Evil Ash said:
I think it has more to do with people realizing that all of the blame shouldn't be laid on the head of Brenly. I'm one of those people that believes in blaming the player when he screws up rather than the manager.
For example, Gonzo with regularity hasn't been able to bring in a runner in from 3rd with less than 2 out. Its not Brenly's fault, its Gonzo's. Blame the player for his bad play and not the guy next, behind, or in front of him.
I agree to a certain extent....I mentioned earlier in this thread about how everyone should be held accountable from the strict budget constraints (I'm still trying to figure out that the Dbacks didnt figure out about being able to generate an extra $99 Million in revenue with licensing tickets until after the off-season that would have prevented them from having to shed their payroll to around $85 mil) to veterans like Finley swinging at the 1st pitch when the opposing pitcher is struggling with his control.....
I fault Brenly though because it seems that these are happen repetitively...especially fundamental errors and I remember how Brenly and staff constantly claimed they emphasized the fundamentals all throughout Spring Training..... Then, everyone's favorite 'scape-goat last season was Dwayne Murphy, so they bring in Rick Schu and I honestly see no difference... I cant figure out why Brenly said in today's paper that they're in dire need of pitching (which I agree they are), but their offense has even been worse...... Also, they better walk Barry Bonds this series or else.... I can't figure out why Brenly insisted to pitch to Barry last week and that cost them dearly....Also, Brenly's improper abuse of the pitchers is another reason why he's somewhat to blame.....
Evil Ash said:
From everything that I have heard, there is no way that this would happen. He would start off as a manager at the minor league level and then work his way up.
Yeah, Grace is still emotionally attached to most of the team and that would be detrimental in what direction the Dbacks would take if he was hired now...I hope he didnt have a "secret handshake" with Dback management that it would be 1-yr in the booth and then be hired as manager next.....
Evil Ash said:
This I can't argue with. Give him a shot, its not like we're going anywhere.
Pedrique would be ideal since he already managed most of the players on the current roster and became familiar with the other prospects this past Spring Training.....Quite honestly, I dont think Jerry C. and Co. would hire anyone of high profile....One, they wouldnt want some manager who would demand a lucrative contract or total control of player personnel...... Also, if the Dbacks are indeed going in a complete youth movement, several "well seasoned" managers want to win now and wouldnt exhibit any patience..
Evil Ash said:
In a way, I'm not totally opposed to this concept. I think that he would serve well in this position in the way you described it, but you forgot to mention bench coaches also have a greater purpose as being an assistant manager in helping with matters of game strategy. For that reason I would be unsure if he would be a great hire.
Thats why the loss of Bob Melvin hurt this team so much.
I wonder though if Melvin received too much credit for being instrumental with the '01 team? His Mariners have a lot of talent, but have been underachievers since he was hired there..... I think Grace might have a solid grasp on game strategy, but unfortunately his on-aire persona seems to detract away from his credibility....
