Sullivan on Wakamatsu and the job of the manager
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 10, 2010 1:01 PM CDT
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Jeff Sullivan has a story up talking about the Don Wakamatsu firing, and in discussing it, has a good discussion about what a major league manager's job really is:
It turns out there's been serious talk about Don Wakamatsu getting fired for at least two months. I know this, because it was two months ago that I emailed a few local media members to get their opinions on what a manager is actually expected to do. I'm just a guy on the outside, some idiot sitting in his office in Portland. The media is on the inside, so they know what's up. They can paint a clearer picture of a manager's true job responsibilities. And by knowing the things for which a manager is responsible, we're then able to seriously consider how he's doing.
The responses I got matched up with one another, and what they boiled down to - perhaps unsurprisingly - is that, above all, a manager has to be a leader of men. It isn't about strategy. It's never about strategy. No manager ever gets hired or fired based on how he answers a question about bunting. It's about leadership, and passion, and determination, and communication, and all those words that, one after another, start to sound hollow until you pause for a minute to really think about what they mean.
It is the manager's responsibility to set a certain tone in the clubhouse. To set the right tone, and to press the right buttons. A manager has to keep everybody focused and determined and aware of their roles. As the last sentence of one of the emails I got back reads, "If all goes well you end up with a club that reflects its manager."
We talk a lot about why it is Ron Washington is still here, when he makes so many baffling decisions during a game, when it seems to us like he's one of the weaker in-game managers that is out there.
But the reality is that you can use the iceberg analogy with a major league manager...the in-game decision making is the tip, the part that the idiots sitting in our offices in Portland or Houston or Addison or wherever can see. Jeff's point is that what matters a whole lot more in evaluating a manager is his ability to, well, manage people. His ability to deal with the egos and personalities of a bunch of young males, the majority of whom make more money than he does, and many of whom have been treated as special and better than everyone else for much of their lives.
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Well put by Jeff & yourself, imo
"I support you, Wash; I’ve always supported you," Young said
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
Definitely well put
Back when I enjoyed reading Bill Simmons, he had a pretty apt analogy for managing in the MLB. It’s like captaining the Love Boat. It doesn’t really matter all that much how good you are at personally steering the boat, or cooking, or cleaning the deck. What matters is that you can keep the crew happy, doing their jobs, and not fighting each other. They all need to be pulling their weight and doing their part to successfully steer the ship in the right direction, and if you can do that, you’re probably a good manager.
The point was that, despite all his tactical shortcomings, Joe Torre was still a very good manager for the Yankees because he got a team of multimillionaire prima donnas who didn’t particularly like one another to play well together and win ballgames.
I see Warsh as a homeless man’s Joe Torre. He is a terrible tactician, but his players love him and play hard for him, and as long as he has good players, he’s going to win ballgames.
Joe Torre was viewed as a “terrible” manager once upon a time, turned out he just didn’t have a good team.
"LSJ is jealous that the M’s fans have a sucky team that they can whine and snark about. We’re stuck with a good team in first place." -- Adam Von Marriagesmasher
"I’m gonna go on record here and say a great many things excuse throwing a chair at someone." – D.A. Tron
Agree
And I agreed with that article when it was written, what, maybe 5-6 years ago?
"I support you, Wash; I’ve always supported you," Young said
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
It was either right after he left the Yankees or in the last few years of his regime there
"LSJ is jealous that the M’s fans have a sucky team that they can whine and snark about. We’re stuck with a good team in first place." -- Adam Von Marriagesmasher
"I’m gonna go on record here and say a great many things excuse throwing a chair at someone." – D.A. Tron
I was going to make the same point about Torre in New York
You don’t really need to make a lot of in-game decisions when you have a group of players like the 96-00 Yankees, but you do need to keep the egos all working together.
Is Josh spraying his hand with awesomeness?
"Biggest mistake in DFW history?" - Bigger mistake in LSB history.
"Back in Irish's day you had to kill a man before you were taken seriously in polite society." - Aquaman56 06/25/10
by Samuel_L_Bronkowitz on Aug 10, 2010 1:11 PM CDT reply actions
Terse
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
"If I had caught it, the force would have taken me through the fence." -- Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilborghs about a Nelson Cruz line drive.
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 10, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm a big believer in managers needing to be leader of men but
they gotta know their stuff as well.
