SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. —
While Rome burned, A.J. Preller was in Korea.
Among other places.
That’s not to say the Padres’ season imploding or Andy Green’s demise were due to Preller being off scouting in foreign lands and checking in on minor league affiliates rather than at Petco Park or some of the other major league venues the Padres were visiting.
But those involved said it didn’t help and that his absence was conspicuous in what it portrayed to players and others about his relationship with Green and the GM’s focus on the major league product.