Winter 2016 - 17 Manager Carousel

[Frayed Knot]

... and it's already begun to spin.

- Robin Ventura is out in Chicago after five years. Rick Renteria already named successor (apparently he wants to be 'Rick' now even though he was 'Rich' during his playing career).
Renteria will become only the second manager to skipper both the Cubs (for one season in 2014 ... then Maddon became available) and the White Sox, and I'm betting none of youse here can name the other*.



- Walt Weiss "steps down" as Colorado manager. Of course "stepped down" can often mean pushed.
Either way, it wasn't a good day for guys who previously walked directly into the job with no previous apprenticeship.



- and now word that the D'Backs have axed both former NYM bench coach Chip Hale and GM Dave Stewart.
One would assume this decision was largely Tony LaRussa's although it was announced by 'managing general partner' Ken Kendrick



- Oh, and Barry Bonds is out as Marlins hitting coach.
Many of the right things were said about BB -- and, let's face it, just by lasting the whole season he beat a lot of folks' Over/Under guesses by about 125 games.
But apparently he wasn't hitting it off with Donnie and there were always rumors of 'diminishing commitment'





* Johnny Evers (yes, that Evers) who piloted the Cubs in 1913 (as a 31 y/o playing mgr) and again in 1921 (but no seasons in between) and the ChiSox for two disconnected stints in 1924

[MFS62]

Frayed Knot wrote: .- Oh, and Barry Bonds is out as Marlins hitting coach. there were always rumors of 'diminishing commitment'

Y'mean the 'roid rage is finally wearing off?

Later

[Zvon]

Frayed Knot wrote: - Oh, and Barry Bonds is out as Marlins hitting coach. Many of the right things were said about BB -- and, let's face it, just by lasting the whole season he beat a lot of folks' Over/Under guesses by about 125 games. But apparently he wasn't hitting it off with Donnie and there were always rumors of 'diminishing commitment'

Every friggin time I saw him he was smiling and hugging a player. I don't know if the guy just got a HR or scored or what, but there was Bonds interjecting himself into the moment. It looked like the players enjoyed the hugs but who knows. I never saw him hug Mattingly.

[Edgy MD]

It sure seemed like he got the job done to me, but I'm guessing that Stanton is one of the three or four hitters out there who get to hire and fire their team's batting coaches.

[Fman99]

I have no recollection of Ventura in a Cubs uniform as skipper.

[Edgy MD]

That's because there are no memories to be had. It was Renteria who was a Cubs skipper before taking over the Sox.

[Fman99]

Edgy MD wrote: That's because there are no memories to be had. It was Renteria who was a Cubs skipper before taking over the Sox.

That explains it then. I need more coffee.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

The White Sox are one of my favorite name-a-manager teams. They gave LaRussa his first gig (I think) and historically haven't been afraid to make odd and bold choices of virgin managerial material: Ozzie Guillen! Gangsta Jerry! Ventura!

This retread Renteria hiring is sorta disappointing in that regard.

I think it takes a certain amount of courage and CAHNfidence to name a first-time manager; the Mets scored big [crossout:gof7pi5t]twice[/crossout:gof7pi5t] once ([crossout:gof7pi5t]Hodges[/crossout:gof7pi5t], Johnson) and whiffed a few times (Frazier, Wee Willie Small Balls). I think it's obvious in hindsight they had better vision for the entire organization when it has worked out.

I guess that's also true of retread hires, but the former are so much more exciting.

Edited October 4, 2016 by Guest

[Benjamin Grimm]

Hodges wasn't a first-timer; he had been managing the Washington Senators.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Hodges wasn't a first-timer; he had been managing the Washington Senators.

d'oh. I knew that

[seawolf17]

Yes, but it was his first time managing the METS, so his other jobs don't matter.

[RealityChuck]

Traded to get Hodges from the Senators:

[seawolf17]

"Hey, Senators. Give us Gil Hodges, and we'll give you this mint PSA 9 Tom Seaver rookie card."
"DEAL!"

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I think the Mets would do well to get Chip Hale back in the org. There's an opening at AAA Vegas and if the recent Klapisch report* is true, we would need someone a heartbeat away. At worst we could use his dynamic 3rd-base coaching again.

* - I think this escaped discussion here but Klap says some Mets People say TC almost got whacked after that Familia blown save loss to San Diego. It doesn't have enough detail to report whether they had a replace-Met manager, but I guess in these cases it goes to the bench coach.

