Lou's Views #2: Dbacks Should Bid Farewell To Melvin & Coaching Staff

[KingLouieLouie]

First.. it's rare for someone to call themselves out on something, but I must in this case:

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=52610&highlight=melvin

It just can't be overlooked what a "breath of fresh air" Melvin has been so far as the Dbacks manager..... It's just refreshing the confidence and "Chutzpah" he exhibited when he allowed Vasquez to face Saenz and eventually end the Dodgers 8th inning outing and also how manages to keep Cintron in the line-up on a regular basis while he's probably been the most consistant hitter as of late....

Of course...the what is refreshing is how he keeps a set regular line-up based accordingly to each hitter's strengths/attributes (definitely in contrast to Brenly and Pedrique).....

I must admit that I had preferred Backman (prior to all the off-field incidents that he was involved in was reported) because I thought that the Dbacks needed a "fiery" manager who approaches the game with "iron fists" opposed to what I thought Melvin demonstrated with "kid gloves", but Melvin's managing style is ideal since the Dbacks have such a veteran oriented team..

The only question I guess Ive had a Melvin is his insistence of constantly using Bruney (not only because of his struggles, but for over-extending him), but then I must factor in that he doesn't "run-out" all the relievers as constantly as his predecessors had (Brenly would even remove a starter in spite if he was still in "top form" for no apparent reason, just like it was for the sake to punish/deplete the relieving core)......

I know we're only 20 games into the season, but I just figured I would praise Melvin now..especially when credit is due.....

I posted that gibberish/rubbish on 4/25 and I even did admit that it was too premature to sing Melvin's praises, but I was trying to psyche myself up after the debacle of '04 of having Brenly and then Pedrique as the managers (which I thought at the time we had reached a possible all-time low, but it appears more evident that I was indeed wrong by a wide margin)....

Here's what I posted on 11/05/04 on the day of the Melvin press-conference which more accurately conveys my true thoughts on Melvin:

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showpost.php?p=520433&postcount=31

Yeah, I most definitely agree, but it was the best they Dbacks could do to try to regain any iota of credibility (however minute it is)....

Although, Melvin is essentially a Bob Brenly clone and I'm afraid that would signify them undoing most of the slight progress they had made in terms of the youth movement they were headed in....

Melvin seems like he's more of a veteran oriented manager and similar to Brenly would have constant conflicts with younger players. Backman was obviously ideal since he dealt with many of the "up-and-coming" stars in the organization (C. Jackson, C. Quentin, D`Antona...etc) that he would already know how to approach each of them..... Now I'm extremely leery of the likes of Finley returning back to the organization......

Yes, the Dbacks succumbed to media pressures to immediately correct that error, but it seems that demeanor and attributes that Backman possesses reminds me of my favorite manager of all-time, Billy Martin....We all know of Martin's off-field issues (also involving constant substance abuse) and also his encounters with his players, but he was always able to put all of that aside and managed to get a lot out of his players......I just dont have faith that Melvin would be able to do that.....Backman would have gone with that "small-ball" approach which is something I've yearned for ...for quite awhile, but I see Melvin doing the "Earl Weaver" strategy, which with the current personnel, the Dbacks cant execute that......

Melvin essentially failed in Seattle because he didnt know how to handle the eventual youth movement which was the direction they were headed in '04 and now it appears more and more apparent that this is the approach the Dbacks are gradually going toward....

Since Melvin is a Brenly clone..he cant handle younger players.. he's more of a veteran oriented manager and lacks the proper communication skills or doesnt have the proper concept of using rookies... Case in point... he seldom uses Jackson who probably is the best pure-hitter on the roster now, but then will continually over-extend Cormier night in and night out and it seems that now Cormier is beginning to lose confidence in the process... Isnt Melvin aware of the abuse that was inflicted on Villarreal? Wouldnt also the Dbacks inept pitching coach Mark Davis recall that and bring everything to Melvin's attention? Not a difficult concept to grasp whatsoever....

