But when their new GM made his little Hello speech today and said they already had a short list of managerial candidates to interview, I started to think which guy I’d hire for that team. And here’s my suggestion.
No, not Torre. Definitely not Torre. They need someone who’ll not only be able to handle the fishbowl, pressure-cooker atmosphere and demanding media but also keep the players in check – mentoring the rookies and showing a firm hand with the veterans – and providing a spark on the field.
Yes, Larry Bowa fits that bill. I don’t know what sort of contract he has with the Dodgers, but who wouldn’t want to leave that sinking ship?
Over in the AL Central, the news that Dave Eiland was named the Royals’ pitching coach was interesting, particularly because the articles said he talks about his mysterious leave of absence from the Yankees. He doesn’t. All he says is that it was something he had to take care of. Mystery unsolved.
Tags: Dave Eiland, Dodgers, Larry Bowa, Red Sox, Royals, Yankees
Larry Bowa? In the Boston fishbowl? Oh, Jane, Jane, Jane…
Take it from someone who lives about halfway between New York and Philadelphia, and knows the Phillies and their fans pretty well: He wasn’t exactly a model of stability while managing in Philly, and that was a city that knew him and loved him from his playing days. They didn’t start contending and then winning again until he was fired in favor of Charlie Manuel. The Boston media and the Boston fans would tag-team Bowa, and, as feisty as he is, he’d say something he’d regret. This would be nitroglycerin, and, rather than restarting the heart, it would blow things up.
I don’t know who the right manager for the Red Sox is, but it’s not Bowa. It should be someone more even-tempered. Like Torre, but not Torre.
Maybe Don Mattingly. He’s even-tempered. And the Curse of Donnie Baseball would ensure that the Sox would never win the Pennant as long as he was in uniform!
Yes, Uncle Mike, Bowa is volatile. But being even-tempered didn’t exactly work for Francona with the present team and Mattingly would get chewed up and spit out in Boston. I remember how Bowa whipped Cano into shape as well as helped A-Rod. Sometimes I think that managers succeed or fail because of timing as well as expertise. Torre failed elsewhere but brought championships to the Bronx. You never know.
Eiland’s non-explanation explanation was not newsworthy.
It’s hard to imagine who could do well in Boston right now. They need some leadership in the clubhouse and some of that needs to come from the players. It seems like they either are spoiled bratty rich jocks (Beckett) or they’ve given up.
Could you imagine a club house like that under Pinella? or LaRussa? It will be interesting to see what happens.
I don’t really care who the Red Sox hire as long as he doen’s spit or chew!
And yes, the chicken jokes go on and on and on.
Melissa, I think the Sox used to have leadership from their captain, Varitek, but he was injured and pretty marginalized and the spoiled brats took over. I can easily imagine the same shenanigans under Pinella and LaRussa. Pinella left Chicago and went home before the season was even over. And LaRussa allowed all the steroid use under his watch, whether he knew about it or not. It’s very hard for any manager to actually police players.
Finding a manager that doesn’t spit or chew will be really hard, John. I don’t think such a person exists.
Chicken jokes, where’s Wade Boggs now that the Red Sox really need him?
Too busy with horse jokes.
Hiya. I’m back. And just in time for some fun…
Jane, I really like your recommendation of Larry Bowa. Somebody feisty who would add to the chaos and dissension in Beantown. Works for me!! Here are some more/similar suggestions…
* Dallas Green. Hey, he won at Philly, right? So it was 30 years ago. Yelling, screaming all the way.
* Pumpsie Green. The first black player on the Bosox, who were the LAST baseball team to integrate. He’s probably in the Rest Home by now, if he’s still alive. Seems appropriate enough…!
* Earl Weaver. He’s older than dirt, too. Jim Palmer said he couldn’t manage a meat market. Of course, that ain’t true. But he smoked like a chimney and screamed/spit at every ump. Entertainment!!
* Steve Howe. If he’s detoxified yet. Or, even better, if he isn’t. Why stop at beer and chicken when you can snort up the clubhouse?
There. That’s enuf to chew on for now. Miss me? Didn’t think so…!
I wonder if Wade is still eating chicken, Uncle Mike. Somehow I doubt it.
I wasn’t kidding about Bowa, Dave. Just by the way.
How about Showalter? Known for discipline, Has managed in a big stage, has won in Fenway.
Showalter would be perfect, Melissa. But he seems to like having more control than he’d have in Boston, don’t you think? He must be frustrated in Baltimore, but I see him being more of a manager/GM type.
the talk about chicken jokes made me think:(though probably i’m not alone!)
Why did the red sox pitcher cross the road?
To get to the popeyes on the other side.
A knee slapper, Melissa. And you just reminded me….What amazing publicity the Popeyes chain has gotten from all this. You couldn’t buy this much coverage. Wow.