FanHouse

Maybe in a past life Bud Black was a relationships counselor. Or a divorce attorney. Or whatever it is that Vince Vaughn and the Wilson brother with the jacked up beak were in Wedding Crashers. Because apparently the new Padres manager has a gift for breaking bad news -- and you have to do that pretty often in spring training when you're sending wannabes back to their jobs at the supermarket.

players told of reassignments in the Padres' camp are leaving the office of new manager Bud Black all pumped up, GM Kevin Towers said. "Just incredible," ... The reason, Towers believes, is because of the remarkable manner in which Black communicates with his players, the thought he puts into what he will say to each, the way he has treated the players in camp, the way he has made them feel like they are a special part of the organization. Black's style is part Knute Rockne, part Dr. Phil, part "Rocky" theme music.

In one of these stories, Black somehow pumped up a pitcher he just sent down to the minors by assigning him to make taquitos for the entire team.

Now, I wonder how I can arrange a meeting between Black and my wife...

Chest Bump: Gaslamp Ball