I've been pondering this as well.... do Koplove and Bruney have some uncompromising photos of Melvin? Why are either of them pitching when the game still hasnt been decided? Or.. used at all.. even if/when the Dbacks ahead by 10 runs in the 9th inning that I wouldnt use either because they obviously are beyond subpar....

I hate to say this... I know most wont admit to this, but Wally Backman was the ideal hiring... does that mean that I wish they had overlooked his off-the-field dealings? No... I fully understand the circumstances/scrutiny that the Dbacks franchise was under and they had to immediately terminate Backman because they would have lost credibity that they wouldnt have been able to regain.... Quite frankly though... Melvin lacks credibility as a manager and has the worst track record with younger players, but Backman seemed to know how to elevate the play of the Dbacks top-prospects and would have been the best situation of him managing them at the Major League level....There would have been that continuity and cohesion which is lacking now....

I wonder who the next GM will be? Will he be vested with a lot of authority/input? I hope he'll evaluate Melvin and the coaching staff and come to conclusion that they must switch gears....

Mark Davis and Mike Aldrete definitely must go... I would retain Butler and even consider him as Melvin's successor.... Here was a proven Major Leaguer who always had a vast understanding of the fundamentals.... What about bringing Will Clark as the Hitting Coach? I do remember that being discussed last offseason..... Pitching Coach? I honestly dont know, but anyone would be better than Davis....

Tosca and Jay Bell are 2 that I'm unsure of..but they need someone who is a hard-liner commanding one of the coaching positions.. not just pure yes-man or those who just go with kid-gloves all the time.... Sherlock was on the coaching-staff last season...why did they retain all these coaches from a losing squad? That really has baffled me......

If they dont terminate Melvin during the offseason..they'll probably wait until the 1st couple months of '06 and determine his fate then if the Dbacks get off to a horrid start..... I believe he only has a 2-year contract, so it wouldnt cost them much at all.....

It's just for Melvin and Co. to go... finally time to go on a clean-slate and they must now..especially the team seemingly going to more of a youth-movement....

 

[Lefty]

One guy who I would not mind managing the Diamondbacks is Lee Mazilli.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Here's the biggest problem with the Diamondback organization-- for some reason, they think that they can compete NOW and they have a manager who seems to live by that belief.

Truth be told, I wasn't fond of the Bob Melvin hiring then and I'm not now. I think the Backs need someone in there who has the patience to deal with the slumps/growing pains of the younger players and one who isn't afraid to take a loss or two to give those guys the much needed playing time.

 

[AZZenny]

Hey KLL - What you said!

I was never pleased with the Melvin move, and couldn't fathom why Aldrete would be brought along. Agree on Mark Davis, too - have said that for a year. Hell - Glen Sherlock, too. He's been Bullpen coach much of the past few years. I also think a sober Backman would have been a much better hire, but he wasn't, and probably still isn't... We need a manager who is not a good buddy (sorry Grace) but who is both thoughtful about the game and guys' roles, but who can and will rip guys a new one, and have them unwilling to risk it. Who would have this team, veterans or not, and all pitchers, doing infield practice a couple times a week all season. If they don't like it, tough.

I would differ on a few minor details - one, that Melvin didn't show any ability at motivating Seattle's veterans - he lost their mature, professional, experienced clubhouse the first year, he's even said so, by being too hands-off and laid-back - and he never could get it back. I agree that he'll be a disaster for our kids, too. I will bet lunch that Conor sits today.

Two - when he sent Koplove back out for more than the clean-up job last night, I was appalled - the way he's been pitching, when he got out of the initial mess, you sit him right down and thank God. Melvin and his coaching staff have consistently shown an absolute indifference - or ignorance - about the physical OR mental state of his pitchers. THEN! When Koppy loaded the bases and Bomel went to chat and LEFT HIM OUT THERE!! I about stroked. What a friggin' dimwit!

