FIRED MACHA NOW!!!

by Tyler Bleszinski on Oct 16, 2006 1:16 PM PDT in News Comment 423 comments

I was going to write a retrospective today on the season and start handing out final grades to individual A's for their performances in 2006, but as always with our Oakland Athletics, the offseason is NEVER a dead time. As a matter of fact, AN has often seen growth in the offseason thanks to the hyper kinetic A's offseasons.

It appears like the A's will be firing Ken Macha today, who goes into the Oakland Athletics record books as the manager with the second highest winning percentage behind Dick Williams.

Macha did a fine job this year. He did cost the A's a game here and there, in my opinion, and he also didn't make enough use of the A's amazing bullpen in the playoffs. But for the most part, I don't think Macha is to blame for the A's coming up short. The offense and the A's starting pitching is largely to blame for that one. Well, that and the injury bug just never seemed to fully leave the A's.

Macha shouldn't have much of a problem finding a new job with all the managerial openings out there. He's a proven winner, although in many ways his winning was largely a result of the talent the A's front office gave him.

As for what direction the A's turn to, I would imagine the immediate candidates would be Tony DeFrancesco (the River Cats manager), Rene Lachemann (the A's first base coach), Ron Washington (the A's third base coach) and Bob Geren (the A's bench coach). Expect Geren and Lachemann to be the front runners.

If the A's look outside the organization (which seems unlikely to me), perhaps they go after someone like Bud Black or an under-the-radar guy like Orel Hershiser. I don't see them sweeping in and grabbing someone like Piniella or Dusty Baker as that's just not the A's. Remember that Beane likes the front office to have a lot of say in decisions made on the field and Baker and Lou aren't the type of look to the front office for input. Love it or not, that's the way Beane has felt about managers.

I don't think this is a bad thing. My problems with Macha has always been a couple of things...first, I do want my manager to show some emotion on occasion. I don't want a raving lunatic like Lou or Whiny Mike Scioscia, but I do want a manager who will call bulls%&t to an umpire on occasion. Macha took whatever bad breaks the umps gave him. Maybe that even keel worked in the clubhouse, but I don't think the players would've minded a guy who went out and fought the good fight on occasion.

Macha also didn't manage to win in the postseason. Bobby Kielty should've been in against lefties and if Kotsay didn't like it, that was tough. I know Kots made two great plays in the outfield to save runs, but he also didn't do anything against lefties offensively. And believe me, you won't find a bigger Kotsay fan anywhere than right here. He also should've really yanked Loaiza earlier than he did. You've got an amazing bullpen that was lights out for the majority of the series and you didn't use it as much as you should've. There's a reason that Beane built the team from the back to the front. And Macha needed to realize that. Granted Duchscherer wasn't available which left a gaping hole, but in the postseason you absolutely have to be more aggressive about pitching changes. I don't blame Macha for leaving guys out there a little too long in a 162-game season, but not in a seven-game series.

And ultimately, I guess what undid Macha is the fact that he had a poor level of communication with his players. That's pretty unacceptable for a manager. You need to know your players and what is going on with them. Even the ones who seem insignificant like Melhuse. That's YOUR JOB.

So, it appears like less than two days after the A's were eliminated from the playoffs, Ken Macha will be taking the fall. It's already shaping up to be a fascinating offseason in Athletics Nation. As usual.

[UPDATE: Macha has officially been fired. We move into a next phase of the Beane era now.]

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WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

(Sorry, just couldn't help it!)

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Oct 16, 2006 1:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great wrapup by the way.

Mine would have been one line. ;)

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Oct 16, 2006 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blez,

You're starting to sound like me-- about Billy Beane and the way he views the role of his manager--now I'm beginning to worry about you.

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

By the way

Macha is fired. It has now appeared on the bottom line on ESPNEWS.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Oct 16, 2006 1:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

link?

All I found there was the report that it could happen, quoting the Chron

by OaklandSi on Oct 16, 2006 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It isn't up there yet

But I just got the official release. Pasted below.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Oct 16, 2006 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pinella is going to the Cubs

so slash him off

by Zonis on Oct 16, 2006 1:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm so sorry we couldn't do better by you

Macha. I'll miss you.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It just doesn't have the same feeling this year

For some reason, I really though Macha had his best year in 2006, and it wasn't even close.

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Oct 16, 2006 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What Coaches

outside of the organization are realistically available? If this is a long list, don't bother. But is there an speculation as to who, if anyone they might be interested in?

by fadedash on Oct 16, 2006 1:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Also

The official release from the A's:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2006

A's Manager Ken Macha Relieved of His Duties

OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland Athletics Vice President and General Manager Billy Beane announced today Ken Macha has been relieved of his duties as manager of the club.

Macha compiled a 368-280 record in four seasons as manager of the A's. He joined the Oakland organization in 1999 as bench coach and was named the 27th manager in franchise history on October 29, 2002.

# # # # #

It's very real this time. I fully expect one of the guys on the inside to be the replacement. Remember that Bob Geren is one of Billy Beane's best friends.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Oct 16, 2006 1:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I liked Macha but always knew he wasn't the right

guy for this job.

He will have no problem finding work.

"I hate the Angels"

by Vegas A's Fan on Oct 16, 2006 1:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

New

beginning I guess, the team played great this year and communacation has always been a big part of sports. It's not that Macha was not a good baseball man it's that players made him look like a million bucks often more times than not.

"Talk about impressive. My point is this: Break's over."- Josiah Bartlet

by doublehustle22 on Oct 16, 2006 1:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

it would make sense

if it was washington because he is already being interviewed by texas, and the rangers would love to take away one of the a's best resources...

"He has no equivalent." -Paul DePodesta on Jeremy Brown

by flipgatey3 on Oct 16, 2006 1:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think we should go for Phil Jackson

Plenty of communication and yoga.

by mikeA on Oct 16, 2006 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Macha

Held the fort down and did nothing to improve, or for that matter, damage, the A's. He was the safe choice when we got him and he played it safe while he was here. Time for a philosophical change. Time for Beane to bring in someone who's not a yes-man.

I say, hire Rickey.

by mvk on Oct 16, 2006 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

ha

"hey kotsay, rickey says you'll play today and like. if you don't rickey will fire your ass and rickey will play cf and hit leadoff.

you, melhuse, get rickey some coffee!

everybody, repeat after rickey: rickey is the greatest of all time."

by Backspin on Oct 16, 2006 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, at least Rickey would speak to Melhuse

Bradley! Rickey thinks this coffee Melhuse brought is too hot for Rickey. Rickey says to dump this coffee on Loaiza!

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now that

is funny.

Rickey said you made him laugh.

by Leopold Bloom on Oct 16, 2006 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like the Seinfeld episode

from 10-11 years ago! That was a comeback episode for the show, after slipping badly for about 6 months

by wolffpackdavid on Oct 16, 2006 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen.

