In their search for an Andy Green replacement, the Padres conducted an interview with Nationals third base coach Bob Henley, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network (via Twitter). This is the first we’ve heard of interest in Henley, who has been the Nats’ third base coach since the start of the 2014 season. Notably, Henley has survived two managerial changes in that time, perhaps reflecting an ability to adapt to the differing leadership styles of Matt Williams, Dusty Baker and now Dave Martinez.
Henley is something of a franchise lifer for the National League champs. His only big league playing experience came with the 1998 Expos, with whom he got into 41 games. Solid MLB numbers notwithstanding, Henley was done as a player by age 30, when he took over as a rookie ball manager in Montreal’s farm system. Henley remained with the franchise upon its move to D.C. and accrued six more years of managerial experience at the lowest levels. Henley transitioned to front office work in 2010, taking over as minor-league field coordinator. After four years in the role, he got his first shot at a big league dugout as Williams’ third base coach, and he’s held that position ever since.
The Padres have cast a wide net in their search for a new manager. In addition to Henley, they’ve spoken with Braves third base coach Ron Washington, former Angels manager Brad Ausmus, Padres interim manager Rod Barajas, and Rangers field coordinator Jayce Tingler. It’s a varied group, as Washington and Ausmus have ample big league managerial experience, while Barajas had none until taking over the Pads’ dugout for the season’s final eight games in the wake of Green’s dismissal. Tingler joins Henley as having no MLB managerial experience, although both (as well as Barajas) have minor-league managing experience. Tingler and Henley have also held active roles in player development departments, which could be especially useful to a Padre club rife with young talent throughout the organization.
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