The Morning Line - Managerial Odds
Despite the fact there is no clear favorite, let’s start handicapping the field.
Jockey: Bob Schaefer..........Morning Line: 3-1
Schaefer is the favorite right now for a couple of reasons:
1) He’s got the team relaxed. This is an organization that hasn’t looked at ease playing ball since game 2 of the 2004 season.
2) He’s not afraid to shake things up. While I completely disagree with Angel Berroa in the leadoff spot, sometimes a little change is a good thing. I’d also like to see how David DeJesus bats in the number two spot with Mike Sweeney behind him.
3) He has the respect of his players who, in a five game stretch, are playing better for him than they ever played for Pena over the last year.
Jockey: Art Howe..........Morning Line: 7-1
Howe is probably the most experienced of the group that will get a look from the Royals. The reason to seriously consider him is based on his success in Oakland, where he went to the postseason three straight years while working on an economic footing similar to that in Kansas City. Although I’m sure the most of the credit for the development of their “Big Three” (Hudson, Mulder, Zito) goes to pitching coach Rich Peterson, Howe can take credit for taking a team that replaced Jason Giambi with Scott Hatteberg, Johnny Damon with David Justice and Jason Isringhausen with Billy Koch, and actually GOT BETTER.
Jockey: Larry Dierker..........Morning Line: 10-1
Dierker is Mr. Astro. Would he ever think about taking over the reigns in another organization? Plus, Baird has said he wants someone who gives everything to the team. Could Dierker forget about Houston and focus on KC? You can’t argue against his success as manager where he in five seasons he won four division titles. Word in Houston is he lost the veterans in the clubhouse, specifically Craig Biggio. That’s not going to be a problem in Kansas City.
Jockey: Frank White..........Morning Line: 15-1
Local favorite White is clearly the fan favorite to become the next skipper. After George Brett, no one represents the franchise like #20. His stated goal is to manage in the majors and he went to Wichita specifically to gain experience to accomplish that goal, and with the current “Youth Movement,” White has managed many of the players on the current roster. But for some reason, I just keep thinking that the job opened up about two years too early for White.
The Field ..........Morning Line: 25-1
Let’s file a bunch of guys here: Jim Fregosi, Jimy Williams, Grady Little, Carlos Tosca
Jockey: Larry Bowa..........Morning Line: 50-1
Please God, no.
Jockey: Jamie Quirk..........Morning Line: 100-1
George Brett’s running partner from back in the day, doesn’t have the experience Allard is looking for to be the next manager. Besides, he had a nasty parting of ways when he was a member of Tony Muser’s staff. No chance.
Jockey: Whitey Herzog..........Morning Line: 250-1
Last I heard about the White Rat, he was inviting Don Denkinger to the 1985 Cardinal Reunion.
And after all of that, I wouldn’t be surprised if Allard found someone who wasn’t even on this list.
So, what do you think? Did I leave anyone out? Post some comments with your thoughts and suggestions. I’ll try to keep the odds updated as we go along.
posted by Unknown @ 1:01 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
Someone threw out Jim Leyland, which would be interesting if he weren't so old. But, I suppose if Felipe Alou can do it, another old, mustachioed-man can do it, too.
I'd probably go for Howe, although his tenure with the Mets is a bit scary.
I agree, this happened about two years too quickly for Frank.
after watching art howe here in new york.. he is a terrible manager.. especally when his hands were tied in ny. heck the guy was taught how to stand in the dugout. leyland would be great, but he would be a bit too cranky for the KC area.. and he wouldn't want to develop a new team like he did in both fla and pit. and i still won't think that kC will hire white untill they feel that they could fire him after a couple of years w/o pissing off what is left of royals fandom..
after watching art howe here in new york.. he is a terrible manager.. especally when his hands were tied in ny. heck the guy was taught how to stand in the dugout. leyland would be great, but he would be a bit too cranky for the KC area.. and he wouldn't want to develop a new team like he did in both fla and pit. and i still won't think that kC will hire white untill they feel that they could fire him after a couple of years w/o pissing off what is left of royals fandom..
OK...before I get to the managerial options, I can't believe what the Royals did tonight. Around 7:45 or so, I flipped on the game to see the Royals with an 8-2 lead in the 2nd inning. Wow! They're going to beat the Orioles!
Now...two hours later, they are losing 11-8. Can we please release Jose Lima???
And this is coming from an Orioles fan!!! I'm happy for my O's, but with the Royals as my favorite anytime they aren't playing the O's, I'm thoroughly disgusted.
On to the managerial options...
Like most Kansas Citians, I'd love to see Frank get the job. As you said, he embodies the Royals and he's a super nice guy to boot.
I agree that he probably won't get the job, but not necessarily because it's too early. Honestly, this is his best chance at a big league managerial job.
Let's face it...he has no big league managing experience and his experience with this batch of players makes this his best shot. Wait two years and, hopefully, we have an established group of players on the rise. Will Baird really want to put our best shot at success in the hands of a first-time manager then?
I say let's see if we can get Frank to grow with the players he's bringing up. It would certainly increase fan interest for those of us who have been here our whole lives.
I don't think Schaefer gets the job either, but I can't really say who I'd bet my own money on if I had to.
That's all I've got.
Sam Perlozo
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