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha!

Rickey: (speaking to Jay Payton) Hey, Kotsay. You're sitting today. Rickey is gonna play in left today. Its time for Rickey to get back out on the field!

by RickeySteals on Oct 16, 2006 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If this is true, it's pretty sad

"Expect Geren and Lachemann to be the front runners."

Washington should be the front runner. I'm hoping race isn't factor here.

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Are you serious?!

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Oct 16, 2006 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not possible

because that would mean Billy gave a crap about the color of someone's skin. The guy is color blind and loves Wash.

"We owe it all to one man. And we are all extraneous. 'Billy' has denuded us of ego". Liar's Poker

by Sashulia on Oct 16, 2006 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, Moneyball is totally racist.

It's right there on page 94.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hope you are kidding

I don't have the book in my office (though I probably should).

"We owe it all to one man. And we are all extraneous. 'Billy' has denuded us of ego". Liar's Poker

by Sashulia on Oct 16, 2006 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Must be kidding...

...I looked at page 94 - absolutely nothing about race or Washington - who I would make manager in a heartbeat! A's game would change, too. This was a good team that didn't use all of the tools available to it. Wash would! Big ? is not whether Wash "knows" the game...it's whether Beane would let him manage and I think he would.

by doubleplayer on Oct 16, 2006 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying the others shouldn't be considered

But to say they should be the front runners is bothersome to me. It's not like Wash is some snot nosed kid. He's been a key part of the A's staff and been around the game for years.

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He also has no managerial

experience, something that the other three front-runners do have.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was waiting for someone to say that

As is always the case with minority coaches the experience card gets played. How the hell do you get the experience if you never get the job? I might be mistaken but Wash is older than Geren and been in the game longer. So are we supposed to accept it as fact Washington knows less about the game just because he hasn't spent a few years in the minors as manager?

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and just to be clear

I have no problems with Lachemann being a front runner. My problem is with Geren being put in that class ahead of Wash.

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Difference between Geren and Wash...

Geren has had experience managing down in Sacto. Wash has only held titles as "coaches."

Lance Armstrong can make homophobic jokes on ESPN, yet Harold Reynolds pays the ultimate price? Explain that to me.

by gmoneymcg on Oct 16, 2006 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So how come Washington didn't get that job?

I'll answer my own question. I just think Wash has been too valuable to send down to the minors to manager. I mean, how fair is it to keep talking about experience when you have to be given a managers job to get the experience?

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too valuable?

If that's the case, then he should definately had been sent down to Sactown to get the experience. Or had sought it earlier in his career.

I don't disagree that Wash should get the job. I just see Geren as having more managerial experience than Wash.

Lance Armstrong can make homophobic jokes on ESPN, yet Harold Reynolds pays the ultimate price? Explain that to me.

by gmoneymcg on Oct 16, 2006 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good question.

But I don't think that being a minority has anything to do with it. In fact, Wash has a fair chance of being hired to manage in Texas. Maybe that's where he'll get his experience.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why should it have to be Texas

He's been a coach for the A's 8-9 years now. He's been the primary defensive coach for a team known for playing great defense. The greatest defensive 3rdbaseman in the league credits him with making him the player he is. He's like and even loved by a lot of the current players. Seriously, what else could he have done to make people think he deserves a shot with this organization?

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he has managed in winter league

although it's true he doesn't have as much managerial experience as the other two.

then again, having alot of managerial experience doesn't make one a good manager...there are plenty of examples.

by OaklandSi on Oct 16, 2006 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Race isn't a factor

Experience is.

Geren trumps Wash.

by fadedash on Oct 16, 2006 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw Geren for a couple years here in Sac

He didn't show me anything to make me think he should be considered a front runner over Wash.

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and what has Wash shown?

Wash hasn't even managed a game above the single-A level.

Geren has had full control of the bullpen before and has had to make actual decisions.

All Wash has had to do is wave someone around.

by fadedash on Oct 16, 2006 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love how people make managing a baseball team

sound like teaching calculus to 1st graders

Anyone around the game as long as Wash will do just fine at the nuts and bolts stuff. It all comes down to dealing with and motivating players.

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and how do you exactly know

wash is more qualified to do that than geren?

by fadedash on Oct 16, 2006 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen again.

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen that race isn't a factor.

My favorite is Ron Washington.

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What? No Jamie Quirk discussion?

by NovA'sFan on Oct 16, 2006 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

a quirky pick

by ArakSOT on Oct 16, 2006 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still say Kotsay was the judas

Let's face it, Macha was in a no-win situation with some of those communication issues.

Kotsay along with Payton were cited by Slusser as the key people disatisifed with Macha's communications. But in reality it wasn't about style - it was about playing time.

And yes, Kielty should have batted agains lefties in the post-season.

Just conjecture, but it seems like Kotsay got his cake (playing time in the post-season) AND got to eat it too (Macha fired).

"We owe it all to one man. And we are all extraneous. 'Billy' has denuded us of ego". Liar's Poker

by Sashulia on Oct 16, 2006 1:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

gotta be more

I don't think Kotsay himself has the juice. It had to be a combo of the old guys (Kotsay, Kendall, Thomas) and the new guys (Harden, Ellis, etc.)

That combined with Macha's questionable use of Street and Ginterizing of, well, Ginter, and Perez might be enough to push things over the edge.

Otherwise, I don't see what we've learned this year about Macha that Billy didn't know when lowballing him last year in negotiations.

by Apricot on Oct 16, 2006 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some good points,

except about Ginter. Ginter did his own Ginterizing and basically sucked at AAA level since getting sent down. I don't buy the fact that Macha did anything to hurt Ginter's career - Ellis (and Scooter) outplayed him massively in 2005 and separation grew in 2006.

"We owe it all to one man. And we are all extraneous. 'Billy' has denuded us of ego". Liar's Poker

by Sashulia on Oct 16, 2006 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ginterizing?

Sorry, but Keith Ginter is the worst player I have ever seen at the major league level. in fifty years of watching and playing the game fairly attentively (Of course, because of this experience, I also understand that if I ever had to play against him I would be completely awed by his skills). His 18 home runs at Milwaukee were hit in Triple A, let's not forget. Not only he couldn't hit, but he was even a worse infielder. At least Perex can pick 'em. And to get Ginter, the A's gave up Nelson Cruz, who looks like he might be able to play.

by froggiethegremlin on Oct 16, 2006 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gossip gossip gossip...

It's all water under the bridge, now.

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

FIRE MACHA NOW!!!

Guess we won't be seeing that anymore...

by SD Erik on Oct 16, 2006 1:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wanna bet on that?

by mvk on Oct 16, 2006 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, maybe not here...

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 16, 2006 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In Bad Times

... it might become "HIRE MACHA NOW!"

by Dan_Honolulu on Oct 16, 2006 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ceeeelebrate good times, come on!

by calvin on Oct 16, 2006 1:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

macha was fired, not bar mitzvahed.

by rockit on Oct 16, 2006 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, a year ago Beane gave him a bris

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh...

