twins

• Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall
• Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects
• Jake Odorizzi’s emergence fueling Twins starting staff
• Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot
• Craig Kimbrel Alternatives for the Minnesota Twins

It has been widely assumed that Gardenhire would not have a hard time finding a job after being relieved of his duties with the Twins before this past season. Gardenhire won six division titles in 13 seasons at the helm for Minnesota, but he also did have five losing seasons in that tenure. Gardenhire currently has a managerial record of 1,068-1,039 and had a much better winning percentage before the absolute horrid run the Twins had from 2011-2014. Gardenhire won the American League Manager of the Year award in 2010.

The second interview for the San Diego Padres job for Gardenhire wasreported by CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman. Heyman also listsAlex Cora,Tom Gordon, Diamondbacks coachAndy Greenand former TwinPhil Nevinas candidates for the San Diego job.

More fromSporting Sota

• Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall
• Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects
• Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
• Jake Odorizzi’s emergence fueling Twins starting staff
• Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot

Sporting Sotais your home for all the latest and greatest news and opinion on the Minnesota sporting scene!

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle

Follow