3 candidates to replace Bob Melvin if San Diego Padres fire him

San Diego Padres: Could Joe Girardi take over for Bob Melvin as manager?

The trick with any kind of midseason move at manager is that you can't just grab someone from another organization in the middle of the season and bring them into the fold. That's why we're looking at a "free agent" who isn't affiliated with a team right now and could come into San Diego without any strings attached.

If Padres fans want someone with plenty of managing experience at the helm, look no further than Joe Girardi, who guided Florida, Philadelphia and the New York Yankees for 14 combined seasons. Giradi also has a World Series ring to his credit as manager, leading the Yankees to their last title in 2009.

Girardi would also bring a more fiery presence to the dugout than Melvin often displays, something that could please Padres fans who have wondered on social media about Melvin's demeanor and coaching style. However, with the clubhouse chemistry already in place in San Diego, would someone who is very vocal push the right buttons at the right time?

Like Shildt, Girardi has made it clear that he wants to manage again. Could San Diego shock the world by bringing him in? A.J. Preller has been known to make big splashes with the roster at the MLB trade deadline. Could he make a big splash in the dugout as well?

Again, let's be clear, there is zero indication that the Padres will move on from Melvin any time soon. However, if the Padres continue to struggle and not meet expectations, these three names could certainly be brought up more in "what if" conversations.