Stick that f'in thing out there?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Best to weat a helmet

when you step to the plate in Oakland.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 16, 2006 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

If Macha had trouble communicating with players, isn't this the kind of thing that the General Manager can talk to him about? Hard to imagine that the problem was so severe it couldn't be handled. Makes me wonder if there is something else going on here.

by solotar on Oct 16, 2006 1:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's official official now

It's on the A's website

Hard work never hurt anyone, but I'm not taking any chances.

by Alameda Greg on Oct 16, 2006 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Official statement.

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20061016&c ontent_id=1714959&vkey=pr_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

"Dick Cheney sitting down with Fox News is like Mrs. Butterworth sitting down with the Pancake Channel." -Jimmy Kimmel

by Christine on Oct 16, 2006 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Just heard the news

I'm kind of shocked he was fired. He did a good job while he was here considering what he had to work with. The only problem I had with him was he didn't have that "feel" of a great manager. His moves or non-moves were always second-guessed and the fact that he seems a little too laid back may have worn thin with Beane. Maybe they're looking for a bit more "fire" out of their skippers, who knows.

I think Ron Washington or Bob Geren would be a good replacement candidates. I'm not too impressed with guys from outside of the organization, although getting Dusty Baker or even Felipe Alou just to screw the Giants would be kind of funny to me.

by knowledge24 on Oct 16, 2006 1:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Felipe Alou?!?!?!

did you watch a giants game all season?!?! He was asleep the entire time. One of the worst managing jobs I've ever seen.

by MikeyJ on Oct 16, 2006 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great move.

Now let's see Wash get the promotion he deserves, please.

Also, the link.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 16, 2006 1:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Macha's Firing ( Again)

I don't think Macha is a bad manager but he clearly plays favorites rather than try to get the most out of everyone on the team. For instance, it is clear a Macha favorite is Jason Kendall. He did what Kendall wanted and never played Melhuse, even though he said at the start of the year that Melhuse would become a more active member of the team.

While I think Macha is smart and analytical, it would seem he has trouble relating to players and is not a good communicator with the press or fans. I think he keeps the team stable when losing but provides little inspiration.

I don't think the A's will ever have a great manager with Beane as GM since he clearly doesn't want a manager to challenge his authority. I think Beane respects the opinion of his brain trusts but not the manager. Could you imagine Detroit getting ten people in a room and voting on the rotation for the playoffs? A great manager like Leyland wouldn't allow that to happen.

While I love Wash in his current position, I wonder whether he is just too nice a guy to be a manager that can't please everyone. Also, his time to teach would be diminished and that is what he excels at and loves.

If we lose Macha, I don't think the replacement will be much better or worse given the type of manager Beane desires. We will just be out $2 million dollars and look stupid for not making the change last year.

by scarr1 on Oct 16, 2006 1:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Wash has the stones

to tell a player off if need be.Plus he also commands respect and even love.

I really think he could be the right man for the job. However, I'm not convinced that Beane won't hire Geren instead.

by OaklandSi on Oct 16, 2006 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I worry about.

Wasn't Geren the presumptive front-runner last year during Macha's "holdout"? And I think he was Beane's best man at his wedding.

by WannaBeGM on Oct 16, 2006 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Washington

Agreed on Washington. I think he should be the next A's manager and would be very succesful.
I know that Texas isn't going to hire him, even though he would be a great fit down there.

Macha did a good job I thought considering the amount of injuries the A's had.

The injury to Mark Ellis and letting go of Mike Rouse were the big things that hurt the A's this playoff run, not Ken Macha's lineups.

by apilgrim on Oct 16, 2006 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

Not living in the Bay Area I haven't seen the numerous articles talking about this problem, but if that is the case I think it is the right move. I was pretty frustrated with the way Macha used his staff, and overused Street this season. I just hope they give the gig to Ron Washington and don't make the mistake of picking Dusty or another retread.

by Rickey35 on Oct 16, 2006 1:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wash is by far the only correct move

Let's do this right for a change. Get it over with already - HIRE WASH. If this happens, I promise to renew my season tickets today.

"We owe it all to one man. And we are all extraneous. 'Billy' has denuded us of ego". Liar's Poker

by Sashulia on Oct 16, 2006 1:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Think about...

...how excited the players will be if Wash is named manager. Please, please please make this happen.

by NewPosterMojo on Oct 16, 2006 1:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great News

Personally, I am glad Macha is fired. I was never a fan of his, or of Art Howe. Neither of them knew how to manage big games. And thats where you are exposed as a good manager or a poor manager, which both him and Howe both were.

He didn't manage the starting pitching and/or bullpen correctly...He left Zito, Loaiza and Harden in too long, but then yanks Haren out because its "do or die time". Is he saying that games 1-3 aren't do or die? So he might as well leave them in there?

I'm very happy about this. I know it won't happen, but I would be extremely pleased if they gave Girardi a look, although he is a hot head, and wants to manage the way he wants without someone from the front office telling him how to do it, but I believe with him working with this young club, with the exception of some of the vets obviously, Girardi could do wonders.

by mills16 on Oct 16, 2006 1:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's not just that he leaves pitchers in too long

He waits too long to get someone throwing in the pen. I've seen 4 or 5 games in person this year, where you knew the starter was heading into deep water yet the bullpen sat quiet. It wasn't until the game was tied of lead lost that someone got up to throw.

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree 100%

And that is one reason why he needed to go...
Let's hope they go out and get someone good...

by mills16 on Oct 17, 2006 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

can we steal leyland from away from the tigers?

by gotgreen on Oct 16, 2006 1:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not with California smoking laws

by mvk on Oct 16, 2006 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I updated the headline

and added the link to the official release.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Oct 16, 2006 1:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Funny...

I updated the title of my diary, and added a link to here...

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 16, 2006 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

this whole diary is

"Deja vu all over again!" -YB

by popcornjames on Oct 16, 2006 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dusty Baker...where are you?

Somebody get on the phone to Dusty Baker NOW!

by Quinan on Oct 16, 2006 1:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

NO Dusty Baker

We have enough injury problems as is. No, no, no.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Oct 16, 2006 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dusty Baker

Are you afraid Dusty will get hurt?

by Quinan on Oct 16, 2006 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm afraid he'd hurt our pitchers!

by gotgreen on Oct 16, 2006 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no way

not with our young pitchers

by smash on Oct 16, 2006 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was a joke, right?

Please tell me that was a joke!?!

by RickeySteals on Oct 16, 2006 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dusty Baker is a joke

Whether that wanker knows it or not.

The A's success should surprise no one. They're a much better team than people give them credit for. -- Joe Morgan

by BubbaDude on Oct 16, 2006 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We can get Dusty and Barry!

