I don't know if any of you saw it, but in the opener in Milwaukee, Sweet was in the tv booth for an inning and a half.
And while I don't remember what he said in detail, two days later, I do remember that I was as impressed as I have ever been with someone after hearing him talk for that span. He came across as exactly the kind of coach/teacher you want as your team's manager, regardless of level. And he it was clear that part of the reason the Reds have been fortunate to have so many kids come up from AAA in the last several years ready to play is no accident. Clearly Sweet (and Power, who he was quick to give credit to) have been doing a great job at preparing the prospects to help, not just physically, but mentally. At one point he talked about meetings he holds following losses to go over with the team where mental mistakes were made and what to correct going forward. It is less impressive with me recounting it, but if you didn't get a chance to hear it, thought you might like to know how great he sounded and that it must be a joy to play for him.
He also talked about dealing with the emotions of players on the cusp, and also managing those who have been up and are demoted. He said he gives them a day or two to mope, but that if it starts to go longer than that, he calls them in his office and gets them refocused and right quick. Brought a smile to my face.
All in all, it was a joy to hear him talk, and I hope the Reds have a home for that guy in this organization for a long time. Some of the questions I have had for why the team's developmental portion of the minor league proceedings is going better in the last several years were answered the more I heard Sweet talk. Drafting talent is one thing. Moving it from draft to the majors is quite another.
Solid baseball guy, in the best sense of that phrase, is how he came across.
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