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.

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.

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