GM A.J. Preller says Bud Black will be his manager

A few minutes ago the Padres kicked off a press conference with their relatively new GM.  Preller is currently meeting with the press for the first time since he took the position.

Media turnout for season wrap up with AJ Preller. pic.twitter.com/hJYUIGsaDi

— Wayne Partello (@WaynePartello) September 29, 2014

Buddy Black is the manager going forward.

This will be a polarizing issue for Preller, right out of the gate.  There are warring factions in Padres fandom about this topic.  There are those that think Black has had his chance and not delivered a post-season appearance and then there are those that say that he was never given post-season quality players to work with.  I sit here on the razors edge, pretty indifferent.

AJ Preller just said Buddy's the manager moving forward. So there's that.

— jesse agler (@jesseagler) September 29, 2014

Bud Black will be back next year. Preller says the two of them will get together on rest of staff in week or so ahead. #Padres

— jesse agler (@jesseagler) September 29, 2014

Preller says no thoughts or discussions on extending Black at this point #Padres

— Jeff Dotseth (@jeffdotseth) September 29, 2014

Carlos Quentin decision will be made in the off-season

This should be a pretty simple decision.  It's impossible for Quentin to stay healthy enough to play in the National League, we've seen this.  Get him a segway to use in the field and then maybe you keep him.

Preller says he will look at everything involved if someone asks for a front-line starter #Padres

— Jeff Dotseth (@jeffdotseth) September 29, 2014

Ideal hitter for Petco Park

Kind of a snarky answer from Preller, don't you think?

Preller' ideal hitter for Petco: "A guy who consistently puts it 8 rows in the seats" #Padres

— Jeff Dotseth (@jeffdotseth) September 29, 2014

Preller open to the possibility of trading front line starters

I think any GM will tell you that he's open to trading every player, so this shouldn't come as a surprise.  It'll only be a surprise when he actually trades Andrew Cashner.

When asked about possibility of trading front-line pitching, Preller said: At the end of the day, you look at anything.

— jesse agler (@jesseagler) September 29, 2014

Coaching Staff

Preller noncommittal on return of coaching staff. Part of talks moving forward.

— Jeff Sanders (@JeffSanders_UT) September 29, 2014

Developing...