A.J. Preller returned from an unprecedented suspension on Wednesday, venturing into an altered and uncertain landscape.
A month ago, Major League Baseball banned the Padres general manager for 30 days after determining he had withheld medical information in the July trade of left-hander Drew Pomeranz.
A week ago, the Padres ousted then-president and CEO Mike Dee for reasons that remain unclear but, according to multiple sources, are unrelated to Preller's suspension.
Preller, who had reported directly to Dee, now does so to Padres owners Ron Fowler and Peter Seidler. That structure is likely to carry over after the Padres name Dee's replacement, though the search for a new business-side leader has barely begun.
The state of the Padres' baseball operations is of arguably greater concern. Preller's bosses have steadfastly supported him, even as others throughout the game have questioned his credibility and their willingness to work with the GM. A litmus test will arrive next month at the general managers meetings in Phoenix.
Despite recent speculation that MLB's investigation of Preller and the Padres is not completely over, industry sources this week said the matter is closed. The scrutiny of the GM, however, is at an all-time high.
Preller, while working in the Texas Rangers' front office, was previously suspended 30 days for running afoul of international signing rules. Last year, he was dinged for arranging an illegal workout in Aruba. Another scrape with the commissioner's office would thrust his career into jeopardy.
Preller's latest penalty _ which was without pay and included an undisclosed fine for the Padres _ may have stemmed from Pomeranz's move to the Boston Red Sox, but other trade partners this summer alleged that San Diego concealed relevant medical information.
Most notably, the Marlins complained when Colin Rea, acquired in late July, exited his Miami debut with elbow soreness. The two teams subsequently reworked the original, seven-player deal, with an injured Rea being returned to the Padres.
Since the Marlins received compensation _ the Padres sent back young arm Luis Castillo _ that case was resolved. Early this month, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred revealed that Boston declined an offer to reverse the Pomeranz trade, which netted the Padres top pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza. Owing to their decision, the Red Sox were left without options for seeking recompense.
There are those who believe Preller's discipline was too lenient, and some rival officials have said they could exact a form of frontier justice by effectively refusing to deal with the Padres. For now, that remains speculation.
Meanwhile, the Padres have vowed to remediate the issues that landed Preller in hot water. The organization intends to add a position charged with oversight of medical records, putting compliance in the hands of a uniquely qualified official.
Preller's authority over baseball operations is not expected to diminish; Padres ownership has been pleased with his talent-acquisition efforts, and further front-office turnover would impede progress. There are no plans to hire a president of baseball operations.
As for Dee, team officials have yet to speak on what led to his departure, though the cause is believed to be a business-related incident. Fowler and Seidler have steadfastly declined comment on the matter, noting it is being handled by legal counsel.
