What Is Macha's Future?

by bigelephant on Apr 4, 2005 6:24 AM PDT Comment 14 comments

The A's are about to commence a brand new baseball season and I'm extremely pumped! I like the look of the 2005 Athletics and hope the many "predictions" I've read (and laughed at) come true of a 90 win season.

There is one troubling item that continues to nag at me-Macha going into 2005 as a "lame duck" manager. I can't recall too many managers going into their final year of a contract and winning. Can anyone offer an example?

I happen to believe Macha has many strengths:

He seems to have a good relationship with most of his players. He might not communicate well but has a open door policy.
He is "Old School"...speaks the truth, doesn't use the media to bash players and respects the traditions of "The Game".
He is a good "planner". Very organized and likes structure to the ball club.

I noticed today that Beaton on USAToday rates Macha very highly. Beaton sees Macha in the same class as Gardenhire, La Russa, McKeon and Showalter-not too shabby! Here's the link:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2005-04-04-bonus-manager-ratings_x.htm

So, what does AN think? Is this a big issue? Do you care? Do you think Macha will last the season? I thought I'd try a survey...my first try at this, so bare with me.

Poll

What Is Macha's Future?

I Don't Like Macha, He Is A Nimrod

4 votes

Macha Doesn't Finish 2005- Gets Fired

1 votes

The A's Win the AL West and Macha Gets An Extension

13 votes

The A's Play .500, Lose and Macha Gets An Extension

6 votes

This Is Macha's Last Year, No Matter What

27 votes

51 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 14 comments

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Comments

Unfortunately:

I voted "This Is Macha's Last Yr..."

I might like Macha but i think he is toast and geren is the next in line.

"Hey Ho Let's Go!"- The 2005 A's, kickin' some ass.

by bigelephant on Apr 4, 2005 6:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

macha is not "toast"

he will be leaving by choice. He wants to be closer to home, and will likely manage the Pirates next year. I will miss him a lot. I think his rapport with the players is one of the reasons we have such a fun team.

by Brian in 317 on Apr 4, 2005 7:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ron Washington

please, I want him to manage the ballclub!

by Athletics fan and runner on Apr 4, 2005 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do too, however,

since A's managers are essentially front office puppets, I doubt Wash wants to manage in Oakland. He'd much rather go somewhere that he can have more control.

Speaking of coaches, look out for the Rangers the season after they fire Showalter.

Consider the daffodil. And while you're doing that, I'll be over here, looking through your stuff. - Jack Handy

by Captain on Apr 4, 2005 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

all signs point to

Macha signing with Pittsburgh after the 2005 season.

by OaklandSi on Apr 4, 2005 6:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it's the third option

The last one is solely reserved for JRBH

Kielty, rejuvenated by his new genetically created St.Pats Day/Oktoberfest, shows us why Billy and Ohad are geniuses.

by ohad on Apr 4, 2005 6:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL ohad

"Hey Ho Let's Go!"- The 2005 A's, kickin' some ass.

by bigelephant on Apr 4, 2005 6:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

AL Manager of the Year

After the big win in the World Series, we'll be begging him to stay.

by Mission1929 on Apr 4, 2005 7:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yup

if the A's win like I think they will and take home a division then all the Billy haters out there will have to find some one to blame for success.

by Blind Man As Fan on Apr 4, 2005 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pitt

I just hope they don't fire their manager during the year and pick someone else. With no contract talks, it's obvious he is leaving.

Network Associates Stadium: Former home of the 'Fear Mecir' sign.

by dboysick on Apr 4, 2005 9:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Final year

I can't recall too many managers going into their final year of a contract and winning. Can anyone offer an example?

McKeon was hired by the Marlins in midseason, and didn't have a contract beyond that season, and they won the WS.

IIRC the Yankees won a WS with Torre in the last season of a contract.

MJB

by MJB on Apr 4, 2005 9:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Both examples

are excellent...are you sure about torre?

plus, i don't think the success rate is favorable for the typical lame duck manager...especially when things go south. both examples you offered were on winning teams.

"Hey Ho Let's Go!"- The 2005 A's, kickin' some ass.

by bigelephant on Apr 4, 2005 10:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Macha's Tenure

Nice post, BigE. This issue has actually been in the back of my mind for several weeks.
So what would compell Macha to turn down any overtures for extending his contract?
We know that in Oakland, the general perception is that the manager is filler space for Beane's activities and acts as a figure head. This perception, while not fair, was nurtured by complaints of Art Howe's managerial style.
Early on, Macha was a dfferent sort as he didn't suffer fools with the attitudes of T. Long and other's in the outfield in 03'. His directness and straightforward approach ultimately
showed that crossing his path wasn't acceptable.
When interviewed on radio, methods of strategy were often discussed. He actually revealed the complexity of short and long-term planning for his pitching staff amongst other things.
Last season's debacle with Chris Spier was something we knew he wouldn't tolerate. He took the blame for it, then did something about it. Hiring Lachman was a good move that will return his confidence in the staff.
With all of this said, if he senses that Beane allows him to be a scapegoat for troubles with this year's team, he won't stay. He's got too much pride and integrity to allow himself to be dragged through mud. In a sense, the A's will be auditioning for his services as he has kept his options open.

by Gerard on Apr 4, 2005 11:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs