Whenever there's a managing opening, or a perceived opening, the name of former Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is likely to get mentioned. There was a report last month out of Detroit that had him replacing Brad Ausmus — a report that turned out to be wholly off-base.
Last week, Gardenhire was linked to the opening in Washington, where Matt Williams was fired.
Now, the San Diego Union Tribune's Dennis Lin is reporting that Gardenhire will interview for the Padres job. Lin said the team's general manager, A.J. Preller, is seeking what he called an "authoritative voice" as its next manager.
"We're betting on a person, we're betting on a guy we feel like can be a leader," Preller is quoted as saying, "someone who can bring more on the relationship and culture side, more on the day-to-day leadership. The clubhouse, the communication, I think that's going to be the biggest thing."
Lin added in his report: Given those requirements, Ron Gardenhire could be considered a logical candidate. According to sources, the former Minnesota Twins manager will interview for the Padres' opening.
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