It hasn’t been perfect by any means but Ron Washington has not been skull-fucking games in June, July and August like he was in April & May.
If you don’t know what the hell you are doing, you can’t lead a group of Girl Scouts muchless a major league team.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
Agree, to a lesser extent
We probably underrate the “chemistry” aspect of managing, but the tactics must still be there. Ron being a manager of men shouldn’t excuse a poor in-game decision, but whether or not we agree with those decisions shouldn’t be our only evaluation tool.
"We are no longer a ride at Six Flags, we are in contention to do some things that will make our lives complete. I have been waiting for this for a long time." - Chuck Morgan
"There is a LSB party at my place when the Rangers make the playoffs" - TagDon'tTweet
well, I think the issue is more
that if a manager continually makes bad decisions (i.e. bad lineups, leaving a pitcher in too long), he is going to lose the clubhouse… so it is implicit in his job to do those things.
Jeff also touches on this in his power rankings for this week.
Spoiler Alert: Rangers #5
Nice, thanks
"I support you, Wash; I’ve always supported you," Young said
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
He didn't lose that in the lights heh
He had it tracked the whole way then just chickened out. Come on man, it’s not that bad of a sting to catch it.
and the weekly Nick Swisher award goes to.....
"Biggest mistake in DFW history?" - Bigger mistake in LSB history.
"Back in Irish's day you had to kill a man before you were taken seriously in polite society." - Aquaman56 06/25/10
by Samuel_L_Bronkowitz on Aug 10, 2010 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
See the Rangers shirt in front of him?
Heh, some dude in a Rangers shirt snuck over to the row in front of them once Jim Knox went over there to interview them…
yes, Norm?
"Biggest mistake in DFW history?" - Bigger mistake in LSB history.
"Back in Irish's day you had to kill a man before you were taken seriously in polite society." - Aquaman56 06/25/10
by Samuel_L_Bronkowitz on Aug 10, 2010 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck, Buck...
"I support you, Wash; I’ve always supported you," Young said
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
I said it in the AM thread, I'll say it here....
WHAT IS THAT THING ON HIS HEAD????
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
that's not a hat
that’s an embarrassment to the New Era franchise.
Yanks/Rangers preview on ESPN News right now.
"Biggest mistake in DFW history?" - Bigger mistake in LSB history.
"Back in Irish's day you had to kill a man before you were taken seriously in polite society." - Aquaman56 06/25/10
by Samuel_L_Bronkowitz on Aug 10, 2010 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
it's an embarrassment to hats and that guy needs a beating.
what is going on with the world today, takes everything I got
not to yell.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
x
"The 2010 Rangers...winning despite Ron Washington"
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
In his defense, you are a retarded cuntbag by LiamP on Mar 4, 2010
by boomer1 on Aug 10, 2010 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Well
At least this week I won’t have to wait until the end of baseball tonight to see rangers highlights
by thedudeabides on Aug 10, 2010 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah, what is that thing?
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
It said "legit"
Could it be Too Legit to Quit?
it really says, "Legit" on it?
That is the worst thing in the history of worst things.
I bet Eric Byrnes and Dallas Braden have a sock drawer full of them.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
WHO IS JAC VANEK?
LKDGJA:LKFSJSWDJGOEIWJG:OJKNDFV:LKCV:LKJSCV:LKJSDV:LKJSD:LKJSDL:KJLKJ
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
Jeff Sullivan
definitely makes it harder for me to not like the Mariners. LSB and LOL are my favorite sites on SBNation.
Hipsters, Flipsters, and Finger Poppin Daddies! Knock me your lobes.
yep
"The 2010 Rangers...winning despite Ron Washington"
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
In his defense, you are a retarded cuntbag by LiamP on Mar 4, 2010
I love that Lookout Landing's acronym is "LOL"
"LSJ is jealous that the M’s fans have a sucky team that they can whine and snark about. We’re stuck with a good team in first place." -- Adam Von Marriagesmasher
"I’m gonna go on record here and say a great many things excuse throwing a chair at someone." – D.A. Tron
For real.
