A few weeks ago, Manager Terry Collins says publically that he wants his entire 2011 coaching staff to return. We assume this was more than a general pat on the back after a bad season. Obviously, the VEEPs upstairs supported TC in this statement and knew it was coming (sic).
Then, third base coach Chip Hale said he wanted out and signed a two-year deal as bench coach for the Oakland Athletics (no moneyball references please...).
Next thing you know, the flood gates are opened and there's coaching changes everywhere. They even fire people in positions that still aren't filled. Tim Teufel is promoted from Buffalo to the third base coach in Queens and Wally Backman remains behind Roger Clemens as the future Mets manager. Left standing is Mr. Met and the Shea Bridge.
The smoke clears, and there is no bench coach, which I'm not sure what that job means. I guess it's manager the game if Collins gets tossed and keep the players is seeds.
So, the season ends, no playoffs, no Beltran and K-Rod, plenty of team and clubhouse spirit, and they hire a guy that:
1. was orginally hired in Oakland by a front office staff that included Paul DePodesa and J.P. Ricciardi (do any of these guys ever have a original idea anymore?).
2. was fired by Oakland (again, eh-eh on the moneyball...), who then-Oakland closer Brian Fuentes criticized Geren for his "unorthodox" managing skills handling of pitchers, and "zero communication".
3. Was tagged in 2009 by The Bleacher Report as "the worst manager in baseball", with, as they put it, no one else coming close.
Really?
I dont get it either. He was KILLED by his players in Oakland, yet this FO obviously loves him. I think he's the next manager and hope that Terry Collins watches his back closely. The great thing TC has going for him is the relationships he has built this past year. The players seem to love him and that alone will hopefully secure his status regardless of 2012's standings. Also, Sandy and company has had a pretty decent track record since taking the reigns, but yes, this move is a head scratcher. Unfortunately, I dont think Riggleman, after literally quitting during the middle of the season for the Nationals, would be any better of a hire. Mazzilli, Bowa, Gardner are all ex-managers who might have been a better choice. I'd have loved to see Mazzilli get at least an interview.
ReplyDeleteI've liked Sandy's moves so far but this seems questionable and it just seems like they're giving a buddy a job.
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