Big Wheels Turning
There are currently three openings for managers in baseball. Here are my thoughts on who could and should win the open jobs:
Boston and Chicago: I'm doing these two together because it is basically the same list. Based on the criteria set forth by Theo Epstein, I think Dave Martinez has a shot at one of these jobs. Boston almost hired Joe Maddon in 2004 and Chicago would love to hire him. However, if you can't hire him, you hire his right hand man. Dave Martinez is that man. I think Mike Maddux has a chance at the Cubs gig. I don't think Terry Francona gets the Cubs gig because I think there is some untold negative back story between him and Theo that hasn't been told yet. I also think that both these teams operate in a way where they have already identified who the guy is and that the interviews are basically for show. And notice one other thing: The only guys being interviewed are from winning organizations like Texas and Philadelphia. Houston Astros coaches need not apply.
St. Louis: Honestly, the best fit for this gig is Ryne Sandberg. He's got the same temperament as Tony LaRussa which would make the transition a lot easier on the team, the fans and the media. He's also a hall of famer as a player, which would probably satisfy Albert Pujols. Joe McEwen is a high energy guy and I think that probably wouldn't work with this bunch. Terry Francona would also be a possibility. The question I have about Francona is if he wants to get right back on the horse or spend a year on the beach.
One final thought: Some snot nose from "Bleacher Report" wrote a column the other day saying how if Theo Epstein hires the right guy while Robin Ventura is a bust, then Kenny should be fired. Gee, Captain Obvious, is it really that simple?
The Cubs and Sox are not division rivals, only friendly competitors. Certainly the Sox missing with Robin will cost them at the gate, where they can ill afford to fail. Kenny's track record with managers has been pretty good. Jerry Manuel got them to the playoffs in 2000 and you know about Ozzie.
The Cubs are always going to be more popular than the Sox, that's just the way it is, but if Kenny is shown the door, it won't be because he hired Robin Ventura. Now, the waiver claim on Alex Rios, that's a different discussion for a different day.
Kenny's job is not tied to the fortunes of the Cubs. That would just be silly. Honestly, I don't know where half of this stuff comes from. It's like the whole world has turned into Skip Clueless.
Boston and Chicago: I'm doing these two together because it is basically the same list. Based on the criteria set forth by Theo Epstein, I think Dave Martinez has a shot at one of these jobs. Boston almost hired Joe Maddon in 2004 and Chicago would love to hire him. However, if you can't hire him, you hire his right hand man. Dave Martinez is that man. I think Mike Maddux has a chance at the Cubs gig. I don't think Terry Francona gets the Cubs gig because I think there is some untold negative back story between him and Theo that hasn't been told yet. I also think that both these teams operate in a way where they have already identified who the guy is and that the interviews are basically for show. And notice one other thing: The only guys being interviewed are from winning organizations like Texas and Philadelphia. Houston Astros coaches need not apply.
St. Louis: Honestly, the best fit for this gig is Ryne Sandberg. He's got the same temperament as Tony LaRussa which would make the transition a lot easier on the team, the fans and the media. He's also a hall of famer as a player, which would probably satisfy Albert Pujols. Joe McEwen is a high energy guy and I think that probably wouldn't work with this bunch. Terry Francona would also be a possibility. The question I have about Francona is if he wants to get right back on the horse or spend a year on the beach.
One final thought: Some snot nose from "Bleacher Report" wrote a column the other day saying how if Theo Epstein hires the right guy while Robin Ventura is a bust, then Kenny should be fired. Gee, Captain Obvious, is it really that simple?
The Cubs and Sox are not division rivals, only friendly competitors. Certainly the Sox missing with Robin will cost them at the gate, where they can ill afford to fail. Kenny's track record with managers has been pretty good. Jerry Manuel got them to the playoffs in 2000 and you know about Ozzie.
The Cubs are always going to be more popular than the Sox, that's just the way it is, but if Kenny is shown the door, it won't be because he hired Robin Ventura. Now, the waiver claim on Alex Rios, that's a different discussion for a different day.
Kenny's job is not tied to the fortunes of the Cubs. That would just be silly. Honestly, I don't know where half of this stuff comes from. It's like the whole world has turned into Skip Clueless.



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