The San Diego Padres have exercised their contract options on manager Bud Black for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, keeping him in San Diego for at least another three years, the team has announced:

"Buddy has a keen insight into team dynamics and creates a great environment for the players and coaching staff," said [general manager Josh] Byrnes.

"He is a gifted leader with a terrific mind for the game and a genuine interest and curiosity related to all areas of our organization."

Black has been at the helm in San Diego since 2007, leading the Padres to a .477 record (464-509) in his six years in charge. The former Angels pitching coach led the Padres to a 90-72 mark in 2010, giving San Diego just their fourth 90-win team in franchise history and earning Black the National League Manager of the Year award.

The Padres finished the 2012 season at a disappointing 76-86 mark, but put together a strong second half, going 49-37 over the team’s final 86 games.