Bochy not tempted by Padres opening

ATLANTA -- The speculation was inevitable.

Shortly after the Padres announced Saturday that they had dismissed manager Andy Green, Bruce Bochy’s name began to appear on lists of potential candidates to replace him. Bochy has maintained throughout the year that he is happy with his decision to retire at the end of the season, but the Padres’ opening could be tempting for several reasons.

Bochy spent the first 12 years of his managerial career in San Diego, going 951-975, and still lives in nearby Poway during the offseason. The Padres also have a talented core centered around Fernando Tatis Jr., Chris Paddack and Manny Machado, and one of the best farm systems in baseball, making it an attractive job for managerial candidates.

So, would Bochy, 64, consider deferring his retirement to return and manage in San Diego?

“I’m not even going there,” Bochy said. “Again, I’m concentrating [on] here right now and doing what I’m supposed to do. That’s the last thing on my mind right now. We’re in the last week here. It’s going to be an emotional week. You realize it’s getting close here to my last game. That’s all I’m thinking about.”

With only eight games left on the schedule, Bochy said his focus remains on guiding the Giants through the final week of the season. He acknowledged that the end of his tenure with San Francisco is finally beginning to sink in, but said he’s still satisfied with his decision to step away.

“I’m not second-guessing myself,” Bochy said. “We’re not happy with where we’re at, but these guys have made it a really enjoyable year, and I appreciate that. We still have some games left here. I’m still good with it.”

The Padres’ vacancy could have ramifications for the Giants’ own managerial search, as they could end up competing for the same candidates with a National League West rival. President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has had the entire year to begin doing background work on potential successors to Bochy, but he isn’t expected to discuss the upcoming search until the season has officially concluded.