Think how happy they'd both be to be together again!

I wonder if Jeff Kent is available....

"I got a good feeling in a bad city tonight / I got a good feeling everything's gonna be alright." - Rancid, "Detroit"

by GreenNGoldSooner on Oct 16, 2006 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lord, No

Anyway, I saw him in a fancy suit talking sports on TV. That's the way to go.

by Dan_Honolulu on Oct 16, 2006 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Manager Merry go round

In keeping with early Oakland A's history we have another manager fired. I believe this goes deeper than we think. I was not a Macha fan, but he was the manager. If you look deep, Macha hated his job here. He did not get along with Beane. Billy is very controlling and like former A's owner, Charles O. Finley, very dictatorial. It was not until the end of the Finley era did he take his hands off and let the Manager manage.Hopefully Bean will learn this and let the new manager do his job, we shall see.

by billyball1981 on Oct 16, 2006 1:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

<snicker>

"relieved of his duties" sounds funny.

Continue on with the meaningful discussion.

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 16, 2006 1:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Good one

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser" -- Vince Lombardi

by HugeAthleticSupporter on Oct 16, 2006 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you know what would sound funnier?

"Pujols relieved of his duties."

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's very funnier

Tin Roof

by Ice Cream on Oct 16, 2006 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

michael urban

will be on 680 in a few...maybe he'll know the front runners.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Oct 16, 2006 1:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Plus

he's known the REAL reason since July.

by mikeA on Oct 16, 2006 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Macha's an enabler.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

a tired act

by OaklandSi on Oct 16, 2006 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Peter Gammons

just said to assume that Geren would be the front runner and it's a matter of whether or not Billy thinks he can work with him because he's such a close friend.

He also said that if they do look outside the organization, Buck Showalter will be a frontrunner because Beane feels like Showalter manages the in-game stuff better than anyone.

That's really surprising to me. But Gammons is usually tied in with Beane's feelings.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Oct 16, 2006 1:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Buck. Showalter.

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 16, 2006 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude.

B.F.S.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DUDE.

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Oct 16, 2006 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude.

F.B.S.

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 16, 2006 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No need for three initials.

F.S.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 16, 2006 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

HA! HA! HIRE MACHA NOW!

See...? Be careful what you wish for...

bitches.

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 16, 2006 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yikes!

I certainly hope not. The Showalter thing.

by goldfish on Oct 16, 2006 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hugely surprising about Bucky

Bucky is an obsessive compulsive. Nothing against that disorder, I just think it is very inappropriate for a baseball manager.

Bucky did outmanage Macha on Tuesday 9/5 with the bases loaded. In one of the dumber moves of the year, Macha pitch hit Kielty and Bucky responded with a righty. With Kotsay on the bench, a LH Kielty flew out on the 1st pitch. Totally demoralizing.

"We owe it all to one man. And we are all extraneous. 'Billy' has denuded us of ego". Liar's Poker

by Sashulia on Oct 16, 2006 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last year we heard that

Larry Bowa was being considered. Consider this your red herring.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not Showalter!

Hey, BBG - I think the birthday gifts things got messed up. You REALLY wanted us in the WS, right?

"Listen, my attitude is a whole lot better when we win..." Our favorite GM

by LongTimeFan on Oct 16, 2006 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the A's go with Showalter

I'm going to miss Macha

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

gammons and showalter

are thought to be close. i wouldnt be surprised
if he was just standing up for a buddy.

by oak1 on Oct 16, 2006 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't Gammons the same guy

who picked Bobby Crosby as MVP in Spring Training?

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think so...

But that's nothing. How often is anyone right about predicting any postseason awards anyway?

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 16, 2006 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but...

he also picked his nose.

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 16, 2006 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's a contrast...

I heard Gammons on ESPNEWS talking about how Macha didn't get along with Beane.

I go out on an errand and listen to ESPN Radio, where Steve Phillips says it's because Macha didn't get along with the players, and said players shouldn't be deciding if a manager stays or goes.

Obviously, I'm taking Gammons' word, since he actually has Beane's ear. Macha apparently didn't get along with somebody, and it's probably the guy with the power to actually do the firing.

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 16, 2006 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't it possible he didn't get along with either?

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course.

I guess I was trying to make more of a Gammons vs. Phillips point. :P

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 16, 2006 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This just HAS to be Beane messing with us.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 16, 2006 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly

by Dan_Honolulu on Oct 16, 2006 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, thank you Billy,

for giving AN something to talk about

by ArakSOT on Oct 16, 2006 1:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

OH GOD...

Please not Showalter. That guy is such a tool.

by WannaBeGM on Oct 16, 2006 1:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

reallly

I haven't seen this much excitement since Game 3 of the ALDS

by OaklandSi on Oct 16, 2006 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Oct 16, 2006 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I vote Washington

He may not end up being a great manager, but I think he has earned the chance. Geren would not be a horrible choice in a vacuum, but I agree with those that have said the Beane needs to prove he has gotten past the "random quiet guy who will do my bidding" theory of manager selection. I think Geren would make a good manager for the right team, as I think he has better people skills and more fire than Macha. Hopefully, whoever becomes the A's manager understands that there is a bench and that injured players need rest.

I still think the Big Hurt kicks ass.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 16, 2006 1:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh my gosh...

Beane HAS to know what a terrilbe manager Showalter is. He's 100,000 times worse than Macha.

PLEASE let it be someone in our organization!

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Oct 16, 2006 1:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I wanted to be the first to say

FIRE SHOWALTER NOW, but Jennifer beat me to it.

Anyone. But. Showalter. Calling Macha back and saying "Just kidding, Ken!" would be better than Showalter.

by socal on Oct 16, 2006 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That "F" wasn't for fire.

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 16, 2006 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, duh.... then I take credit for being first

by socal on Oct 16, 2006 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Showalter doesn't make sense...

...why would you hire a guy to be manager who in every year he managed the Rangers finished BEHIND the A's?

The only thing that does make sense with Bucky? The next manager so far after him takes his team to the World Series and wins it. Can we just hire him for 20 minutes, fire him and then buy '07 World Series tickets now?

Lance Armstrong can make homophobic jokes on ESPN, yet Harold Reynolds pays the ultimate price? Explain that to me.

by gmoneymcg on Oct 16, 2006 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You want passion?

I nominate Milton Bradley as player/coach.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Oct 16, 2006 1:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

DAD!!

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 16, 2006 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BROTHER!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey brother!

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 16, 2006 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hermano!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Caballero!

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vaquero!

by ArakSOT on Oct 16, 2006 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chingaso!

Eternal Springs™: The official 2007 bottled water of your Oakland Athletics

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Oct 16, 2006 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bhai!!

Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Oct 16, 2006 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Viva la France sumbitches!!

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brad!

