This was something I had to do for an assignment in my Math Content class. I thought it was pretty cool and very artsy at that... a friend suggested I post it up, so here it is! ENJOY!
Friday, October 27, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Ranger Managerial Candidates:
Ranger Managerial Candidates:
Trey Hillman:
2003, the Fighters went 62-74-4 and missed the playoffs.
2004, the Fighters went 66-65-2, made the playoffs, and lost to the Lions 2games to 1.
2005, the Fighters went 62-71-3 and missed the playoffs.
2006, the Fighters turned things around, and went 82-54 and became the Pacific League Champion – Currently in the finals.
Hillman spent a number of seasons in the Yankees minor league system coaching for 12 years. Three times he coached his team to first place and once he walked away with as League Champs. Something notable is in the 12 seasons, only three went under 500 mark. His overall record was 855-771 (that’s 84 games over 500) with a .526 winning percentage. In Japan, he’s had to take a cellar team and bring it up out of the ashes. And based on what has happened over the last three seasons, I would say he’s done quite a good job. Keep in mind, the playoff win in 2004 was the first for the Fighters in 34 or 35 years, and this year, the team is in the Finals, looking to be the CHAMPS of it all. In the four seasons thus far, his record is 272-264-9 (not counting playoff games) and a .507 winning percentage. Everything combined, he has a 1127-1035-9 record with a .521 winning percentage.
He looks good. I can see why the Rangers were interested in him four years ago and why they are interested in him now. He has the skills to do the job and now he has a resume that shows that he can use those skills. Let me just restate that – HE HAS A VERY-VERY GOOD RESUME.
Don Wakamatsu: (COMING SOON)
Manny Acta: (COMING SOON)
John Russell:
John Russell led the 2002 Edmonton Trappers to the Pacific Coast League Championship and also led New Britain to the 1998 Eastern League Championship. He went to high school in Norman, OK (and I know where that is… ho-hum).
2006, led the Red Baron’s to 84-58
2002, led Edmonton to 81-59
From 1998-2000 compiled a record with New Britain Rock Cats of 193-232.
I am missing some information, which is rather difficult to dig up because of all the “famous” John Russell’s out there throughout history. I’m missing four minor league seasons with the Minnesota organization. I don’t know if I will be able to get that or not, but I will do my best.
Thus far, my opinion is this, and it may change when I get more information presents itself, however – he seems pretty streaky as manager, especially with New Britain. He won the Title in 1998 and then they collapsed, plummeted rather the next two seasons. With that said, the minors work like this, if your players are good, they move up, so you don’t work with them year after year… so John probably didn’t get the same great talent that he had in 1999 that he had in 1998. And that makes sense. But I still have some reservations about him. I would place him higher than Washington, but not higher than Hillman.
Ron Washington:
Ron Washington is in his 11th season as A’s coach. After serving as the A’s first base coach in 1996, Ron moved across the diamond to third base in 1997 and has remained there ever since. In addition, Washington has also worked with the A’s infielders and has been instrumental in the development of five-time Gold Glove third baseman, Eric Chavez. Washington came to the A’s after five years in the New York Mets organization.
Washington’s coaching career began in 1991 at Tidewater, the Mets Triple-A affiliate in the International League. He spent two seasons there before taking over as manager of New York’s Single-A Columbia Bombers of the South Atlantic League. In 1993 he guided the Bombers to a 64-77 record and Columbia finished 59-76 in 1994. In 1995, he returned as a coach for the Mets Triple-A affiliate, now at Norfolk.
The former infielder spent all or parts of 10 seasons in the Major Leagues with Los Angeles, Minnesota, Baltimore, Cleveland and Houston. He made his debut with the Dodgers in 1977 and, despite hitting .368 in 10 games, did not return to the majors until 1981 with Minnesota. The New Orleans native hit .271 with a career high 5 HR and 39 RBI in his first full season in the majors in 1982 and he batted a career high .294 for the Twins in 1984. Washington was released by the Twins prior to the 1987 season and played 26 games for Baltimore that year. He played 69 games with Cleveland in 1988 and seven games for the Astros in 1989. Washington finished his professional playing career with the Texas Rangers Triple-A Oklahoma City farm team in 1990.
