D-Backs pick Backman as new manager

[azdad1978]

By Ed Price, Tribune


Wally Backman will be named manager of the Diamondbacks today, a source familiar with the result of the team’s search said Sunday.

"We’ll try to finish our decision (today)," team president Rich Dozer said Sunday.

Backman, who managed Arizona’s Class A Lancaster (Calif.) affiliate this year, is expected in town today to become the fourth manager in franchise history. He takes over a team that went 51-111 — the worst record in the National League since 1965.

Known for his fiery temperament during his 14-year career as a major league infielder, Backman apparently is just as intense as a manager. As he managed Lancaster to the best record in the California League — the JetHawks lost in the deciding game of the championship series — he reportedly had six ejections, two suspensions and some clubhouse tirades.

But he also won strong reviews for his managing ability and relationships with players. The Sporting News named Backman its minor league manager of the year, and Baseball America cited Lancaster as its team of the year and Backman as the top managerial prospect in the league.

Backman, 45, has never managed or coached in the majors but worked his way up from independent leagues to affiliated ball.

Before joining the D-Backs organization earlier this year, he spent three seasons in the Chicago White Sox organization, going to the Class AA Southern League playoffs twice and winning one title. His overall record is 410-396.

Former Seattle Mariners manager and D-Backs bench coach Bob Melvin and Manny Acta, who spent the past three seasons as third-base coach for the Montreal Expos, were the other finalists.

Five others were also considered: broadcaster and former Arizona first baseman Mark Grace; Texas Rangers first-base coach DeMarlo Hale; Anaheim Angels bench coach Joe Maddon; Al Pedrique, who managed the Diamondbacks the second half of this season; and Colorado Rockies bench coach Jamie Quirk.

Pedrique is expected to be on Backman’s staff, perhaps returning to his role as thirdbase coach. When Arizona fired Bob Brenly on July 2, Pedrique was named manager for the remainder of the season.

Backman, a .275 career hitter, played for five managers who now have World Series titles to their credit: Joe Torre, Davey Johnson, Tom Kelly, Jim Leyland and Lou Piniella.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=30763

 

[Djaughe]

I like backman back when he played for the mets!

 

[SunCityCarl]

I was really surprised when he didn't get the Chi-Sox job last year. If nothing else Mr. Backman won't be passive!

 

[sly fly]

Just from listening to the guy talk today, I feel sorry for all umps across the National League.

His tone of voice reminded me of a Bob Huggins.

Sounds like he doesn't take crap from anyone.

 

[BOB_Man24]

Just from listening to the guy talk today, I feel sorry for all umps across the National League.

His tone of voice reminded me of a Bob Huggins.

Sounds like he doesn't take crap from anyone.

Woooh! Seems like we may finally have a guy with the right personality and attitude to manage this team....

 

[green machine]

I like this. A new manager yes, but he seems to be very well regarded in baseball circles and I think he'll be a guy that can grow with this team as we try to make it back towards respectability, and then the playoffs.

 

[AZZenny]

I'm very pleased. He is demanding of his player's best, but also very protective - twice I heard him get tossed when he leaped instantly between players (Conor once, Carlos Quentin once) and cranky, genuinely incompetent umps. Oh, and when his pitcher was tossed without being warned in the first inning after hitting a batter, but a couple innings later two Jethawks in a row were buzzed and one of them plinked - with not a word said by the ump - he went berzerk; I believe that may have been one of his suspensions.

Here's what Conor Jackson said last week:

My manager for the first part of the season was Wally Backman. A lot of people assume he's really intense, but he just made all of us play to our top level of playing. When we were winning, just like now, it was really relaxed. It was a good feeling. If we lost, he did go nuts sometimes, but we probably deserved it. I can't say enough about that guy. He definitely was a bulldog. That's the type of manager you want to have. I got tossed once, arguing balls and strikes, and he was down the line in a heartbeat in the umpire's face.

Interesting - Backman said his wish list included good starting pitching, a centerfielder (oops - gee, back to Tucson, Terrero) and a good shortstop. Ahem. Works for me!

 

[Lefty]

If he wants good starting pitching then Randy needs to stay and Fassero needs to go, along with all the other has beens.

 

[IndyDevil]

Backman

Not everyone is impressed with Backman:

The Arizona Diamondbacks hired Wally Backman to be their next manager. Think Larry Bowa; than take away logic, sanity, and strategical knowledge. Wally Backman is instantly the worst manager in MLB. Well done boys.

That was from USSMariner.com (Mariners fan site), so consider the source. I know very little about Backman as a manager, but the fact that we didn't hire a retread makes me appreciate the hiring even more.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

The Arizona Diamondbacks hired Wally Backman to be their next manager. Think Larry Bowa; than take away logic, sanity, and strategical knowledge. Wally Backman is instantly the worst manager in MLB. Well done boys.

Who wrote this nonsense? Anyone who accuses Larry Bowa of having logic, sanity, and startegical knowledge must watch absolutely no baseball. The guy ran the best 3rd basemen of this generation out of town to feed his own massive undeserved ego. Mariners fans must be dumber than I thought.

 

[AZZenny]

Only time will tell. I thought he managed exceptionally well in the minors. One half season he had top talent and won, second half he had castoffs - and won, with the exact same record, while the talent went to El Paso and flopped under a different manager.
I suspect he'll have more logic, sanity, and strategy than Bowa, if only because -- there's only so far down you can go! Plus, this is a guy whose players love him... Don't believe that is often said of Larry.