"I got a good feeling in a bad city tonight / I got a good feeling everything's gonna be alright." - Rancid, "Detroit"

by GreenNGoldSooner on Oct 16, 2006 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And now you're talking

my language, bhai!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Milton becomes player/coach...

you'll even get me to go out to the o'l ballpark again.

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mays, Mickey . . . Milton

If Milton goes to the Yankees, that's where I go too . . .

by froggiethegremlin on Oct 16, 2006 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

where?

by froggiethegremlin on Oct 16, 2006 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the ol' ballpark in Fremont?

by froggiethegremlin on Oct 16, 2006 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would love to see

Milton making that first argument at the Umpire about a "Bad Call"! I can just see the Umpire cowering in a corner and giving Milton his way.

I would.

Hey, Maybe Milton for player/coach isn't such a bad idea!!!

*Nick Swisher is good. He is home-run-beltin', sideburn-wearin', nonstop-talkin', bear-hug-dispensin', self-proclaimin' good.*

by Swisherfor05ROY on Oct 16, 2006 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

dusty baker

is being rumoured around also, wouldent that be something

by AsFanTexas on Oct 16, 2006 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

oh

and as someone who lives in arlington

NO BUCK BALL

by AsFanTexas on Oct 16, 2006 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

It would be something awful.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Passivity in A's Management

The way Macha was let go . . . then rehired last year speaks to the kind of manager Beane wanted: a passive "leader." Macha demonstrated his passive nature not only by leaving (troubled) pitchers in too long, but also by blowing past players in the hallway, whom he'd rather not have to face, actively.

Ironically, our very active General Manager has too often set a passive tone for the team, based on who gets "rehired," and who gets the juicy contract.

Uncomfortable with Miggy's active nature, Beane let him go elsewhere. Fortunately, Wolff saw value in the active nature of Bradley. Otherwise the last four games would have been truly disastrous wipe-outs, if the A's had even gotten into the playoffs.

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 1:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Best off season move of the season

by china bob on Oct 16, 2006 1:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Urban says Geren the front-runner

But that it should be Wash. According to Urban, Wash says he knows how to handle Billy.

by WannaBeGM on Oct 16, 2006 1:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Macha parlayed a Jim Tracy induced, tail between the legs phone call into 2+ million in unemployment benefits. The HR Department was apparently glossed over at the Inefficiency Hunting seminar. Or perhaps old Kenny didn't say hello to Wolff or Fisher once all year.

Wash is most valuable to the A's in his current position.

The hat that just flew into the ring belongs to Carney Lansford.

by southofcruiseamerica on Oct 16, 2006 1:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I like the cut of your jib, sailor.

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 16, 2006 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um, thanks...I guess.

Just so long as you know my jib only swings one way.

by southofcruiseamerica on Oct 16, 2006 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha ha, yes, mine too. It's just an expression.

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 17, 2006 7:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

MACHA

I'm glad he is gone. He did absolutely nothing to win games.

And for a guy whose strength was supposed to be "leaving the players alone and not managing too much", it is obvious his players didn't think much of him. If he couldn't keep the players happy, there was no reason to keep him around.

The problem with hiring any A's manager comes down to will they be allowed to think for themselves or will they have to just be Beane's mouthpiece and can they straddle the line between the two.

A strong backboned manager like Pineilla and Girardi would never fly with the A's. I'm guessing it will be Geren, although, I thought it would be last time too and Beane ended up re-hiring Macha instead. So, maybe that isn't such a slam dunk.

by joses bathroom buddy on Oct 16, 2006 1:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bud Black is an interesting idea...

...maybe weaken The Opposition in a key area. Has he been key to the development of the likes of Santana, Weaver and Frod? Could his presence, even as Manager, help the development of Joeycakes, Haren, Harden and Street?

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Oct 16, 2006 1:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes on all accounts:

Buddy is the third best pitching coach I know of in MLB.

Mazzone
Peterson
Black

"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint on Oct 16, 2006 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Man.

I thought since the A's season was over, I would actually be able to get some work done.

Yes, I am delusional.

"He's the heart and soul of the green and gold."

by whiteshoes40 on Oct 16, 2006 1:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

Me, too!
Been back and forth to AN all day!

"Listen, my attitude is a whole lot better when we win..." Our favorite GM

by LongTimeFan on Oct 16, 2006 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta think out of the box on this one.

Clearly the choice should be...

Joe Morgan.

Tin Roof

by Ice Cream on Oct 16, 2006 1:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Joe Morgan

hahahahahaha

The Billy Beane Moneyball disciple. How obvious.

by joses bathroom buddy on Oct 16, 2006 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about

Art Shell?

Some are sabermetricians.

by andeux on Oct 16, 2006 1:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

How about Kim Jong Il

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OMG--TKK!

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Oct 16, 2006 1:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I want Ron Washington to be the next manager...

The players want Ron Washington to be the next manager...
That said, I bet it will be Bob Geren.
Macha must have been on AN, which would explain his frustration toward injured players.

by nfadil4 on Oct 16, 2006 1:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Shocked

I'm rather shocked by how quickly this suddenly occured, it sounds like it was in the works prior to the end of the season and the only chance of staying would have been a world series win or something. I'd love to see either

Joe Girardi
Ron Washington
Some other manager who has the fire to bring the best outta players during the playoffs...(and of course regular season to get there)

by tomoyo on Oct 16, 2006 1:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if we had won the World Series...

would they have fired him right after the trophy presentation?

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 16, 2006 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Conspiracy Theory Time.

Beane ascends to the position of President, promoting David Forst to the position of GM. Forst hires good friend Paul DePodesta to be the new manager. With the help from Caltech scientists, they implant bioneurochips that gives them direct access to the Linux cluster the A's use for their analyses and to communicate with each other.

Oakland wins the AL West in 2007, storms to the World Series, and lose to the Dodgers when Frank's pinch-hit series-winning three-run homer just barely curves foul. Plaschke take this as confirmation that Moneyball doesn't work in the playoffs and DePodesta is relieved of his duties for incorrectly predicting the trajectory of Hurt's would-be homer.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 16, 2006 1:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Why not just clone Leyland?

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Oct 16, 2006 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You really think we have a chance to

win the AL West again next year? Cool!

I don't know how I did it, but I quieted this crowd in my head today. -Zito, 10/3/06

by LAXile on Oct 16, 2006 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Linux cluster?

I have it good authority that the A's are still using an unlicensed copy of SCO.

"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Oct 16, 2006 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fire Cheney Now!

This morning's ESPN Page 2 "Here's Looking At You" running item (posted before any of today's Macha news broke), features this separated-at-birth comparison:

Eternal Springs™: The official 2007 bottled water of your Oakland Athletics

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Oct 16, 2006 1:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

rofl

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hilarious

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser" -- Vince Lombardi

by HugeAthleticSupporter on Oct 16, 2006 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In that picture, is Macha saying

go f-yourself to Beane?