He graduated from John McDonogh High School in 1970 and attended Manatee Junior College. He was signed as a free agent by Kansas City out of the Royals Baseball Academy. Ron and his wife, Geraldine, live in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Oakland A’s website)
Overall Manager Record: 123-153 (a .446 winning percentage)
I think he makes a good coach, but I question if he can make the jump to be a Major League Manager.
Not on the list, but should be:
Ken Macha:
2003, the Oakland A’s went 96-66, finished first (lost 3 games to 2 to Boston)
2004, the Oakland A’s went 91-71, finished second (missed playoffs)
2005, the Oakland A’s went 88-74, finished second (missed playoffs)
2006, the Oakland A’s went 93-69, finished first (lost in second round to Detroit in a sweep)
Macha worked in the minors for four years, compiling a rather good record (320-252 – a .559 winning percentage) that stretched from 1995 to 1998. In 1999 to 2002, he served as Art Howe’s bench coach. He eventually took the job to be the A’s manager and sent them to two playoff appearances in four years and a playoff record of 5-7). With the A’s, his record is 368-280 (a .568 winning percentage), which is pretty remarkable, since the team usually starts off slow and then picks up ground as the season moves on.
Overall Manager Record: 688-532 (a .564 winning percentage – not including playoffs)
Again, success follows Macha, his teams don’t seem to go deep in the playoffs, but at least they get there, and he’s also known to make something out of nothing, as in with limited rosters and a handful of injured players. He knows what he’s doing.
Trey Hillman:
2003, the Fighters went 62-74-4 and missed the playoffs.
2004, the Fighters went 66-65-2, made the playoffs, and lost to the Lions 2games to 1.
2005, the Fighters went 62-71-3 and missed the playoffs.
2006, the Fighters turned things around, and went 82-54 and became the Pacific League Champion – Currently in the finals.
Hillman spent a number of seasons in the Yankees minor league system coaching for 12 years. Three times he coached his team to first place and once he walked away with as League Champs. Something notable is in the 12 seasons, only three went under 500 mark. His overall record was 855-771 (that’s 84 games over 500) with a .526 winning percentage. In Japan, he’s had to take a cellar team and bring it up out of the ashes. And based on what has happened over the last three seasons, I would say he’s done quite a good job. Keep in mind, the playoff win in 2004 was the first for the Fighters in 34 or 35 years, and this year, the team is in the Finals, looking to be the CHAMPS of it all. In the four seasons thus far, his record is 272-264-9 (not counting playoff games) and a .507 winning percentage. Everything combined, he has a 1127-1035-9 record with a .521 winning percentage.
He looks good. I can see why the Rangers were interested in him four years ago and why they are interested in him now. He has the skills to do the job and now he has a resume that shows that he can use those skills. Let me just restate that – HE HAS A VERY-VERY GOOD RESUME.
Don Wakamatsu: (COMING SOON)
Manny Acta: (COMING SOON)
John Russell:
John Russell led the 2002 Edmonton Trappers to the Pacific Coast League Championship and also led New Britain to the 1998 Eastern League Championship. He went to high school in Norman, OK (and I know where that is… ho-hum).
2006, led the Red Baron’s to 84-58
2002, led Edmonton to 81-59
From 1998-2000 compiled a record with New Britain Rock Cats of 193-232.
I am missing some information, which is rather difficult to dig up because of all the “famous” John Russell’s out there throughout history. I’m missing four minor league seasons with the Minnesota organization. I don’t know if I will be able to get that or not, but I will do my best.
Thus far, my opinion is this, and it may change when I get more information presents itself, however – he seems pretty streaky as manager, especially with New Britain. He won the Title in 1998 and then they collapsed, plummeted rather the next two seasons. With that said, the minors work like this, if your players are good, they move up, so you don’t work with them year after year… so John probably didn’t get the same great talent that he had in 1999 that he had in 1998. And that makes sense. But I still have some reservations about him. I would place him higher than Washington, but not higher than Hillman.
