Source: Padres to extend Black's contract
SAN DIEGO – Rebuilding under new ownership, the San Diego Padres intend to extend manager Bud Black's contract in the coming weeks, according to a club source.
Black, 52, is in his third season managing the Padres after leaving Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia's staff after the 2006 season. The Padres lost a play-in game to the Colorado Rockies in 2007, finished last in the NL West in 2008 and were 34-44, 15½ games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers before the teams' series opener Friday night.
Black does not have a contract beyond this season. While the team has cut about $30 million in payroll, attempted to trade organizational face Jake Peavy(notes), and then lost Peavy and Chris Young, among others, to injury, Black has maintained a steady, positive demeanor.
A group led by former Arizona Diamondbacks CEO and player agent Jeff Moorad purchased the Padres from John Moores in April. Moorad has been satisfied with the work of Black and GM Kevin Towers, who is under contract through 2010, and intends to reconstruct the club with them.
Only the details of Black's extension – the length is unclear – remain, according to the source.