Three - I don't think he's a BB clone - whereas BB was more emotional, impulsive, and inconsistent, BoMel is plodding, routine, inflexible, and a flat-liner. The similarities are: an abysmal grasp of strategy, no sense of his players' true strengths, horrendous misuse of pitchers, and no ability to exercise leadership that is taken seriously. BoMel's players say they all love him - but they won't play hard enough to save his job.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I wouldnt be too impressed with Lee Mazzilli... He's partially to blame for the Orioles immense downfall and that stigma will continue with him wherever he goes...

How about something the Dbacks should have considered after Brenly's dismissal and Pedrique not being retained? Which is... finally invest a lucrative contract in a proven manager who's had a solid track record at the Major League level rather than a former Major League catchers who either were a broadcaster or someone who pretty much failed in his previous job... How about finally reaching outside of the organization to inject newer blood? Wouldnt that be a breath of fresh-air? Someone who may have a different philosophy....

Or if they do decide to hire someone who lacks Major League managerial experience.. why not bring in a bench coach who at one time was a solid big league calibre manager who rather have a lesser role and would serve as the new manager's mentor? Why did they hire Jay Bell? Jay Bell would have been perfect with his passive appproach to complement Wally Backman's assertiveness, but he doesnt compensate for Melvin in any way....

Obviously...please say no to Grace... he gets along all too well with the veteran players and would always be partial to them..... No to Grace in any capacity.. perhaps not even as a broadcaster....

Matt Williams? I wouldnt mind him as a manager...He has a keen sense of the game..did accomplish a lot at the ML level as a player, and is well respected all across the organization..... If they were to hire him..then they should bring in someone like a Jim Leyland to serve as his bench coach....

Of course... I still would want a proven manager to replace Melvin, but there arent too many that are available....

Perhaps Will Clark?

It might be all dictated on who they hire as their GM and I hope they do go outside the organization.....

People always claimed that Melvin was the mastermind behind the Dbacks winning in '01..... I beg to differ... Buck Showalter had left an enormous inprint on that team..and it didnt matter whether who the next manager (obviously Brenly) and coaches would be (of course that included Melvin)... that whoever inherited the managerial position from him was bound to win that year... Showalter had them poised, but the players had to gain more experience or they had to add to their foundation, which of course both happened in order for their championship aspirations to materialize/come to fruition....

Most of the Dbacks lack in fundamentals or constantly have mental lapses... The manager in most cases has to take some of the blame for that and that applies to Melvin... they just never seem mentally prepared and sometimes go about the game w/out passion.. just too non-chalant..... So.. if they brought in someone who is a head-liner...you would absolutely never see that again..... Lord.. this is the time in which we need Billy Martin to be resurrected.. isnt it? True.. he would clash with upper-management and his players, but didnt he make his teams winners? Isnt the essence of baseball and sports in general.. to instill the winning attitude at virtually all cost.....

 

[Diamondback Jay]

We need a manager who is not a good buddy (sorry Grace) but who is both thoughtful about the game and guys' roles, but who can and will rip guys a new one, and have them unwilling to risk it. Who would have this team, veterans or not, and all pitchers, doing infield practice a couple times a week all season. If they don't like it, tough.

*Paging Larry Bowa... Paging Larry Bowa.... Your wanted on Line 2.*

*Paging Jim Leyland.... Paging Jim Leyland... You're wanted on Line 3.*

 

[AzJc]

*Paging Larry Bowa... Paging Larry Bowa.... Your wanted on Line 2.*

*Paging Jim Leyland.... Paging Jim Leyland... You're wanted on Line 3.*

I would be fine with either one.........

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Hey KLL - What you said!

I would differ on a few minor details - one, that Melvin didn't show any ability at motivating Seattle's veterans - he lost their mature, professional, experienced clubhouse the first year, he's even said so, by being too hands-off and laid-back - and he never could get it back. I agree that he'll be a disaster for our kids, too. I will bet lunch that Conor sits today.

