A.J. Preller reportedly hired as the new San Diego Padre general manager

A.J. Preller has been hired as the new general manager of the San Diego Padres, according to Ken Rosenthal on Twitter.

Reports yesterday indicated that Yankees assistant general manager Billy Eppler was the likely pick.  Eppler and Preller, a Ranger assistant g.m., have been considered the frontrunners.

Preller has been instrumental in expanding the Rangers' international scouting efforts, and has been part of Jon Daniels inner circle since Daniels took over as g.m.  The loss of Preller would be a significant blow to the Rangers' front office.

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