Could Edgar Gonzalez be a coaching option for the San Diego Padres?
Credit: AP Photo
With a new manager on the horizon for the San Diego Padres, perhaps the team will consider Edgar Gonzalez as a coaching option.
While the MLB playoffs wind down, the search for a new manager in San Diego is still ongoing. Experienced names like Ron Washington and Mike Scioscia have been thrown in the mix along with newcomers like Rod Barajas and Jayce Tingler.
One name that has not been mentioned in the slightest is former Padres’ infielder Edgar Gonzalez, who played with the Friars in nearly 200 games from 2008-2009. Edgar lived in the shadow of his younger brother Adrian Gonzalez during his playing career but has built a respectable managerial career after his retirement.
The San Diego native managed the Mexico national team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Gonzalez worked with some very talented players like Roberto Osuna, Oliver Perez, Sergio Romo, Luis Urias and his brother Adrian.
Mexico finished with a 1-2 record in the 2017 WBC and didn’t make the championship round. However, Gonzalez’s team was in a very tough Pool D, which featured Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
Gonzalez worked with a roster full of major league players and has continued his coaching career since then. The former infielder is currently managing the Gulf Coast League Yankees and seems to have the drive to keep on progressing in his coaching career.
At this point, the 41-year-old wouldn’t be considered a serious candidate for the managerial job in San Diego. But he is still someone that can, at the very least, be considered for a position on the new manager’s coaching staff.
With a new manager comes some new coaches, and it is uncertain if guys like Rod Barajas, Johnny Washington, Damion Easley, and Skip Schumaker will stay with the team. Someone like Edgar Gonzalez would be a good fit for this Padres’ staff as he brings a lot to the table.
The 41-year-old brings managerial experience at a high level like the World Baseball Classic. Gonzalez is also fluent in Spanish, and this is something that the Padres might be looking for with the abundance of Latino players within the organization.
In terms of Mexican players alone, the Padres have Luis Urias, Andres Munoz, and Gerardo Reyes, who all played in the MLB this season. Urias would be the player that can benefit the most by having a guy like Gonzalez on the coaching staff as the San Diego native played as a middle infielder. This is enticing as Urias is yet to find his full potential and can use some guidance at the major league level. Will Gonzalez be given an opportunity by the Padres? Only time will tell, but he makes a great candidate.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.
Betts would be a good addition for the team. I think that the people mentioned in the trade deal is excessive though. I have a better idea. This sounds better for me. Betts to the Padres for Kirby Yates, Louis Perdomo, Josh Naylor, 3rd round pick in 2021, and 5th rounder in 2022. This would give them a closer, a corner outfielder/1B with power, a middle reliever/spot starter, and 2 picks to strengthen their farm system. I’d like to keep Renfroe, as we could use the bat as a starter or a power off the bench. This is good for both sides, and what if Betts could be signed?? The possibilities are great either way. As for Edgar Gonzalez, I’d like to see him as a coach, he was a gritty guy who has a goo work ethic, and his language and player related experience would be a plus for the team and the organization.
Betts would be a good addition for the team. I think that the people mentioned in the trade deal is excessive though. I have a better idea. This sounds better for me. Betts to the Padres for Kirby Yates, Louis Perdomo, Josh Naylor, 3rd round pick in 2021, and 5th rounder in 2022. This would give them a closer, a corner outfielder/1B with power, a middle reliever/spot starter, and 2 picks to strengthen their farm system. I’d like to keep Renfroe, as we could use the bat as a starter or a power off the bench. This is good for both sides, and what if Betts could be signed?? The possibilities are great either way.