azdad1978
Championship!!!!
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 22, 2004 12:00 AM
The Diamondbacks informed Mark Grace on Thursday that he wouldn't be managing the team next season, but the former first baseman said he hoped to remain in the organization either as a broadcaster, a possible coach for the new manager, or as a skipper in the minor leagues.
Grace, who ended his playing career following the 2003 season, spent last season as a Diamondbacks television analyst. His contract is up and although he said he would be willing to return in the same capacity, he planned to meet with team President Rich Dozer to discuss his options.
"I still want to be a manager, but I'd consider other things if they were offered to me," Grace said. "I can see myself coaching, but that would depend on the new guy and if he even wanted me to be a part of his staff. If it were offered, I'd have no problem doing that.
"Managing or coaching in the minor leagues is something I'd also think about. We'll sit down with them and talk and see what's going to happen. But whatever happens, I'll be fine. I'm good with things."
General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. had said he would begin informing the eight candidates on Thursday as to whether they would be brought back for a second interview.
Bob Melvin, considered a strong candidate for the managerial job, said Thursday afternoon that the club had not yet contacted him.
"I just want to say thanks to all the guys I talked with during my interview and I hope I was able to enlighten them with some of my ideas," Grace said. "I still have a plan and vision and hopefully, some day I will be a major league manager. We'll just let things take their course."
Grace had not previously seemed interested in coaching or managing in the minors, but his admission Thursday that he would consider working his way up the ladder appears to prove his genuine desire to manage.
As for continuing his broadcasting career alongside play-by-play man Thom Brennaman, Grace said he would wait to discuss that option and others with Dozer.
"It's still a possibility, but we'll see what they want to do," Grace said. "But yeah, definitely, I wouldn't mind doing that again."
Note
Garagiola hopes to meet early next week in the Valley with Casey Close, the agent for first baseman Richie Sexson, to energize contract talks about the impending free agent. Sexson can start negotiating with other clubs 15 days after the conclusion of the World Series and is expected to draw interest from several clubs.
The Diamondbacks want to sign him to an extension, but because the slugger had a serious shoulder injury last season - the result of a checked swing - the team has bargained with Close to try to obtain some assurances in case the injury were to happen again.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1022dbacks1022.html
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 22, 2004 12:00 AM
The Diamondbacks informed Mark Grace on Thursday that he wouldn't be managing the team next season, but the former first baseman said he hoped to remain in the organization either as a broadcaster, a possible coach for the new manager, or as a skipper in the minor leagues.
Grace, who ended his playing career following the 2003 season, spent last season as a Diamondbacks television analyst. His contract is up and although he said he would be willing to return in the same capacity, he planned to meet with team President Rich Dozer to discuss his options.
"I still want to be a manager, but I'd consider other things if they were offered to me," Grace said. "I can see myself coaching, but that would depend on the new guy and if he even wanted me to be a part of his staff. If it were offered, I'd have no problem doing that.
"Managing or coaching in the minor leagues is something I'd also think about. We'll sit down with them and talk and see what's going to happen. But whatever happens, I'll be fine. I'm good with things."
General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. had said he would begin informing the eight candidates on Thursday as to whether they would be brought back for a second interview.
Bob Melvin, considered a strong candidate for the managerial job, said Thursday afternoon that the club had not yet contacted him.
"I just want to say thanks to all the guys I talked with during my interview and I hope I was able to enlighten them with some of my ideas," Grace said. "I still have a plan and vision and hopefully, some day I will be a major league manager. We'll just let things take their course."
Grace had not previously seemed interested in coaching or managing in the minors, but his admission Thursday that he would consider working his way up the ladder appears to prove his genuine desire to manage.
As for continuing his broadcasting career alongside play-by-play man Thom Brennaman, Grace said he would wait to discuss that option and others with Dozer.
"It's still a possibility, but we'll see what they want to do," Grace said. "But yeah, definitely, I wouldn't mind doing that again."
Note
Garagiola hopes to meet early next week in the Valley with Casey Close, the agent for first baseman Richie Sexson, to energize contract talks about the impending free agent. Sexson can start negotiating with other clubs 15 days after the conclusion of the World Series and is expected to draw interest from several clubs.
The Diamondbacks want to sign him to an extension, but because the slugger had a serious shoulder injury last season - the result of a checked swing - the team has bargained with Close to try to obtain some assurances in case the injury were to happen again.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1022dbacks1022.html
