Craig Stammen outmanaged the Cubs and proved A.J. Preller hired the right Padres manager

Tremayne Person argues that San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen validated general manager A.J. Preller's hiring decision by expertly guiding the team to a postseason series sweep over the Chicago Cubs. Person highlights Stammen's decisive bullpen management and strategic bench moves as key factors that outmatched Cubs counterpart Craig Counsell throughout the series.

A key highlight was pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets delivering a decisive two-run home run off Daniel Palencia in Game 2. Additionally, after Michael King threw seven shutout innings in an 8-0 Game 1 win, Stammen effectively deployed relievers Bradgley Rodriguez, Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon, and Mason Miller to throw 5 2/3 scoreless innings to seal the clincher.