Shildt Emphasizes “Productive Outs,” Prioritizes Padres Focus Amid Playoff Push
NEW YORK – Padres manager Mike Shildt detailed a nuanced approach to offensive strategy and playoff positioning in a recent interview, emphasizing the value of situational hitting, player autonomy, and a steadfast focus on his team’s performance over scoreboard watching as the Padres navigate a tight race for the National League west title and a wildcard berth with less than two weeks remaining in the regular season.
Shildt explained his team’s willingness to utilize the bunt, even in unconventional ways, as part of a broader philosophy centered on maximizing run-scoring opportunities. “You’re also in a position where you can hit into a doubleplay,” Shildt said. “so, if a guy is not feeling good about a matchup and if a guy is a high ground ball guy and he’s thinking ‘I can move this guy and stay out of a doubleplay’ and move a guy from first to second or from second to third or both and now you get a sacrifice fly, we’ve had a good at-bat and a chance to score a run.” He acknowledged the analytical debate surrounding giving up an out, stating, “That’s the part of the analytic world that I don’t think gets factored in. I understand. Giving up a third of your inning is not something I personally want to do consistently.But if we can make a productive out to help score a run and win a game.”
This approach extends to empowering players to make decisions on the field. “I don’t ask people to do anything they cannot do,” Shildt affirmed. “And again, we give them the freedom to do it on their own. Just like the other day. Merrill is bunting for a base hit. Cronenworth is bunting for an RBI.We work on it.We’re intentional about regardless of what is going to take place.” Shildt stressed readiness as key, adding, “I don’t have a crystal ball about all the things that could potentially happen in a game. My primary responsibility is that our players don’t go into a situation where we haven’t worked on it and we can’t execute it. We work on that. Everyone works on bunting.”
Despite closely monitoring the results of other games that impact the Padres’ playoff chances,Shildt revealed a intentional decision to prioritize rest and focus on his own team. ”I go to bed,” Shildt stated plainly. “I read my book.whatever is going to happen is going to happen. I only have so much time and energy. I’m clearly aware,I pay attention. But I’m not going to watch the games. I’ve seen them play. I know how they play. It’s going to happen regardless of whether I watch them or not.” He concluded, ”I’ll check the score. But I’m not going to stay up and watch. My concern is the Padres and shaking hands after our next game.”
