Most Padres Are Happy for Williams

The headlines screamed: “DICK WILLIAMS NAMED SEATTLE MANAGER.”

Kevin McReynolds whispered: “Poor Seattle.”

But, other than McReynolds--whose Williams-inflicted wounds still have not healed--the San Diego Padres are generally happy that their former manager has a job.

Ballard Smith, the team president, said Friday that Mariner owner George Argyros called him several times in the past two weeks to ask his opinion of Williams.

Smith had a high opinion.

“What I told him was that I felt the Seattle club was a lot like our club was in 1982,” Smith said. “And that is the type of club Dick has had success with in the past.

“It’s no accident our club had the success it had after Dick came in 1982. Dick contributed to it greatly, and I forever will be grateful to him for that. There just came a time when it was best for both sides that he move on. What can I say? He was part of elevating this franchise from a joke to one of the better franchises in baseball. And I wish him well. I really do.

“Dick has the ability to be a great manager. The only thing that he has left to prove is that he can do it with one club over a long period of time.”

Williams, except for his World Series days in Oakland, wore out his welcome in Boston, California, Montreal and San Diego.

A few months ago, it seemed nearly every Padre hated him.

But they were quite nice Friday.

Terry Kennedy: “It seems like ages since Dick managed us. It seems like a long time ago. That’s how baseball is. You forget fast . . . We’ll see him in spring camp (Seattle trains near the Padres in Arizona). And then, it’ll be tongue-in-cheek when we see him. It’ll have been a year in between. We’ll almost be able to look back and laugh wholeheartedly at the past.”

Graig Nettles: “I think (former Seattle Manager Chuck) Cottier got a raw deal. It’s hard to manage when guys keep striking out and no one’s on base. But he (Williams) has done quite well with young teams in the past.”

Eric Show: “Seattle has a lot of talent, and he is very good with first-year clubs, and even in the second and third years. In my opinion, that would be a great team to take over. He’ll probably do a good job. Will he change his ways? Who knows. We all live and learn.”

Tony Gwynn: “It might take a while, but I tell you, Seattle has talented players, and he’s a guy that can teach them how to win. I think Seattle made a good move. They’re like we were in 1982. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them turn it around. Dick is hard-nosed, and sometimes you’ve got to be that way to get the job done. I bet they don’t finish last in their division.”

Finally, McReynolds, who didn’t like Williams’ cold-shoulder treatment: “I’m just glad I’m here and not there.”