Some insiders believe Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty remains the favorite for Padres manager, but San Diego continues to take a close look at Albert Pujols. Rangers exec Nick Hundley, Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla and Padres 3B coach Brian Esposito remain candidates.

Either way there, it’ll remain only two managerial hires with experience — Derek Shelton (Twins) and Skip Schumaker (Rangers).

Feels like the game is changing.

Little good info has come out on the Braves’ managerial situation, as Braves honcho Alex Anthopoulos continues to be the game’s best secret keeper. One insider says he believes Anthopoulos must have an inner circle of one — himself.