I honestly didnt follow Melvin when he was with Mariners or read much regarding his demise there.... I guess I'm wrong claiming that he is a veteran oriented manager...so naturally..I surmise that he isnt managerial material at all.... He is definitely horrid with younger players... even when Cintron or Terrero have been showing signs of light..he would still insist on removing them from the line-up the next day in favor of Clayton and McCracken.... Yeah.. I agree that Jackson wont be starting today either....

Two - when he sent Koplove back out for more than the clean-up job last night, I was appalled - the way he's been pitching, when he got out of the initial mess, you sit him right down and thank God. Melvin and his coaching staff have consistently shown an absolute indifference - or ignorance - about the physical OR mental state of his pitchers. THEN! When Koppy loaded the bases and Bomel went to chat and LEFT HIM OUT THERE!! I about stroked. What a friggin' dimwit!

I absolutely agree... I dont know if I made myself clear in my initial post in regards to Koplove, but Koplove shouldnt be pitching regardless.. He's clearly injured and isnt admitting it...or he's still bothered by him being part of that initial Dodger trade package and hasnt overcome that.....

Three - I don't think he's a BB clone - whereas BB was more emotional, impulsive, and inconsistent, BoMel is plodding, routine, inflexible, and a flat-liner. The similarities are: an abysmal grasp of strategy, no sense of his players' true strengths, horrendous misuse of pitchers, and no ability to exercise leadership that is taken seriously. BoMel's players say they all love him - but they won't play hard enough to save his job.

I really mean a Brenly clone in these areas.... He tends to alter the line-up too much at times, uses the worst pitchers in the wrong situation, doesnt play a younger player if he's producing, doesnt motivate or lecture them... I think also there's been some instances in which Melvin resorted to the old Brenly tatic of calling a player out to the media, but didnt go directly to the player first.... But.. just his passive and unattached demeanor of his makes me think of Brenly.... Also.. another sign... you would think that the players at the position that Melvin played in the ML level (catcher) would show improvement, but it just seems that the opposite has happened to Snyder and Hill.. that they've both taken some steps backwards... that neither Snyder nor Hill exhibit the strong defensive abilities they've done before this season....

People may laugh at the following suggestion.... Most of you know that I grew-up as a Tiger fan (before I moved out here and converted over to only following the Dbacks), and my favorite player while growing-up was Kirk Gibson.... True... some (especially the media) portray him as a "jerk", but that was mainly during his playing days.... He's been the Tigers bench coach the last few seasons and has done a lot better than most suspected.. People thought that he would clash with the younger players or get too buddy-buddy with the veterans, but he's maintained some balance....

Here's someone with a proven winning record at every level...played for both Sparky Anderson, Tommy Lasorda and Jimmy Leyland....someone who when he made his 2nd tour of duty as a Tiger (in the early-mid 90s) was credited for helping a young Bobby Higginson, Tony Clark, Travis Fryman, and couple others gain a better understanding of the game and also to know what it takes to win...

True ... he's never managed at the Big League level, but he's always proven himself also as a fast-learner.. very adept.... Well-respected all throughout the game and also is excellent with younger players.... That's someone the Dbacks should seriously consider... If not now.. but perhaps in a couple of years because he will be a top managerial candidate by then.... I just dont know though if he'd be willing to depart from Detroit though, but one never knows....

 

[AZZenny]

Bowa is widely regarded as one of the lousiest managers in baseball, and all his pitchers hated him. He totally distrusts young players. Scott Rolen insisted on being traded to get away from him. He has NO idea of strategy, and no clue how to deal with players.
Absolute NO.
You missed the part about thoughtful and knows guys strengths, apparently.

Tired of retreads and has beens, tired of inside-the-organization - NONE of our minor league managers deserves a second thought; they all are pretty weak. I also have wondered about Matt Williams, as long as someone with a little lighter, more humorous touch was bench coach. Matty the Marine can be pretty oppressive - though none other than Curt Schilling said Matty was one of the best, most honest and honorable teammates he's ever had. But as an owner in the team, I think he's ruled out.


