Shildt also appeared emboldened, in part because the Padres’ reality could brighten in a matter of weeks. Only hours before he spoke, the Chiba Lotte Marines officially posted Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, who now has until Jan. 23 to settle on a stateside destination.

Hours after Roki Sasaki was officially posted for Major League Baseball clubs, San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt fielded questions during an interview with M

Mike Shildt caused a bit of a furor when, during a radio appearance Monday at the winter meetings, he expressed a measure of confidence that the San Diego Padres will sign Japanese superstar Roki Sasaki.