Preller looking for manager to get Padres playing better
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}SAN DIEGO (AP) Admitting his San Diego Padres ''didn't have the right formula'' this season, general manager A.J. Preller says he's looking for a manager who can get the underachieving team to play at a high level.
Preller fired interim manager Pat Murphy on Sunday after the Padres finished 74-88 and fourth in the NL West, 18 games behind the division champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Padres were a disappointment. Despite the addition of stars such as Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and James Shields and a bump in payroll past the $100 million mark for the first time, the Padres had their worst finish in four years.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}San Diego has had five straight losing seasons and has missed the playoffs for nine straight years.
Murphy replaced Bud Black, who was fired in mid-June.