The article is largely complimentary of Collins and I would agree on the big points. The writers love him, the players seem to, and there's no amount of adversity that managed to stop them completely this year, though it looked a lot like it a few times.

I think this is a finish where the manager deserves some extra credit and maybe some MOY Love this year, though I heard Buster Olney say Dusty and Dave Roberts would be ahead of him, and Maddon will probably get a lot of support too.

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/klapisch-mets-terry-collins-maintained-a-cohesive-clubhouse-1.1670564

[Benjamin Grimm]

Well, Terry is certain to be invited back. Maybe what he needs is a really smart bench coach.

I remember after Jerry was fired Chip Hale was the guy I was rooting for to get the manager job. I think I'd welcome him back as a bench coach.

[Gwreck]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I remember after Jerry was fired Chip Hale was the guy I was rooting for to get the manager job. I think I'd welcome him back as a bench coach.

Chip Hale was the runner-up to Terry for that job. I too would like to see him as the Mets' manager when Terry retires (either this year or next).

[Frayed Knot]

And here's a copy of the home game so you can play along with our studio audience

TEAM	MANAGER	Signed Thru	STATUS	BEGAN
METS	Terry Collins	2017		Nov '10
PHILLIES	Pete MacKanin	2017 + 2018 option		June '15
NATIONALS	Dusty Baker	2017		Nov '15
MARLINS	Don Mattingly	2019		Nov '15
BRAVES	Brian Snitker	Still "Interim"		May ‘16
CARDINALS	Mike Matheny	2017		Nov '13
PIRATES	Clint Hurdle	2017 + 2018 option		Nov '10
CUBS	Joe Maddon	2019		Oct '14
REDS	Bryan Price	2016		Oct '13
BREWERS	Craig Counsel	2017		May '15
DODGERS	Dave Roberts	2018 + 2019 Option		Nov ’15
GIANTS	Bruce Bochy	2019		Oct ‘16
PADRES	Andy Green	2016		Nov '15
DBACKS	[crossout]Chip Hale[/crossout]	2016 + ’17 Option	Fired Oct '16	Oct '14
ROCKIES	[crossout]Walt Weiss[/crossout]	2016	Resigned Oct '16	Oct '13
RED SOX	John Farrell	2017 + 2018 option		Oct '12
YANKEES	Joe Girardi	2017		Oct '07
ORIOLES	Buck Showalter	2018		July ‘10
BLUE JAYS	John Gibbons	2017		Nov '12
RAYS	Kevin Cash	2019		Dec ‘14
TIGERS	Brad Ausmus	2016 + 2017 Option		Nov '13
INDIANS	Terry Francona	2018 + Options for ’19 & ‘20		Oct '12
ROYALS	Ned Yost	2018		May '10
TWINS	Paul Molitor	2017		Nov '14
WHITE SOX	[crossout]Robin Ventura[/crossout]	2016	Rick Renteria hired - Oct ‘16	Oct '16
ANGELS	Mike Scioscia	2018		Nov '99
RANGERS	Jeff Banister	2018 + 2019 Option		Oct '14
MARINERS	Scott Servais	"Multi-Year" Contract		Oct '15
ASTROS	AJ Hinch	2018		Sep ‘14
ATHLETICS	Bob Melvin	2018		June ‘11

[Edgy MD]

I realize bad teams make managers look bad but Snitker and MacKanin looked totally at of their depth. And I say that while fully realizing that the SHaBs totally pantsed the SHaMs out there.

[Frayed Knot]

Snitiker is apparently under consideration for the permanent Braves job as he and former SD skipper Bud Black are reportedly the leading two candidates.

And whoever winds up with the job is going to have to hire a new pitching coach as Atlanta has opted NOT to pick up the contract of Roger McDowell, ending his 11 year run at that post.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Frayed Knot wrote: Snitiker is apparently under consideration for the permanent Braves job as he and former SD skipper Bud Black are reportedly the leading two candidates. And whoever winds up with the job is going to have to hire a new pitching coach as Atlanta has opted NOT to pick up the contract of Roger McDowell, ending his 11 year run at that post.

Speaking of the answer to that trivia question I asked in HOF thread. McDowell arrived at Bowling Green U just as Hershiser departed.