"We owe it all to one man. And we are all extraneous. 'Billy' has denuded us of ego". Liar's Poker

by Sashulia on Oct 16, 2006 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we hire Cheney

there won't be any namby-pamby whining from the players.

by mikeA on Oct 16, 2006 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hell, no. Cheney would just shoot them

in the face.

I don't know how I did it, but I quieted this crowd in my head today. -Zito, 10/3/06

by LAXile on Oct 16, 2006 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!!!

by luvsmrZ on Oct 16, 2006 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No cut-n-run plays, either.

But we could say "Mission Accomplished" in May, and then just sit around.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Oct 16, 2006 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cheney would form a "Team B" of coaches

... who would estimate that the Angels in '07 will score 1,200 runs.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And in Anaheim the A's

would be greeted as liberators.

Eternal Springs™: The official 2007 bottled water of your Oakland Athletics

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Oct 16, 2006 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any Weapons of Mass Defense (WMD) Argument...

... would not fly in Oakland. We already know we have a great defense.

by Dan_Honolulu on Oct 16, 2006 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think its geren

for all the reasons already discussed. he'll
make things happen as opposed to macha who
sits back and lets things happen.

by oak1 on Oct 16, 2006 1:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Can we get re-sign Zito as a player/manager?

by nfadil4 on Oct 16, 2006 1:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

wow..

you beat me to it by a sec!

by danh on Oct 16, 2006 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

2 not so deep thoughts...

maybe the owner had a role in this? because there's nothing that happened this year that was dramatically bad enough for beane to admit that he made a mistake last year in re-hiring macha.

proposed all player-coaching staff:
barry zito: player-manager
kendall: pitching coach
frank thomas: batting coach
nick swisher: 1st base coach
chavey: 3rd base coach
melhouse: bullpen coach
milton bradley: bench coach

by danh on Oct 16, 2006 1:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

rofl rofl rofl

can't get up!!!!!!!!!!!!

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hopefully it's lacheman or washington

the players seem to love both those guys. lacheman has previous managing experience as well. i think beane gets it now - a lackey of a manager probably won't win you the WS, but someone who is aggressive while understanding the a's philosophy (ie not giving away outs, etc.) can. and washington certainly can be that guy. so can lacheman.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Oct 16, 2006 1:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Girardi

I have to agree with the person who said to look at Girardi. Look at the job he did in Florida, amazing. It's a shame that the Marlins fired him. To be honest, if i had to pick any manager, i'd pick either Girardi or Wash.

by swisherroks33 on Oct 16, 2006 1:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

no way in hell girardi

he clashed with management like CRAZY, tahs why hes not the coach in chicago, no chance he comes here considering that beane runs the show

by AsFanTexas on Oct 16, 2006 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will puke

if Billy Beane hires Joe Girardi. That clown is so freakin over rated.

by Bearcat on Oct 16, 2006 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't call him over-rated...

...but in my mind not the right Manager for this team.

If anything, he should be called by Washington (D.C. that is, not Ron), because that clubhouse would benefit from him.

Lance Armstrong can make homophobic jokes on ESPN, yet Harold Reynolds pays the ultimate price? Explain that to me.

by gmoneymcg on Oct 16, 2006 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why is Girardi a clown?

As a Marlin season ticket holder I don't think anyone could have had the patience to endure the first six weeks of the season with the young troops he was given. He will be the Manager of the Year.

by BMWK100 on Oct 16, 2006 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I always liked Macha

Even-keeled, well-spoken, had a good, dry sense of humor. My overall feeling is that managing is overrated strategy-wise (i.e., Joe Torre becoming a Hall of Fame manager all of a sudden when he's handed the league's top payroll), so I thought the manager's job should mostly be handling personalities. And I guess if Macha can't do that with the A's, then he shouldn't be there.

Whatever. I wish him luck, and I look forward to rooting for him in the future.

If Wash doesn't get a shot at managing, especially for a club like this one whose GM clearly doesn't think all that much of the role of manager, there is something wrong in the Bay. Wash has earned it, and I hope he gets it in Oakland.

Zito: I would never bet against this team. First of all because it's against the rules...

by Joey C. on Oct 16, 2006 2:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hope you're a fan of the Toledo Mud Hens

Because I doubt Macha ever manages in the majors again.

I still think the Big Hurt kicks ass.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 16, 2006 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only reason that statement has legs...

...is because look at Art Howe flame out with a new team after he was "traded."

My gut tells me Macha will see another managerial job. And Wolff hopes it's next year so he gets out of paying him the $2M still owed.

Truthfully, after every job you learn something new. Macha will be better in the future for being let go. Bottom line is he had a winning record for four years straight. I see him going to a rebuilding effort rather than a situation like he did four years ago.

Lance Armstrong can make homophobic jokes on ESPN, yet Harold Reynolds pays the ultimate price? Explain that to me.

by gmoneymcg on Oct 16, 2006 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great Review Blez

I agree with everything you said..and I'd like to add

BuBye Ken Macha, YOU SUCK!!!

by ChucklesSD on Oct 16, 2006 2:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What about Girardi????

Or does he have too much "personality" for Beane?

by 1991batboy on Oct 16, 2006 2:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

No Girardi, please.

I think he rubs a lot of people the wrong way, and gets too much credit for the excellent moves Larry Beinfest made in retooling the team. The only reason the Marlins' performance this year was so surprising is that the experts were so very wrong about all of the young talent on that team.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 16, 2006 2:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Why do I feel both sadness and great joy?

Oh yeah, and great fear and loathing at the very thought of Showalter getting anywhere near our boys. He's like that Uncle you don't want near your kids (and I'm not talking homophobia, I'm talking creepy, bad-influence kind of Unkle).

It seems like Macha suffered by being put up on display against Leyland, who, let's face it, is a better manager.

I don't know how I did it, but I quieted this crowd in my head today. -Zito, 10/3/06

by LAXile on Oct 16, 2006 2:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Kotsay vs Kielty

Don't forget to include plays made by Payton in LF. As while Kielty is a good in left. Payton is a CF playing LF, so there is a difference.

by Donner on Oct 16, 2006 2:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It should be Ron Washington

Let's not forget he was going to be the A's manager when it looked like Macha was going to Pittsburgh.

Loyal org soldier (been here since '97), very good third base coach, which shows an ability to think quickly, infield coach, probably sets the defense.

And let's acknowledge the giant elephant in the room and say that a black manager in Oakland is a good promotional tool.

I am a bitter Red Sox fan.

by FlynnSox on Oct 16, 2006 2:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

well then the A's owners

wouldn't be tripping all over themselves to leave Oakland

by OaklandSi on Oct 16, 2006 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They're not leaving the area

so it's still handy.