Ron Washington:
Ron Washington is in his 11th season as A’s coach. After serving as the A’s first base coach in 1996, Ron moved across the diamond to third base in 1997 and has remained there ever since. In addition, Washington has also worked with the A’s infielders and has been instrumental in the development of five-time Gold Glove third baseman, Eric Chavez. Washington came to the A’s after five years in the New York Mets organization.
Washington’s coaching career began in 1991 at Tidewater, the Mets Triple-A affiliate in the International League. He spent two seasons there before taking over as manager of New York’s Single-A Columbia Bombers of the South Atlantic League. In 1993 he guided the Bombers to a 64-77 record and Columbia finished 59-76 in 1994. In 1995, he returned as a coach for the Mets Triple-A affiliate, now at Norfolk.
The former infielder spent all or parts of 10 seasons in the Major Leagues with Los Angeles, Minnesota, Baltimore, Cleveland and Houston. He made his debut with the Dodgers in 1977 and, despite hitting .368 in 10 games, did not return to the majors until 1981 with Minnesota. The New Orleans native hit .271 with a career high 5 HR and 39 RBI in his first full season in the majors in 1982 and he batted a career high .294 for the Twins in 1984. Washington was released by the Twins prior to the 1987 season and played 26 games for Baltimore that year. He played 69 games with Cleveland in 1988 and seven games for the Astros in 1989. Washington finished his professional playing career with the Texas Rangers Triple-A Oklahoma City farm team in 1990.
He graduated from John McDonogh High School in 1970 and attended Manatee Junior College. He was signed as a free agent by Kansas City out of the Royals Baseball Academy. Ron and his wife, Geraldine, live in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Oakland A’s website)
Overall Manager Record: 123-153 (a .446 winning percentage)
I think he makes a good coach, but I question if he can make the jump to be a Major League Manager.
Not on the list, but should be:
Ken Macha:
2003, the Oakland A’s went 96-66, finished first (lost 3 games to 2 to Boston)
2004, the Oakland A’s went 91-71, finished second (missed playoffs)
2005, the Oakland A’s went 88-74, finished second (missed playoffs)
2006, the Oakland A’s went 93-69, finished first (lost in second round to Detroit in a sweep)
Macha worked in the minors for four years, compiling a rather good record (320-252 – a .559 winning percentage) that stretched from 1995 to 1998. In 1999 to 2002, he served as Art Howe’s bench coach. He eventually took the job to be the A’s manager and sent them to two playoff appearances in four years and a playoff record of 5-7). With the A’s, his record is 368-280 (a .568 winning percentage), which is pretty remarkable, since the team usually starts off slow and then picks up ground as the season moves on.
Overall Manager Record: 688-532 (a .564 winning percentage – not including playoffs)
Again, success follows Macha, his teams don’t seem to go deep in the playoffs, but at least they get there, and he’s also known to make something out of nothing, as in with limited rosters and a handful of injured players. He knows what he’s doing.
Labels: Texas Rangers
Ranger Managerial Candidates:
Ranger Managerial Candidates:
Trey Hillman:
2003, the Fighters went 62-74-4 and missed the playoffs.
2004, the Fighters went 66-65-2, made the playoffs, and lost to the Lions 2 games to 1.
2005, the Fighters went 62-71-3 and missed the playoffs.
2006, the Fighters turned things around, and went 82-54 and became the Pacific League Champion – Currently in the finals.
Hillman spent a number of seasons in the Yankees minor league system coaching for 12 years. Three times he coached his team to first place and once he walked away with as League Champs. Something notable is in the 12 seasons, only three went under 500 mark. His overall record was 855-771 (that’s 84 games over 500) with a .526 winning percentage. In Japan, he’s had to take a cellar team and bring it up out of the ashes. And based on what has happened over the last three seasons, I would say he’s done quite a good job. Keep in mind, the playoff win in 2004 was the first for the Fighters in 34 or 35 years, and this year, the team is in the Finals, looking to be the CHAMPS of it all. In the four seasons thus far, his record is 272-264-9 (not counting playoff games) and a .507 winning percentage. Everything combined, he has a 1127-1035-9 record with a .521 winning percentage.
He looks good. I can see why the Rangers were interested in him four years ago and why they are interested in him now. He has the skills to do the job and now he has a resume that shows that he can use those skills. Let me just restate that – HE HAS A VERY-VERY GOOD RESUME.
