SAN FRANCISCO -- Bob Melvin was born and raised in the Bay Area and spent the last 11 years managing across the bay. As he watched Oracle Park's flags whip around in the wind and looked out at a team that was bundled up to take batting practice in 53 degree weather, Melvin knew exactly what the San Diego Padres were in for on Monday night.
"Welcome to San Francisco," he said, smiling. "This is more of a Candlestick day."
Melvin felt right at home, and not just because of the weather. This is the first meeting of the year between the Giants and Padres, two teams expected to compete for a National League playoff spot this year, but Melvin has spent plenty of time at Oracle Park for bigger rivalry games.
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He wasn't far away last year when the Giants broke through, and on Monday he talked of what a tough challenge they will be for a Padres group that got off to a good start over the weekend in Phoenix.
"It's a very good team," Melvin said. "You have to play your best to win here, but it's always special coming home."
The Padres took three of four from the Diamondbacks to start their season, getting strong starting pitching, including seven no-hit innings from lefty Sean Manaea, the former A's starter who will take the mound Wednesday. Melvin noted that Manaea still hasn't even been to San Diego since he was traded at the end of camp and the Padres opened up with a road trip, but the lefty isn't the only one making adjustments. In his first season in charge of the Padres, Melvin is still learning his roster.
"It's my job to acclimate to everybody here and to the organization," he said. "You have to learn how things are done and your players. I obviously haven't been around a ton. It's a lot."
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The Padres shocked the industry by hiring Melvin in November, but he could be exactly what they need. A talented roster has underachieved in recent seasons, and last summer rival evaluators felt the Padres needed a change of leadership to get the most out of their talent. Melvin, coming off six playoff appearances in 11 years with the A's, certainly should make the Padres a bigger threat to the Giants this season.
"I have a ton of respect for Bob and have followed his career closely for a really long time," Giants manager Gabe Kapler said. "I think he's prepared and progressive and also has a great sense of awareness. That's in the dugout but it's also just from being around the game for a really long time. How has he been able to sustain his success? Through practicing that day in and day out."