George Brett?

 

[Ryanwb]

How about Wally Backman

 

[Lefty]

I don't blame Mazilli for what happened in Baltimore. He was only there for 1.5 years and he had them winning, something they had not been doing for a while. The front office signed too many hitters and not pitchers.

The one problem I would have with Mazilli is he has been coaching in the AL. I think they need to get someone who is familiar with the NL. Matt Williams would be an interesting choice. You know he would have the respect of the players. I wonder if Jay Bell would be able to handle it? I definitely say no to Larry Bowa.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I don't blame Mazilli for what happened in Baltimore. He was only there for 1.5 years and he had them winning, something they had not been doing for a while. The front office signed too many hitters and not pitchers.

The one problem I would have with Mazilli is he has been coaching in the AL. I think they need to get someone who is familiar with the NL. Matt Williams would be an interesting choice. You know he would have the respect of the players. I wonder if Jay Bell would be able to handle it? I definitely say no to Larry Bowa.

I just think the drawback of hiring Mazzilli is that whatever teams he gets hired by (if indeed he does get another opportunity to manage at the ML level) will have the notion that the Orioles gave-up on him and that is something that unfortunately he'll never be able to overcome...

Absolutely no on Jay Bell..that would be defeating the purpose of firing Melvin or Brenly before him... just someone who isnt vocal.. just too calm in his demeanor.. they need someone who will manage with an iron-fist.. thats why Backman was the best choice at the time and now someone like a Matt Williams or my suggestion of Kirk Gibson would be better suited for the Dbacks....

They finally need someone to instill that fiery attitude on to this team.. I recently read where several players claim that the Dbacks club-house lacks leadership and it just seems that's what the team is inadequate in.. it all essentially starts from the manager and then all-the-way-down.... Either Williams or Gibson possessed leadership in virtually every regard.. whenever they speak... everyone listens because you know it's the gospel.....

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Bowa is widely regarded as one of the lousiest managers in baseball, and all his pitchers hated him. He totally distrusts young players. Scott Rolen insisted on being traded to get away from him. He has NO idea of strategy, and no clue how to deal with players.
Absolute NO.
You missed the part about thoughtful and knows guys strengths, apparently.

I realized Bowa would be a horrible fit because of his lack of thoughtfulness after I posted. As for his fire, I'll take that kind of personality on the bench.. Combine him and Leyland and you have a hell of a manager.

I also like the idea of Gibson and back in the day really wanted to see Yount promoted eventually.. What ever happened to that rumor?

 

[ajcardfan]

I believe that Ken Macha does not have a contract after this season. If the DBacks could swipe him from the A's that would be my pick. He's not a fire-and-brimstone type, but he sure has had success with young players.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I also like the idea of Gibson and back in the day really wanted to see Yount promoted eventually.. What ever happened to that rumor?

IIRC... Yount was initially offered the interim manager rule, but declined in honor of his best friend Brenly..He felt that he would be betraying Brenly if he accepted the position, so he figured to step-down instead... Now perhaps Yount would reconsider since we're nearly 2-years removed and the organization is now under a completely different regime now...

We all know...Melvin got the job out-of-default... We all know that the Dbacks were desperate in trying to save face with the Backman fiasco still engulfing the team, that they needed to exstinguish everything.... They knew that no one else would accept that position immediately, so pretty much Melvin was their patsy.....

I'm just surpised they locked Melvin up for more than one year... I'm trying to remember if it was Moorad who supported Melvin over Backman (when they had originally hired Backman) who was it Kendrick..... I remember reading how some factions were split on the final choice when it came down to the 2 of them before of course we all discovered Backman's off-the-field misconduct....

Will Moorad have absolute say on the next manager? Will it be a former player that he once represented (like Williams or Will Clark?).. Did he actually represent any former managers? All it comes down to again is that they need new blood.....but someone who is fierce..someone who wont accept nonsense/BS.. but of course someone who's won and will provide them with that leadership as well.....