Don Wakamatsu: (COMING SOON)
Manny Acta: (COMING SOON)
John Russell:
John Russell led the 2002 Edmonton Trappers to the Pacific Coast League Championship and also led New Britain to the 1998 Eastern League Championship. He went to high school in Norman, OK (and I know where that is… ho-hum).
2006, led the Red Baron’s to 84-58
2002, led Edmonton to 81-59
From 1998-2000 compiled a record with New Britain Rock Cats of 193-232.
I am missing some information, which is rather difficult to dig up because of all the “famous” John Russell’s out there throughout history. I’m missing four minor league seasons with the Minnesota organization. I don’t know if I will be able to get that or not, but I will do my best.
Thus far, my opinion is this, and it may change when I get more information presents itself, however – he seems pretty streaky as manager, especially with New Britain. He won the Title in 1998 and then they collapsed, plummeted rather the next two seasons. With that said, the minors work like this, if your players are good, they move up, so you don’t work with them year after year… so John probably didn’t get the same great talent that he had in 1999 that he had in 1998. And that makes sense. But I still have some reservations about him. I would place him higher than Washington, but not higher than Hillman.
Ron Washington:
Ron Washington is in his 11th season as A’s coach. After serving as the A’s first base coach in 1996, Ron moved across the diamond to third base in 1997 and has remained there ever since. In addition, Washington has also worked with the A’s infielders and has been instrumental in the development of five-time Gold Glove third baseman, Eric Chavez. Washington came to the A’s after five years in the New York Mets organization.
Washington’s coaching career began in 1991 at Tidewater, the Mets Triple-A affiliate in the International League. He spent two seasons there before taking over as manager of New York’s Single-A Columbia Bombers of the South Atlantic League. In 1993 he guided the Bombers to a 64-77 record and Columbia finished 59-76 in 1994. In 1995, he returned as a coach for the Mets Triple-A affiliate, now at Norfolk.
The former infielder spent all or parts of 10 seasons in the Major Leagues with Los Angeles, Minnesota, Baltimore, Cleveland and Houston. He made his debut with the Dodgers in 1977 and, despite hitting .368 in 10 games, did not return to the majors until 1981 with Minnesota. The New Orleans native hit .271 with a career high 5 HR and 39 RBI in his first full season in the majors in 1982 and he batted a career high .294 for the Twins in 1984. Washington was released by the Twins prior to the 1987 season and played 26 games for Baltimore that year. He played 69 games with Cleveland in 1988 and seven games for the Astros in 1989. Washington finished his professional playing career with the Texas Rangers Triple-A Oklahoma City farm team in 1990.
He graduated from John McDonogh High School in 1970 and attended Manatee Junior College. He was signed as a free agent by Kansas City out of the Royals Baseball Academy. Ron and his wife, Geraldine, live in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Oakland A’s website)
Overall Manager Record: 123-153 (a .446 winning percentage)
I think he makes a good coach, but I question if he can make the jump to be a Major League Manager.
Not on the list, but should be:
Ken Macha:
2003, the Oakland A’s went 96-66, finished first (lost 3 games to 2 to Boston)
2004, the Oakland A’s went 91-71, finished second (missed playoffs)
2005, the Oakland A’s went 88-74, finished second (missed playoffs)
2006, the Oakland A’s went 93-69, finished first (lost in second round to Detroit in a sweep)
Macha worked in the minors for four years, compiling a rather good record (320-252 – a .559 winning percentage) that stretched from 1995 to 1998. In 1999 to 2002, he served as Art Howe’s bench coach. He eventually took the job to be the A’s manager and sent them to two playoff appearances in four years and a playoff record of 5-7). With the A’s, his record is 368-280 (a .568 winning percentage), which is pretty remarkable, since the team usually starts off slow and then picks up ground as the season moves on.
Overall Manager Record: 688-532 (a .564 winning percentage – not including playoffs)
Again, success follows Macha, his teams don’t seem to go deep in the playoffs, but at least they get there, and he’s also known to make something out of nothing, as in with limited rosters and a handful of injured players. He knows what he’s doing.
