A 19th-round pick of the Chicago Cubs in in 2008, David Macias moved almost immediately into player development after playing his last minor league game in 2011. The coaching route eventually led him back to his alma mater, where he helped Vanderbilt win two national championships. He was climbing the college ranks when old Vanderbilt connections — Ryan Flaherty was Macias’ college roommate — landed Macias on A.J. Preller’s radar when the Padres were looking for a first base coach before the 2022 season.

(Editor’s note: This Q&A was edited for length and clarity).

Let’s start with collision at first base that sidelined Luis Arraez for a week. Mike Shildt brought up the idea of the double base — one for the runner, the other for the first baseman. You’re at first base. You see the velocit

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