[Frayed Knot]

Frayed Knot wrote: - and now word that the D'Backs have axed both former NYM bench coach Chip Hale and GM Dave Stewart. One would assume this decision was largely Tony LaRussa's although it was announced by 'managing general partner' Ken Kendrick

LaRussa's position with Arizona apparently remains "undecided" which may be why two execs have already turned down invites to interview for the now vacant GM job including former Toronto GM Alex Anthropoulos.
Reportedly the DBacks are after Washington GM/VP Mike Rizzo (so says ESPN's Jim Bowden) although that will have to wait until after his season is over. Rizzo started his scouting and front office career w/Arizona but I think he pretty much has free reign where he is now so whether he's interested in moving might have a lot to do with the future status of one Mr. LaRussa.

[Frayed Knot]

Brian Snitiker gets the full-time gig in Atlanta. Ron Washington to come aboard as bench coach

TEAM	MANAGER	Signed Thru	STATUS	BEGAN
METS	Terry Collins	2017		Nov '10
PHILLIES	Pete MacKanin	2017 + 2018 option		June '15
NATIONALS	Dusty Baker	2017		Nov '15
MARLINS	Don Mattingly	2019		Nov '15
BRAVES	Brian Snitker	2017 w/option for '18	Removed from interim status - Oct '16	May ‘16
CARDINALS	Mike Matheny	2017		Nov '13
PIRATES	Clint Hurdle	2017 + 2018 option		Nov '10
CUBS	Joe Maddon	2019		Oct '14
REDS	Bryan Price	2016		Oct '13
BREWERS	Craig Counsel	2017		May '15
DODGERS	Dave Roberts	2018 + 2019 Option		Nov ’15
GIANTS	Bruce Bochy	2019		Oct ‘16
PADRES	Andy Green	2016		Nov '15
DBACKS	[crossout]Chip Hale[/crossout]	2016 + ’17 Option	Fired Oct '16	Oct '14
ROCKIES	[crossout]Walt Weiss[/crossout]	2016	Resigned Oct '16	Oct '13
RED SOX	John Farrell	2017 + 2018 option		Oct '12
YANKEES	Joe Girardi	2017		Oct '07
ORIOLES	Buck Showalter	2018		July ‘10
BLUE JAYS	John Gibbons	2017		Nov '12
RAYS	Kevin Cash	2019		Dec ‘14
TIGERS	Brad Ausmus	2016 + 2017 Option		Nov '13
INDIANS	Terry Francona	2018 + Options for ’19 & ‘20		Oct '12
ROYALS	Ned Yost	2018		May '10
TWINS	Paul Molitor	2017		Nov '14
WHITE SOX	[crossout]Robin Ventura[/crossout]	2016	Rick Renteria hired - Oct ‘16	Oct '16
ANGELS	Mike Scioscia	2018		Nov '99
RANGERS	Jeff Banister	2018 + 2019 Option		Oct '14
MARINERS	Scott Servais	"Multi-Year" Contract		Oct '15
ASTROS	AJ Hinch	2018		Sep ‘14
ATHLETICS	Bob Melvin	2018		June ‘11

[Fman99]

Surprised to see that only a few managers have been at the helm in their current gigs as long as Terry has. It doesn't seem like six seasons have gone by.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Padres whack CEO Mike Dee. Yeah, with his bad self runnin things and his bad-breath onion rings.

I missed the whole kefluffle but apparently one his many fuckups was trying to get away with opening a Padres Hall of Fame named in honor of that San Diego great... Bud Selig!? They finally called that plan off.

[fimg=300]http://mlb.mlb.com/assets/images/9/8/2/91603982/cuts/selig_1280_ft7rco6n_cj289h1a.jpg[/fimg]

Then there's this, but not all under his watch:

Tyler Kepner ‏@TylerKepner Oct 11 Playoff teams should give thanks to the Padres, who traded Corey Kluber to Indians, Anthony Rizzo to Cubs and Trea Turner to Nats. Ouch.

And of course their GM was suspended for pawning off guys he knew were injured in trades. How is anyone going to trust him again?

[Frayed Knot]

Yeah, my first reaction here is, 'Good!', maybe now they'll stop sending all their 1st round draft picks to the Nationals: Trea Turner - 13th overall in 2014, and Joe Ross - 25th in 2011
And even worse is that those two went in the same deal (a deal which also involved Rene Rivera) with Turner going less than six months after they drafted him!
It was a large three-team trade with players swapping unis all over the place but the only thing the Pads seem to have gotten out of it all was Will Myers who's a decent power hitting 1B but even there he's hitting HRs at a rate only slightly above that of Trea Turner and Turner can run, can play both CF & SS, and is some 2-1/2 years younger.