Edit: I'll answer one of my musings..... the reason why Melvin signed a 2-year contract was that he would have been a lame-duck manager if he just was hired for strictly 1-year, but still.. the players dont take hims seriously regardless... so that didnt really matter...

 

[Lefty]

When will the rumors of Dusty Baker start? Chip Hale of the Sidewinders is a fiery manager. He did get an interview last season.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

When will the rumors of Dusty Baker start? Chip Hale of the Sidewinders is a fiery manager. He did get an interview last season.

They already have.. On a WGN sports report a few days ago, Baker denied allegations that he was interested in both Arizona and LA's managerial openings.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

When will the rumors of Dusty Baker start? Chip Hale of the Sidewinders is a fiery manager. He did get an interview last season.

Chip Hale is intriguing.... True.. he doesnt have ML managerial experience, but at least he's been in the organization for a few years and vastly familiar with the Dbacks prospects and most (if all) the younger players on the team...

I do know that some Minor League managers accompany some of the prospects during Sept call-ups, so perhaps Hale should be brought up in some coaching capacity for the final month to get his feet further into the door....

I didnt know until looking it up today, but Kirk Gibson (who was originally Alan Trammell's bench coach) had since become the Tigers hitting coach (happened some time w/in the past couple of months) and most of the Tigers hitters have responded quite well..... Here's someone who had some ability, but also had to hone his skills.. began as a college football RB and then successfully made the transition into a ML calibre OF'er through sheer dedication and committment.... Perhaps I should be getting too carried away in regards to Gibson since he probably wouldnt want to leave Detroit since he's a native of the Detroit suburbs and his family is deep-rooted there....

But who fits into Gibson's class is Matt Williams.... Gibson (before he joined Trammell's staff) similar to Williams was did some color-commentating for their respective Fox Sports network.... Contrary to Grace...I could sense this in Gibson and now w/Williams.. is that they take the game of baseball extremely seriously... know the fundamentals... willing to call-out players whenever they're going about the game in the wrong way (rather if they're nonchalant, not trying their hardest..etc) and that they're very astute... that no one will second guess or question their baseball IQs and also proven winning attitude...

The likes of Gibson and Williams are the ones you take seriously..whereas Melvin and Brenly before him are ones who you laugh at whenever they try to exhibit any sense of leadership.... which is rare to begin with....

Edit:

I believe that Ken Macha does not have a contract after this season. If the DBacks could swipe him from the A's that would be my pick. He's not a fire-and-brimstone type, but he sure has had success with young players.

Macha would be perfect, however, I just dont see any possible that Beane and co. would let him go since his managerial best suits "Money Ball" better than anyone else could...

How about my ultimate fantasy? Tom Kelly.... He would be ideal, but just dont see him sacrifice retirement.... however.. who else would have thought that Joe Gibbs would have ever returned back to being an NFL headcoach? So.. again.. one never knows.. nothing can be really ruled out.....

 

[AZZenny]

Listening to Sidewinder games the past two years, I'd say Chip Hale is very mediocre. He may be OK for the minors, but he's not done anything to show Major League stuff. Come on, do we need another Pedrique experience? This team cannot afford another bad managerial hire, and hiring from within the system just hasn't worked out.

 

[Lefty]

Listening to Sidewinder games the past two years, I'd say Chip Hale is very mediocre. He may be OK for the minors, but he's not done anything to show Major League stuff. Come on, do we need another Pedrique experience? This team cannot afford another bad managerial hire, and hiring from within the system just hasn't worked out.

How many games have you actually seen the Sidewinders play? Hale has done a very good job the past two years with what he has? Last year guys were leaving and going every week and he had the team playing good baseball.

I have seen on the news down here where players say they love playing for Hale. If the Sidewinders had any kind of pitching they would probably be in first place. Before last week the team was on a roll but then the pitching went south.

