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If Dusty Baker isn't brought back, who would be at the top of your wish list?
My biggest fear is someone like Tony LaRussa or Bobby Valentine. I'm not sold on a guy like Chris Speier or Bryan Price who have limited experience managing.
It seems that younger managers or former players are the trend. Robin Ventura and Mike Matheny to name a couple. If we went that route, I wouldn't mind seeing Ryne Sandberg.
Thoughts?
Greg Maddux.... Especially with the young pitching staff that we have. I know Greg only has the coaching experience with the Rangers, but he's also been one of the smartest people I've ever known to play the game. I think Maddux could transition right into a manager's role with no problem at all.
Jim Tracy
I'm not advocating him, but Manny Acta should be on the list. He hasn't exactly been given much to work with in either DC or Cleveland. But at least he knows the importance of putting OBP at the top of the lineup.
That said, let's be honest. Dusty will be back.
I'd expect that Jim Riggleman would get a hard look, since he's an in-house candidate.
Mike Maddux would be interesting, given his success in the Rangers org as a pitching coach. I wonder if bringing him on would impact Price's role on the team, though. I think keeping Price around should be something the club strives for (continuity in coaching for a young staff seems like a good thing).
Ryne Sandberg seems like the manager-in-waiting out in Philly -- I think he'd be a good guy to look at as well.
I think TLR will get a look, though I imagine that would go over like a turd in the punchbowl in the clubhouse.
Cueto and Phillips would be traded before Opening Day.Quote:
Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor
Marty would retire.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Klu
I do not think Baker should be brought back.
I posted a thread earlier this year "Fire Dusty Now" as a joke which pretty much everyone jumped on as being a legit eventhough the idea of firing him while the team was in first place in the division and he really was doing a great job managing the team was absurd, the point was lost.
At this time though, I think we have an open door to find someone new.
I like Manny Acta, Pete Mackanin and maybe even trying to get someone like Joe Torre to come out of "retirement" to push this team over the hump.
The loss yesterday was a real team effort but I think this team only needs some refining to be an automatic contender for years to come....to move this legacy to the next level we need someone to take that message home.
Unlike years past this is a job that top notch managers will look at very strongly.
This is a very good team with an owner that will pay a manager well.
Sandy Alomar, Dave Martinez, or...
Barry Larkin?
I also like the Mike Maddux idea.
If Dusty leaves, considering Bob and Walt, TLR will be considered and even offered. I don't know how the Cueto/Phillips relationships would work though.
Riggleman is in-house, but is hardly an exciting option that will excite the fan base.
What's Sweet Lou doing these days?
I don't know that this would be a bad thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by George Anderson
Bruce was complaining about the fans booing during games 3 and 4 and while I understand the fans dissapointment, they get the notion that a 96 win team sucks from the daily bashing they hear from mr. Grumpy and his son.
...oh yeah....if the reds move away from Baker you know it wouldn't bother me if they gave the big office to Scott Rolen.
For in-house, I wonder if Bryan Price would be interested.
For out of house, I would love to have Bud Black. For guys who are readily available I have already suggested Mike Hargrove, Don Wakamatsu, and Dave Martinez.
TLR. I want to win.
I love the idea of Martinez. I think Baker should have the option of returning. If he doesn't, I think the brass will look for someone with experience. It's a shame Francona didn't wait around, if we end up needing one.