I am a bitter Red Sox fan.

by FlynnSox on Oct 16, 2006 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wash probly doesn't want it

What if he doesn't want the job? I mean, if he has a shot at a job in a place like Texas where his opinion would actually matter, vs. here in Oakland where he's expected to be the B-man's thrall- yeah, he loves the guys here, but he'd probably learn to love the boys in Texas in too!

by BerkeleyDawg on Oct 16, 2006 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, he wasn't

When it looked like Macha was going to Pittsburgh, no one had been selected but Geren was widely viewed as the favorite.

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Oct 16, 2006 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We are now officially a large market club

Seems we are now at the $3mm/year level for big league managerial services. I am sure Macha feels quite satisfied financially.

"We owe it all to one man. And we are all extraneous. 'Billy' has denuded us of ego". Liar's Poker

by Sashulia on Oct 16, 2006 2:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't know how you would handle the away games,

but how about AN'ers, and other fans, in a lottery to "Be the A's Manager for a home series"???
It would give 24-27 fans a chance each year. . .
It would be cost effective (no cost to A's, other than 24-27 uniforms) . . .
but, what to do about those away games? Humm. . .

"Even I don't believe half the things I say . . ." Barry Bonds to New York press corps, 2004

by millbraeforAsfan on Oct 16, 2006 2:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm willing to bet

that there is at least one ANer right next to each AL team ballpark.

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Oct 16, 2006 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't work

We'd just fire ourselves in the middle of the game.

by mikeA on Oct 16, 2006 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shoulds trded him to Florida,

straight-up for Girardi. Woulda saved both cluba a bunch of money.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Oct 16, 2006 2:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Who will chew all the bubble gum now that

Macha is gone? Is there another manager in the majors who wears glasses AND a hat? hmmm.

by nfadil4 on Oct 16, 2006 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

One of my favorite Macha moments...

by AsGirl on Oct 16, 2006 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

look at the umps face

waht game was that?

by AsFanTexas on Oct 16, 2006 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was against the Angels....

The Scutaro game winner in extras... That win reduced the A's magic number to 2.

by AsGirl on Oct 16, 2006 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh Yeah. That was worth the salary right there.

#1 on Macha top 7 list. I wanted to do a diary on the best of Macha, or What I'll Miss About Macha, but I'm too busy. Someone want to take up the slack?

I don't know how I did it, but I quieted this crowd in my head today. -Zito, 10/3/06

by LAXile on Oct 16, 2006 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, #1 HAS to be Dairy Queen.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 16, 2006 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

#2: karate-kicking Blanton out of the john

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"An anonymous A's pitcher

complained that Macha's insufficient provision dessert in the postgame spreads was 'completely unprofessional.'"

by mikeA on Oct 16, 2006 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

my bad. word is, he even had to pick

up big Joe and carry him out the door to keep him from going back for another blizzard.

I don't know how I did it, but I quieted this crowd in my head today. -Zito, 10/3/06

by LAXile on Oct 16, 2006 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DQ

BRUTAL! :)

by BerkeleyDawg on Oct 16, 2006 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Foss said at the time

that the ump really had it out for Milton

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That ump was Ron KKKulpa

A man with a history of tangling with black ballplayers. He threw Barry Bonds out a few weeks before, and Barry hardly ever argues balls and strikes.

The A's success should surprise no one. They're a much better team than people give them credit for. -- Joe Morgan

by BubbaDude on Oct 16, 2006 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Washington

Wash should be the new manager. He has earned it! It's clear that the players not only respect him but they listen to him and he manages to get a lot out of the players. If he does not become Manager of the A's he will manage somewhere.

I think then he should bring Rickey in as a coach of some sort.

by okathlfn on Oct 16, 2006 2:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rickey says "Rickey will manage...

when Rickey is done playing the game."

by calvin on Oct 16, 2006 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

bradley for manager

heres why

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PeSJ5moEiHU

by AsFanTexas on Oct 16, 2006 2:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Living in the Past?

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How did I forget about this??

Wow! Let's chalk it up to passion! He just wears it like no other!!

Just glad he didn't do that here!!!

*Nick Swisher is good. He is home-run-beltin', sideburn-wearin', nonstop-talkin', bear-hug-dispensin', self-proclaimin' good.*

by Swisherfor05ROY on Oct 16, 2006 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's why he's a fan favorite...

Even in the middle of a tantrum he still remembers to give a fan a souvenir!

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 16, 2006 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

aww

"Ken Macha leaves the Oakland Coliseum after being fired as A's manager."

i can't help but feel a little sad for him!

"Not to fault either side, but I felt a disconnect on a lot of levels," general manager Billy Beane said. "Once again, it's not to point the finger at Ken or anything like that. But that disconnect was there and it was something we needed to address as soon as possible."

link

by gotgreen on Oct 16, 2006 2:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It gets worse for Ken

Seconds after that photo Macha discovered that the locks had been changed on his promotional Hummer, and he had to hitch a ride to the airport in Buckley's Volvo wagon.

Eternal Springs™: The official 2007 bottled water of your Oakland Athletics

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Oct 16, 2006 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is he carrying his last paycheck?

by bigthree17 on Oct 16, 2006 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

doubt it

unless they cut him a check for the 2 mil he has left on his contract.

by Backspin on Oct 16, 2006 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Drives a Hummer?

Guess you get a free one for doing those Fitzpatrick Hummer commercials. Now I suppose its off to ponder his next career move in his personal Shedshop shed, but not before going to Nations!!!

Hope Floats...I hate Sandra Bullock

by franks a lot on Oct 16, 2006 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

QOTM!

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 16, 2006 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Macha's gum for manager...

It took daily beatings but held its flavor.

by calvin on Oct 16, 2006 2:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bob Geren

> Blez sez:
> It's very real this time. I fully expect one of the guys on the inside to be the replacement.
> Remember that Bob Geren is one of Billy Beane's best friends.

This right here is why Geren should absolutely NOT be hired as the A's next manager. Anyone ever tried being the boss of your best friend?

by skwid on Oct 16, 2006 2:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll agree with that.

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Oct 16, 2006 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Washington in 07!

To bad we don't get to vote on that one!

Anyone who has been called "the yoda of baseball" can be the skipper of my team.

Go A's!

by GreggC on Oct 16, 2006 2:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Art Howe just named manager to replace Macha.

Alright, I know that was a bad joke.

by nfadil4 on Oct 16, 2006 2:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Art Howe

Actually Art Howe just got hired by the Phillies.

by apilgrim on Oct 16, 2006 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're Right

It's a bad joke.

by Dan_Honolulu on Oct 16, 2006 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My guess would be

Geren, or Lacheman as a second choice. I would love to see Washington as the new manager (he's earned the chance and the players know/respect him), but I have a gut feeling it won't happen. He seems a little too far out of Billy Beane's comfort zone (managing experience-wise and fire/emotion-wise). Geren and Lacheman seen like a step in the right direction (although maybe a baby step).