I found two stories about Chip. I don't have access to the link that I provided but I copied and pasted the other article.

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=247&p=...L=http://diamondbacks.scout.com/2/352780.html

By James Bennett and Jack Magruder
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Sidewinders manager Chip Hale said Thursday he will return in 2005, even though he felt slighted by the Diamondbacks' decision not to interview him for their managerial position.

Hale said he was surprised the Diamondbacks did not call about the job or about a major-league coaching position. He said he was floored when they bypassed him initially for Wally Backman, their manager at Class A Lancaster (Calif.).

"I was hurt by the slight," Hale said Thursday, after speaking to the USS Tucson 770 Club at the Savoy Theater. "For them to hire Wally Backman, who was managing at Lancaster, over their Triple-A manager, was hard to believe."

The Diamondbacks rescinded their offer to Backman four days after hiring him and brought back former bench coach Bob Melvin.

Backman was dumped for off-the-field incidents, including a DUI conviction. Melvin was available after being fired as manager of the Seattle Mariners.

"Their decision to hire Bob Melvin was easier to understand," Hale said. "Still, two weeks after the hiring, it hurts not to have been involved in the managerial search."

Hale, 39, said he did not hesitate to remain in Tucson, despite the bruised feelings.

"Did I want to leave the D'backs? No," Hale said. "No. 1, my family is here, and managing Triple-A baseball in Tucson is the best job in the world, outside of managing in the majors. And No. 2, I have great people in Tucson to work with.

"I'm happy with what I do. All players and coaches have a goal of making it to the majors. That's still my goal."

Diamondbacks GM Joe Garagiola Jr. said he was happy Hale decided to return.

Hale managed the Sidewinders to a 74-70 record last season, their best since becoming the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate in 1998.

"We're very pleased," Garagiola said. "Chip does a great job for us. We put him and his staff through a very trying season last year."

Twenty players wore both uniforms last season, an indication of how much the Diamondbacks raided the Sidewinders' roster.

"At the start of the season, we thought we were going to have a good team in Tucson. And we did," Garagiola said. "It just ended up in Phoenix."

The Sidewinders finished five games behind Sacramento in the Pacific Coast League South standings.

Sidewinders owner Jay Zucker said Hale is the best manager in minor-league baseball.

"Despite all the obstacles, Chip made us successful on the field. It earned him respect as a manager and earned Tucson respect as a franchise. Everyone knows we're a contender now, better than a .500 team, thanks to Chip."

 

[AZZenny]

Seen? Only a couple. Listened to? 3-4 dozen. I just haven't been all that impressed - not, say, the way Backman impressed me last year.
Loving your manager is irrelevant - supposedly, the team we have now absolutely loves BoMel! The players idolized Backman. Respecting your manager - that's where leadership comes from.

But even if Hale is a fine minor league manager (and every triple-A manager deals with rotating clubhouse doors, so that's a poor excuse for not winning) the franchise cannot make another lame managerial hire, they just can't risk that reputation - Brenly-Pedrique-Backman-Melvin - all in 2 years? I really doubt Kendricks et al would dare hire an in-house minor league manager, rather than get someone with at least a few years of Major League bench coach experience or the equivalent. My fear, of course is they will decide to go for a worn-out veteran retread - say the Russ Ortiz or Shane Reynolds of Managers.
(If they go old, why not Whitey Herzog, who has supposedly said he's ready to manage again.)

 

[Diamondback Jay]

A name I like, despite knowing nothing about his demeanor is Rudy Jaramillo, the Mets' hitting coach.

Another I liked (prior to seeing him get bagged by Cleveland) was Eddie Murray, although I doubt Murray has the demeanor to deal with young players.

 

[Lefty]

Seen? Only a couple. Listened to? 3-4 dozen. I just haven't been all that impressed - not, say, the way Backman impressed me last year.
Loving your manager is irrelevant - supposedly, the team we have now absolutely loves BoMel! The players idolized Backman. Respecting your manager - that's where leadership comes from.