Jeff does a really good job. His win expectancy chart photoshops are usually pretty hilarious.
scottrlucas 21YO RHP Carlos Pimentel to Frisco. 4.82 ERA with uninspiring peripherals in Bako. Technically a promotion, but doesn’t feel like one
"The 2010 Rangers...winning despite Ron Washington"
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
In his defense, you are a retarded cuntbag by LiamP on Mar 4, 2010
I'd have to think they're managing Erlin's innings from here on out
If he’s headed to BAK, it might be only in relief.
"LSJ is jealous that the M’s fans have a sucky team that they can whine and snark about. We’re stuck with a good team in first place." -- Adam Von Marriagesmasher
"I’m gonna go on record here and say a great many things excuse throwing a chair at someone." – D.A. Tron
The argument is sound
But I don’t think you can simply discount the “tip”, the in-game decision making. At the end of the day, your character and determination won’t mean anything if you don’t win: players always eventually turn on a manager if the club continues to lose. Making bad decisions that cost the team games can absolutely undermine your authority as a leader. One affects the othet.
by Alan Smithee on Aug 10, 2010 1:31 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
LoneStarDugout RT @ysportsncaabb: Heard from a great source that P Justin Grimm (Georgia), Rangers fifth-rounder, will end up signing by deadline.
"The 2010 Rangers...winning despite Ron Washington"
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
In his defense, you are a retarded cuntbag by LiamP on Mar 4, 2010
Source would have been right
If not for fucking Hicks
"The 2010 Rangers...winning despite Ron Washington"
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
In his defense, you are a retarded cuntbag by LiamP on Mar 4, 2010
What is your report on him?
"The 2010 Rangers...winning despite Ron Washington"
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
In his defense, you are a retarded cuntbag by LiamP on Mar 4, 2010
Don't have much
Haven’t seen him pitch, haven’t talked to any scouts that have. I’m sure I’ll see him at instructs though. From everything I’ve heard sounds like he’s got a nice arm.
Thanks
"The 2010 Rangers...winning despite Ron Washington"
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
In his defense, you are a retarded cuntbag by LiamP on Mar 4, 2010
Nicely said
SOB! Sorry about all the mean things I said about you, Wash!
"Drinks are on me if Lewis posts >168IP and an era lower than 3.86." by RangerMad on Jan 20, 2010 12:36 PM PST
I played a game similar to that
only it was called “the whole damn thing”.
by macromorgan on Aug 10, 2010 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I really think Wash was trying too hard to make things happen
early in the year when the offense wasn’t going so well. After the offense picked up he relaxed and we see fewer odd bunts and other over-managing in game things. And, even though those were moves we all hated, perhaps the players see a manager trying to make something happen and doing all he can to win, who knows?
I’ve come around almost 180 this year on Washington. I still hate some of his in-game decisions. I still dread a playoff game where he’s tempted to over-manage. But there have just been way too many positive things said about him by his team and his superiors to discount. He’s a good leader of men, and I’m just crossing my fingers that he’ll continue to ease up on some of the in-game stuff that makes me cringe.
Freude schöner Götterfunken, Tochter aus Elysium, Freude!
I'm very worried
about Wash in a playoff series. It could get ugly!
I expect total meltdowns
here if he makes one bad bunt or bullpen decision, no matter how defensible it is in the grand scheme of things. That will a time of even more than usual roller coaster emotions.
Freude schöner Götterfunken, Tochter aus Elysium, Freude!
Areed mainly...
Some of the in game decisions bug me, but I never entirely agree with every manager’s decisions anyway. I like some of his answers though, like the lack of command in the case of Harden. It wasn’t a kind answer, but it was factual. I think he handles his players fairly well, although I might do it differently. I think generally he says the right things, if not always in the perfect way.
I liked him leaving in Lee in that one game in Arlington, where he seemed to be talked out of taking Lee out by Lee. I personally think I would have gone out there to tell Lee that the manager has confidence in him, the dugout has confidence in him, and the players on the field have confidence in him. But I think Wash got a solid message across to Lee that he was trusted.
I like the fact that he has Jackie Moore, Clint Hurdle, Gary Pettis, and Mike Maddux. to consult. Those are four pretty solid baseball people, who I would like to be able to sound off strategic game issues with in the dugout if I were a manager.