The Padres and, to a lesser degree, the ChiSox showed the folly of trying to use FA-gency to go from the bottom of the heap to the top in a single season. Both tried it recently, both failed miserably.

[MFS62]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Padres whack CEO Mike Dee. Yeah, with his bad self runnin things and his bad-breath onion rings. I missed the whole kefluffle but apparently one his many fuckups was trying to get away with opening a Padres Hall of Fame named in honor of that San Diego great... Bud Selig!? They finally called that plan off.

I can't think about that now. I'm making travel plans to visit the Marge Schott Hall of Fame in Cincinnati.

Later

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

D-Baggs have hired Red Sox GM Mike Hazen (2nd in command to Dombrowski) as their new GM. Hazen expected to bring Tory Lovullo from Bosox bench coach to new AZ skipper.

[Frayed Knot]

The DiamondBacks have yet to announce it, but former Boston bench coach Torey Lovello is said to be their new manager.
Prior to coaching, the now 51 y/o Lovello played pieces of eight ML seasons for seven different teams from 1988 - 1999 while totaling less than 800 ABs

Also a couple of teams have '20/20' vision when it comes to their existing skippers.

TEAM	MANAGER	Signed Thru	STATUS	BEGAN
METS	Terry Collins	2017		Nov '10
PHILLIES	Pete MacKanin	2017 + 2018 option		June '15
NATIONALS	Dusty Baker	2017		Nov '15
MARLINS	Don Mattingly	2019		Nov '15
BRAVES	Brian Snitker	=#FF0000]2017 w/option for '18	=#FF0000]Removed from interim status - Oct '16	May ‘16
CARDINALS	Mike Matheny	2017	=#00BF40]Extended thru 2020	Nov '13
PIRATES	Clint Hurdle	2017 + 2018 option		Nov '10
CUBS	Joe Maddon	2019		Oct '14
REDS	Bryan Price	2016		Oct '13
BREWERS	Craig Counsel	2017		May '15
DODGERS	Dave Roberts	2018 + 2019 Option		Nov ’15
GIANTS	Bruce Bochy	2019		Oct ‘16
PADRES	Andy Green	2016		Nov '15
DBACKS	[crossout]=#FF0000]Chip Hale[/crossout]	2016 + ’17 Option	=#FF0000]Torey Lovello hired	Oct '14
ROCKIES	[crossout]=#FF0000]Walt Weiss[/crossout]	2016	=#FF0000]Resigned Oct '16	Oct '13
RED SOX	John Farrell	2017 + 2018 option		Oct '12
YANKEES	Joe Girardi	2017		Oct '07
ORIOLES	Buck Showalter	2018		July ‘10
BLUE JAYS	John Gibbons	2017		Nov '12
RAYS	Kevin Cash	2019		Dec ‘14
TIGERS	Brad Ausmus	2016 + 2017 Option		Nov '13
INDIANS	Terry Francona	2018 + Options for ’19 & ‘20	Extended thru 2020	Oct '12
ROYALS	Ned Yost	2018		May '10
TWINS	Paul Molitor	2017		Nov '14
WHITE SOX	[crossout]=#FF0000]Robin Ventura[/crossout]	2016	=#FF0000]Rick Renteria hired - Oct ‘16	Oct '16
ANGELS	Mike Scioscia	2018		Nov '99
RANGERS	Jeff Banister	2018 + 2019 Option		Oct '14
MARINERS	Scott Servais	"Multi-Year" Contract		Oct '15
ASTROS	AJ Hinch	2018		Sep ‘14
ATHLETICS	Bob Melvin	2018		June ‘11

[Benjamin Grimm]

If someone presented me with the name "Torey Lovello" I would have bet a thousand dollars that she was the star of a new show on The Disney Channel.

[Guest Mets Guy in Michigan]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: If someone presented me with the name "Torey Lovello" I would have bet a thousand dollars that she was the star of a new show on The Disney Channel.

I know him only because he was a hot Tigers prospect when we first moved to Michigan. Sparky was famous for annointing some prospects as "the next..." which usually doomed them. Lovello was one of them.