But even if Hale is a fine minor league manager (and every triple-A manager deals with rotating clubhouse doors, so that's a poor excuse for not winning) the franchise cannot make another lame managerial hire, they just can't risk that reputation - Brenly-Pedrique-Backman-Melvin - all in 2 years? I really doubt Kendricks et al would dare hire an in-house minor league manager, rather than get someone with at least a few years of Major League bench coach experience or the equivalent. My fear, of course is they will decide to go for a worn-out veteran retread - say the Russ Ortiz or Shane Reynolds of Managers.
(If they go old, why not Whitey Herzog, who has supposedly said he's ready to manage again.)

If they are going to hire a guy who has been a successful manager and wants to manage again, the one guy I would take in a heartbeat is Jim Leyland.

I get a little nervous when hiring an old-timer who has been away from the game for a while. Being a UofA graduate I have reason to be nervous, the UofA hired John Mackovic and look what happened. Thankfully Mike Stoops was hired.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I know it's a general consesus that everyone agrees the Dbacks should rid of Melvin and this coaching staff... Obviously this week's abysmal performances vs. the Marlins and Braves really hurts their cause, but helps justify our perspective on this matter....

Case in point... how did Tosca and the rest of the Dbacks overlook that Lowell still was holding onto the ball and then to lure Terrero off 3rd base and proceed to tag him out? Why in this game would Gonzo try to score already down 11-3 (especially when Francoeur had thrown him out earlier)? Now.. why would the inept/incompetent (pretty much any expletive word would convey my feelings on this) Melvin and Mark Davis bring Cormier into a game that the Dbacks are already down by 8? Oh.. is it for him to regain back his confidence? That's what I surmise... but isnt his struggles more due to the wear-and-tear of excessive use rather than something mental? Pretty much everyone has figured out the latter but this idiotic staff... They pretty much love the idea of having a Villarreal part 2..dont they? Edit: Also.. not playing Jackson on a regular basis.. that right there suggests how they absolutely have no clue.....

Okay.. here's my short-list for managers..some I've mentioned in detail before and in fact..this is in order...

1) Matt Williams
2) Kirk Gibson
3) Brett Butler
4) Hal McRae
5) Dave Collins

I love the earlier suggestion of Ken Macha, but just dont see the Atheletics not retaining him..... Although.. I'll admit that Kirk Gibson is more of a pipe-dream since I dont envision him leaving his native Detroit again.....

I would then consider the likes of Jim Leyland as a bench coach since I dont see him accepting the role of a full-time ML manager again.... Someone in that capacity would serve as a mentor if the Dbacks went to the route that included Williams or Butler.....

Just anything is obviously better than what they have now (except Mark Grace), but more than likely the Dbacks will hire again from w/in, but whoever succeeds Joe Jr. on a full-time basis may have the clout/input to dictate who they hire.... Just relieved its not Jerry Colangelo since he would have hired Grace by now and that would have been even worse than Melvin... which isnt possible to begin with..

 

[AZZenny]

Macha reportedly has declined to sign an extension with the As and wants to see what other openings are likely to be available first. Works for me. Again, if George Brett was interested, that'd be a name to add, but at the Futures game he sort of said he's not sure he's ready to bite off that much. Put Backman on Antabuse and give him another shot.

Tosca got three guys thrown out at the plate in two days by underestimating the Brave's much-vaunted young outfielders and catcher while grossly overestimating the speed of our aging players, and that plus the hidden ball trick should be nearly enough to get his head handed to him.

Bringing Cormier out for two innings today just totally blew my mind - there was no reason, no excuse, it was outrageous misuse, and Melvin and Davis should be publically horsewhipped. I suspect the reason Koplove got sent down was because he's reportedly been complaining about some of the bullpen use (as he did last year, correctly) - because he actually had equal or better numbers in the last few weeks than some of the much younger (and thus quieter)guys they kept up instead.