Trey Hillman:
2003, the Fighters went 62-74-4 and missed the playoffs.
2004, the Fighters went 66-65-2, made the playoffs, and lost to the Lions 2 games to 1.
2005, the Fighters went 62-71-3 and missed the playoffs.
2006, the Fighters turned things around, and went 82-54 and became the Pacific League Champion – Currently in the finals.
Hillman spent a number of seasons in the Yankees minor league system coaching for 12 years. Three times he coached his team to first place and once he walked away with as League Champs. Something notable is in the 12 seasons, only three went under 500 mark. His overall record was 855-771 (that’s 84 games over 500) with a .526 winning percentage. In Japan, he’s had to take a cellar team and bring it up out of the ashes. And based on what has happened over the last three seasons, I would say he’s done quite a good job. Keep in mind, the playoff win in 2004 was the first for the Fighters in 34 or 35 years, and this year, the team is in the Finals, looking to be the CHAMPS of it all. In the four seasons thus far, his record is 272-264-9 (not counting playoff games) and a .507 winning percentage. Everything combined, he has a 1127-1035-9 record with a .521 winning percentage.
He looks good. I can see why the Rangers were interested in him four years ago and why they are interested in him now. He has the skills to do the job and now he has a resume that shows that he can use those skills. Let me just restate that – HE HAS A VERY-VERY GOOD RESUME.
Don Wakamatsu: (COMING SOON)
Manny Acta: (COMING SOON)
John Russell:
John Russell led the 2002 Edmonton Trappers to the Pacific Coast League Championship and also led New Britain to the 1998 Eastern League Championship. He went to high school in Norman, OK (and I know where that is… ho-hum).
2006, led the Red Baron’s to 84-58
2002, led Edmonton to 81-59
From 1998-2000 compiled a record with New Britain Rock Cats of 193-232.
I am missing some information, which is rather difficult to dig up because of all the “famous” John Russell’s out there throughout history. I’m missing four minor league seasons with the Minnesota organization. I don’t know if I will be able to get that or not, but I will do my best.
Thus far, my opinion is this, and it may change when I get more information presents itself, however – he seems pretty streaky as manager, especially with New Britain. He won the Title in 1998 and then they collapsed, plummeted rather the next two seasons. With that said, the minors work like this, if your players are good, they move up, so you don’t work with them year after year… so John probably didn’t get the same great talent that he had in 1999 that he had in 1998. And that makes sense. But I still have some reservations about him. I would place him higher than Washington, but not higher than Hillman.
Ron Washington:
Ron Washington is in his 11th season as A’s coach. After serving as the A’s first base coach in 1996, Ron moved across the diamond to third base in 1997 and has remained there ever since. In addition, Washington has also worked with the A’s infielders and has been instrumental in the development of five-time Gold Glove third baseman, Eric Chavez. Washington came to the A’s after five years in the New York Mets organization.
Washington’s coaching career began in 1991 at Tidewater, the Mets Triple-A affiliate in the International League. He spent two seasons there before taking over as manager of New York’s Single-A Columbia Bombers of the South Atlantic League. In 1993 he guided the Bombers to a 64-77 record and Columbia finished 59-76 in 1994. In 1995, he returned as a coach for the Mets Triple-A affiliate, now at Norfolk.
The former infielder spent all or parts of 10 seasons in the Major Leagues with Los Angeles, Minnesota, Baltimore, Cleveland and Houston. He made his debut with the Dodgers in 1977 and, despite hitting .368 in 10 games, did not return to the majors until 1981 with Minnesota. The New Orleans native hit .271 with a career high 5 HR and 39 RBI in his first full season in the majors in 1982 and he batted a career high .294 for the Twins in 1984. Washington was released by the Twins prior to the 1987 season and played 26 games for Baltimore that year. He played 69 games with Cleveland in 1988 and seven games for the Astros in 1989. Washington finished his professional playing career with the Texas Rangers Triple-A Oklahoma City farm team in 1990.
He graduated from John McDonogh High School in 1970 and attended Manatee Junior College. He was signed as a free agent by Kansas City out of the Royals Baseball Academy. Ron and his wife, Geraldine, live in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Oakland A’s website)
Overall Manager Record: 123-153 (a .446 winning percentage)
I think he makes a good coach, but I question if he can make the jump to be a Major League Manager.