I think he chews on the umpires less than I would if I were a manager. I can’t fault him for that, but I think sometimes he doesn’t understand the psychological impact he can have on his players and umpires by getting in their faces.
rangerstvjosh planning on distracting arod with a brief wave during BP. joe buck may or may not have, but i’m all in. bringing road flares& a strobe light
"The 2010 Rangers...winning despite Ron Washington"
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
In his defense, you are a retarded cuntbag by LiamP on Mar 4, 2010
by boomer1 on Aug 10, 2010 2:24 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I love Josh
"LSJ is jealous that the M’s fans have a sucky team that they can whine and snark about. We’re stuck with a good team in first place." -- Adam Von Marriagesmasher
"I’m gonna go on record here and say a great many things excuse throwing a chair at someone." – D.A. Tron
Excellent stuff from you and Jeff.
Makes me wonder, then, whether there should be a Manager (leader of men) and a Field General (guy who decides whether to bunt in certain situations, how to manage a bullpen, etc.). Or does stripping the Manager of those duties negatively impact his ability to be a “leader of men”?
Probably it does, but truth is, how much of that "field general" stuff really needs to be done?
At least 90% of tactical decisions are self-evident, even a teenager could make them.
"LSJ is jealous that the M’s fans have a sucky team that they can whine and snark about. We’re stuck with a good team in first place." -- Adam Von Marriagesmasher
"I’m gonna go on record here and say a great many things excuse throwing a chair at someone." – D.A. Tron
Well, that's the problem though.
When you decide to bunt a guy over from 1st to 2nd, down four runs, in the third inning, well that’s remarkably stupid. It’s self-evident to most of us but not, apparently, to Wash.
And as we continue to talk about leader of men capabilities, I think there’s definitely something to be said those sorts of intangible attributes. But let’s not forget that this is a guy who decided to do cocaine last year. I can’t think of a single Fortune 500 company that wouldn’t fire one of their VPs for that sort of transgression. Why? Because it demonstrates lack of character, lack of reliability, and poor judgment.
I love that our guys will run through walls for Wash. It’s a great testament to his leadership ability. But it’s hardly a unique attribute. We can sure as hell do better than Wash. And we should.
x
But let’s not forget that this is a guy who decided to do cocaine last year. I can’t think of a single Fortune 500 company that wouldn’t fire one of their VPs for that sort of transgression. Why? Because it demonstrates lack of character, lack of reliability, and poor judgment.
That’s crap.
The idea that any Fortune 500 company would automatically fire any VP who used cocaine is absolute nonsense.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 10, 2010 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
But, but...
it’s cocaine.
It’s against the moral standard of this great country.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
It is amazing
That Obama and George W. both admitted using coke, and Clinton copped to smoking weed.
*Paid for by the Committee for Warsh for President 2012!!!
by thedudeabides on Aug 10, 2010 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Absolutely
The percentage of Fortune 500 Marketing and Sales VPs who snort coke is probably similar to the amount of ballplayers using PEDs at the height of roids in baseball. Much like baseball, they ain’t getting fired unless they don’t make their numbers.
"Look, we're basically on earth to shit and fuck. So unless your job's to help people shit or fuck, it's not that important, so relax."-https://twitter.com/shitmydadsays
I wouldn't doubt it at all.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
Oh, hell, DJ.
Don’t qualify your ipse dixit with “probably.” Fuck it! They all do! It’s one big Tom Wolfe novel!
Uh.....
I can think of 500 fortune 500 companies that wouldn’t fire a VP for “that sort of transgression”.
That's called the Bench Coach
And Nolan has his hand picked crony in there.
"I support you, Wash; I’ve always supported you," Young said
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
well, wash couldn’t even communicate well with Tex
"what I have learned in 11 years in the sports business is that the dumbest guys in the room are always the media guys." - mark cuban
Nice to see so many folks in basic agreement about a manager's responsibilities.
For the last three years I’ve been making the same argument in relation to Wade Phillips—that he is supposed to set the tone for the Cowboys. For all of Wash’s faults, and he has many when making in-game decisions, there is no questioning that his guys believe in him, that they work hard, and that there seems to be a prevalent desire to get better. I have a great deal of respect for that. I wish Cupcake had similar leadership qualities.
"Ok, post your favorite moment of the Tom Hicks era
Mine is today when he sold the team." - t ball
I don't think you read his entire comment
I wish Cupcake had similar leadership qualities.
you are a douche
"what I have learned in 11 years in the sports business is that the dumbest guys in the room are always the media guys." - mark cuban
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