Padres Manager Bob Melvin Defends Machado, Puts Onus of 'Leadership' Issues on Himself

A frustrating year.

After concerning reports emerged about the character of one of his best players Manny Machado, Padres manager Bob Melvin stepped to his defense on the disaster that's been the 2023 San Diego season. 

Taking full responsibility for the team's shortcomings this season, the Friars skipper took the brunt of the hit for his star player, stating that there are no culture issues in the locker room or clubhouse that don't start or end with him. 

"[The season has been] hard, probably the hardest I've had because the expectations that we've had as a team. And, you know, I feel responsible, I feel accountable for what goes on here and so I think everybody's disappointed, certainly myself included. You know, there was stuff written today about leadership here and, ultimately, I'm the leader. So I have to be able to feel accountable for what is transpired here. I mean, you always have players as leaders but it's me that's the ultimate leader here. So it falls on me as far as leadership goes. And, you know, unfortunately, we're in the spot that we're in."

via Bob Melvin, 97.3 The Fan

A disappointing campaign on multiple fronts with injuries aplenty and expectations unmet, the Padres are staring up at the NL West champion Dodgers for the 10th time in the last 11 years. 

The efforts to buy at the deadline and during the offseason once again haven't paid off for A.J. Preller and many wonder about his job security after this most recent fiasco. 

With one of the highest payrolls in baseball with nearly nothing to show for it, the only trophy the Padres are likely to win are offseason champions for the first time since 2015's flameout. 

Though 2024 should spell better days for San Diego, this year will sting for a long while due to their preseason hype.