Not on the list, but should be:
Ken Macha:
2003, the Oakland A’s went 96-66, finished first (lost 3 games to 2 to Boston)
2004, the Oakland A’s went 91-71, finished second (missed playoffs)
2005, the Oakland A’s went 88-74, finished second (missed playoffs)
2006, the Oakland A’s went 93-69, finished first (lost in second round to Detroit in a sweep)
Macha worked in the minors for four years, compiling a rather good record (320-252 – a .559 winning percentage) that stretched from 1995 to 1998. In 1999 to 2002, he served as Art Howe’s bench coach. He eventually took the job to be the A’s manager and sent them to two playoff appearances in four years and a playoff record of 5-7). With the A’s, his record is 368-280 (a .568 winning percentage), which is pretty remarkable, since the team usually starts off slow and then picks up ground as the season moves on.
Overall Manager Record: 688-532 (a .564 winning percentage – not including playoffs)
Again, success follows Macha, his teams don’t seem to go deep in the playoffs, but at least they get there, and he’s also known to make something out of nothing, as in with limited rosters and a handful of injured players. He knows what he’s doing.
Labels: Texas Rangers
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Ranger Managerial Candidates
Ranger Managerial Candidates:
Trey Hillman:
2003, the Fighters went 62-74-4 and missed the playoffs.
2004, the Fighters went 66-65-2, made the playoffs, and lost to the Lions 2 games to 1.
2005, the Fighters went 62-71-3 and missed the playoffs.
2006, the Fighters turned things around, and went 82-54 and became the Pacific League Champion – Currently in the finals.
Hillman spent a number of seasons in the Yankees minor league system coaching for 12 years. Three times he coached his team to first place and once he walked away with as League Champs. Something notable is in the 12 seasons, only three went under 500 mark. His overall record was 855-771 (that’s 84 games over 500) with a .526 winning percentage. In Japan, he’s had to take a cellar team and bring it up out of the ashes. And based on what has happened over the last three seasons, I would say he’s done quite a good job. Keep in mind, the playoff win in 2004 was the first for the Fighters in 34 or 35 years, and this year, the team is in the Finals, looking to be the CHAMPS of it all. In the four seasons thus far, his record is 272-264-9 (not counting playoff games) and a .507 winning percentage. Everything combined, he has a 1127-1035-9 record with a .521 winning percentage.
Don Wakamatsu: (COMING SOON)
Manny Acta: (COMING SOON)
John Russell: (COMING SOON)
Ron Washington: (COMING SOON)
Not on the list, but should be:
Ken Macha: (COMING SOON)
Trey Hillman:
2003, the Fighters went 62-74-4 and missed the playoffs.
2004, the Fighters went 66-65-2, made the playoffs, and lost to the Lions 2 games to 1.
2005, the Fighters went 62-71-3 and missed the playoffs.
2006, the Fighters turned things around, and went 82-54 and became the Pacific League Champion – Currently in the finals.
Hillman spent a number of seasons in the Yankees minor league system coaching for 12 years. Three times he coached his team to first place and once he walked away with as League Champs. Something notable is in the 12 seasons, only three went under 500 mark. His overall record was 855-771 (that’s 84 games over 500) with a .526 winning percentage. In Japan, he’s had to take a cellar team and bring it up out of the ashes. And based on what has happened over the last three seasons, I would say he’s done quite a good job. Keep in mind, the playoff win in 2004 was the first for the Fighters in 34 or 35 years, and this year, the team is in the Finals, looking to be the CHAMPS of it all. In the four seasons thus far, his record is 272-264-9 (not counting playoff games) and a .507 winning percentage. Everything combined, he has a 1127-1035-9 record with a .521 winning percentage.
Don Wakamatsu: (COMING SOON)
Manny Acta: (COMING SOON)
John Russell: (COMING SOON)
Ron Washington: (COMING SOON)
Not on the list, but should be:
Ken Macha: (COMING SOON)
Labels: Texas Rangers
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Gotta Buck?
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.
Labels: Texas Rangers
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