Buck’s gone after a disappointing 80-82. My wife asked me how I felt about it all, as have a number of others, and my feelings are multi-faceted.
#1: I’m not surprised that Buck was fired due to the team’s lack of performance. Buck, however, is responsible for motivating the team. If there isn’t a team leader in the form of a player, then it becomes his job. That is the job of the manager.
#2: I’m disappointed in Buck’s reputation as a micro-manager. I’ve worked for companies that micro-manage and it work’s at first, but then it starts to wear of everyone who is an “underling”. And let’s be honest, the players are underlings in a micro-manage type situation, if that is the case. What I do know is that the Rangers had their best season under Buck in his second year, which would fit that curve happiness. But again, I don’t have the knowledge. I did read that Buck is ranked second in coaches most “un-liked” by players.
#3: I believe Buck knows how to build a team. And what surprises me is how he uses them (or doesn’t use them, really). He didn’t utilize the pitching coach properly, he didn’t pinch hit in good pinch hit situations… I watched many a game wondering if he was sticking things out hoping for things to change, and yet it seemed he wasn’t playing to win. I think he would make a better GM than a manager. It just seems he’s lost his touch.
Who’s to replace the dude? Well, first off, I tend to think that when they put a list out in the newspaper, it tends to be longer than what is really in the minds of the chief in charge, GM Daniels and Tommy “I Own It” Hicks. The team drooled over Hillman but couldn’t get him out of his contract and “settled” on Buck four years ago. Now Hillman’s team is in the Finals in Japan. Once that is officially over, the Rangers can sit him down and talk to him coming back. What are the odds of an Arlington, TX native coming back to manage the Major League team in Arlington, TX? Sounds like a long shot to me, but stranger things have happened. Now, the other candidates, I think they are nice, but I think they are honestly just there to “create” a list to make everyone feel like they are really looking for someone when they already know who they want. They’ll bring them in for an interview, laugh over some stupid jokes, and at the end say, “Everything looks good, we have a few more candidates, so we’ll let you know…” GARBAGE.
Joe Torre kept his job. I really feel sorry that guy. Anyone who works under that massive hammer of George has got to be taking some serious stomach acid pills and some anxiety relief medicine. I was hoping he would get fired for his sake.
The Cubs finally released the poser. Dusty Baker, the worst manager to grace a dugout, has finally been canned. If baseball is smart, they will make sure he stays fired. He leaves pitchers in for 140 to 160 pitch counts and then they hit the DL… and then retire. THAT SHOULDN’T BE. The Cubs should be World Series contenders, but they are not because of Dusty. And that is sad.
I’m glad the Yankees are out of the playoffs. I had predicted the Chicago White Sox to repeat this year. I’m wrong. That won’t happen, but I thought when the playoffs started, that it would be Minnesota or Detroit to take the trophy. I’m going with Detroit over the Mets.
#1: I’m not surprised that Buck was fired due to the team’s lack of performance. Buck, however, is responsible for motivating the team. If there isn’t a team leader in the form of a player, then it becomes his job. That is the job of the manager.
#2: I’m disappointed in Buck’s reputation as a micro-manager. I’ve worked for companies that micro-manage and it work’s at first, but then it starts to wear of everyone who is an “underling”. And let’s be honest, the players are underlings in a micro-manage type situation, if that is the case. What I do know is that the Rangers had their best season under Buck in his second year, which would fit that curve happiness. But again, I don’t have the knowledge. I did read that Buck is ranked second in coaches most “un-liked” by players.
#3: I believe Buck knows how to build a team. And what surprises me is how he uses them (or doesn’t use them, really). He didn’t utilize the pitching coach properly, he didn’t pinch hit in good pinch hit situations… I watched many a game wondering if he was sticking things out hoping for things to change, and yet it seemed he wasn’t playing to win. I think he would make a better GM than a manager. It just seems he’s lost his touch.
Who’s to replace the dude? Well, first off, I tend to think that when they put a list out in the newspaper, it tends to be longer than what is really in the minds of the chief in charge, GM Daniels and Tommy “I Own It” Hicks. The team drooled over Hillman but couldn’t get him out of his contract and “settled” on Buck four years ago. Now Hillman’s team is in the Finals in Japan. Once that is officially over, the Rangers can sit him down and talk to him coming back. What are the odds of an Arlington, TX native coming back to manage the Major League team in Arlington, TX? Sounds like a long shot to me, but stranger things have happened. Now, the other candidates, I think they are nice, but I think they are honestly just there to “create” a list to make everyone feel like they are really looking for someone when they already know who they want. They’ll bring them in for an interview, laugh over some stupid jokes, and at the end say, “Everything looks good, we have a few more candidates, so we’ll let you know…” GARBAGE.
Joe Torre kept his job. I really feel sorry that guy. Anyone who works under that massive hammer of George has got to be taking some serious stomach acid pills and some anxiety relief medicine. I was hoping he would get fired for his sake.
The Cubs finally released the poser. Dusty Baker, the worst manager to grace a dugout, has finally been canned. If baseball is smart, they will make sure he stays fired. He leaves pitchers in for 140 to 160 pitch counts and then they hit the DL… and then retire. THAT SHOULDN’T BE. The Cubs should be World Series contenders, but they are not because of Dusty. And that is sad.
I’m glad the Yankees are out of the playoffs. I had predicted the Chicago White Sox to repeat this year. I’m wrong. That won’t happen, but I thought when the playoffs started, that it would be Minnesota or Detroit to take the trophy. I’m going with Detroit over the Mets.
1 Random Thoughts:
The number one need for the Texas Rangers next year is ... an inddor stadium!! look at how good Kenny's pitching for the Tigers right now.
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