When A.J. Preller took over as Padres general manager in August 2014, he hoped to return the club to contention instantly. In his first four months on the job, he traded a slew of prospects -- including Jake Bauers, Zach Eflin, Max Fried, Joe Ross, Mallex Smith and Trea Turner -- and young big leaguers for veterans who could provide immediate help.
That plan didn't work as hoped, so Preller did a 180 after San Diego went 74-88 in his first full season at the helm.