The San Diego Padres became one of the most exciting teams in MLB free agency, as they made various blockbuster moves that vaulted them into contender status.
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However, they are only in third place in the National League West with an underwhelming 32-33 record. They have decided to fire manager Bud Black as a result.
The Padres traded for All-Star outfielders Justin Upton and Matt Kemp while signing reliable starting pitcher James Shields in free agency, but they have still been unable to overpower the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.
They also acquired All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel from the Atlanta Braves before the 2015 season started.
The Padres have failed to make the playoffs since the 2006 season, and they collapsed in the 2010 season despite winning 90 games as they blew a 6.5 game lead that they held in August.
Black was named National League Manager of the Year despite the Padres’ meltdown.
The former Los Angeles Angels pitching coach entered his ninth season as the Padres manager but will be unable to finish it.
Dave Roberts will be the Padres interim manager as they look for a replacement.
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