How much of Macha's release has to do with re-signing Frank Thomas?

by twinkle toes on Oct 16, 2006 2:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ron Washington

Wash deserves the chance. No doubt the players respect him. If A's don't make him manager some other team very soon will. He's a class act (and probably within the A's budget restrictions).

by bolt on Oct 16, 2006 2:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not sure

I want Washington, but I'm not sure if he really is a hot property around the league. His skin color, combined with the requirement to interview minorities, puts him on the list for teams that want to hire a particular white coach but need to interview a minority first. I'm not sure Washington would ever get hired by anoher organization, but I am sure that he should. I'm tired of seeing retreads like Baker, Valentine, Buddy Bell et al get multiple chances while a guy like Washington never gets a chance. I really hope 2007 in Oakland is his chance.

I still think the Big Hurt kicks ass.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 16, 2006 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

let's face it, Girardi's not an option

no one should be willing to sacrifice a decade's worth of Nick Swisher facial hair innovations for one man.

HIRE WASH NOW!!!!

Thank you Athletics and AN for a magnificent 2006 to remember ... only 123 days until pitchers and catchers report

by emperor nobody on Oct 16, 2006 2:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

They can't HIRE WASH NOW

He's currently educating a thirteen year old GM in Texas about b.a.s.e.b.a.l.l

"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Oct 16, 2006 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As long as we get someone

who does NOT start EVERY interview, " (pause) Well . . . (longer pause) . . .

"Even I don't believe half the things I say . . ." Barry Bonds to New York press corps, 2004

by millbraeforAsfan on Oct 16, 2006 2:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget all the "uh's"

Well, uh...you know...Hattyberg has uhh... little uhh... tightness in his hamstring... so uh... were gonna rest him and uh... see where were at tomorrow.

by WannaBeGM on Oct 16, 2006 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen to both of those notes!

by snowflake on Oct 16, 2006 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes!

I never liked Mach. I had been wishing for this for a long time. He basically just sat on his hands in big moments during the season. We need a guy who will mesh well w/ the players. WASH! baby.

Plus Macha was a jackass whenever I tried talking to him.

Don't let the door hit ya buddy!

by Bend It Like Zito on Oct 16, 2006 2:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I suppose this means

I will have to invest in a prescription for some sort of pharmaceutical sleep-aid, now that the insomnia-busting force known as the Ken Macha post-game press conference is no more.

Thank you Athletics and AN for a magnificent 2006 to remember ... only 121 days until pitchers and catchers report

by emperor nobody on Oct 16, 2006 2:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Proof Of Macha's Incompetence...

The man pinch hit Adam Melhuse for Jermaine Dye in the bottom of the 9th in Game 5 of the 2003 ALDS.

by nfadil4 on Oct 16, 2006 2:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And then

never spoke to him again.

Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Oct 16, 2006 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey , maybe Macha's fired

for only two days again...

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 2:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

$2 million for nothin'...

But does he get his chicks for free?

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Oct 16, 2006 2:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Chicks are free for Macha

But he has to go get them from the bush in which Sauerback is hiding them.

I still think the Big Hurt kicks ass.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 16, 2006 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looka them yo-yos

Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Oct 16, 2006 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want my MTV

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 2:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Macha TV? All Macha All the Time!

by tomoyo on Oct 16, 2006 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rumors

around the litter-box put Towers giving the Boch room to talk with other teams... whilst he stands up to his players, he sure makes some straaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaange play-off decisions tho'

by ABY on Oct 16, 2006 2:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I just found out...

...someone up there listens to my prayers. Macha get out Macha ahhahahahahahahahha

by runtru1 on Oct 16, 2006 2:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Crosby was REALLY healthy the whole year?

Maybe Macha just "Melhused" him, too? Someone needs to look into this.

by nfadil4 on Oct 16, 2006 2:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Off topic - Uribe shot Antonio Perez

"Juan Uribe and his brother, Elipidio, thought that the victims walked too close to their jeep, according to a police report.

Dondolin Alessandro, a captain in the Italian Navy, suffered wounds to his stomach and hands. Antonio Gonzalez Perez, a farmer who tried to intervene, suffered a left-elbow injury but was treated and released."

Sorry, wrong Perez but I thought it would help his hitting...

by dmac13 on Oct 16, 2006 2:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

his paternal last name

was González. He wouldn't be known as Antonio Pérez

by OaklandSi on Oct 16, 2006 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ron Washington

this guy should be the new skipper. I just love Wash.

by Alejandro on Oct 16, 2006 2:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Me too, but maybe we need some new blood

in the coaching department.

"Meanwhile, Kirk Gibson's a [former] coach with Detroit and I'm in the Hall of Fame.'" - Dennis Eckersley

by El Payo on Oct 16, 2006 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think our managerial problems

are related so much to Beane being a meglomaniac. The organization has a philosophy from the minors on up to the majors. What Beane will not tolerate is a "middle manager" coming into the organization and altering that philosophy because he "feels" that it's the correct thing to do. There will be no friction with a manager who uses the bunt, the hit and run, or even the sacrifice bunt, as long as the situation in which each is used fits in with the organizational philosophy and has a reasonable expectation of successfully winning a game. I think we all agree that statistically we realize that giving up outs for one run is an unwise overall approach to the game. That view shifts dramitacally in the 8th or 9th inning, depending on the odds of the strategy being executed successfully. A field manager is exactly that....a field manager. It's not his job to develop policy, merely to exectute it successfully. That's what Beane expects, that's what fans expect.

On anothe note, I am discouraged to see the race card being thrown down. Racism does not always flow from the traditionally expected sources. Beane is a proud man, and anyone who feels that they can coerce him into hiring a black manager because it would be the "politically correct" move are doing Wash no favors. It could end up hurting Wash's chances, and I want to see the man get a fair shot at the job, based on his merits alone. He deserves that.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Oct 16, 2006 2:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

the last paragraph

sounds like a pre-emptive strike.

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure what you mean,

but for the record, I want to see Wash get the job. I think he has put in the time with the organization, and is familiar with what is expected. I think he can be relied upon to execute policy and to take the occassional chance when the situation merits. What the hell, there is nothing not to like about the man.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Oct 16, 2006 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

First off the term "Race Card",

Is used as a counter attack to real issues of race. It's a code word and I for one resent it. Decision are made every day in this country based on race. Most of the time by people who aren't even consciously doing that. That said, I never said it would be racist for Washington to not get the job. I simply pointed out, it's a little disturbing to talk about two other coaches as "front runners" for the job as use their managerial experience as the reason. The question that raises is why doesn't Washington have any managerial experience after 9 solid years of coaching?

by sactownbull on Oct 16, 2006 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And , who wants another hum-drum

manager like Garen or Lach, anyhow?

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps because Wash

chose to remain on a Major league team rather than move down to the minors to manage. If that's true, I can't say that I blame him. But it also comes with a price. It makes it harder to land a managing job when one comes around.

Your views on race are your own, they're certainly not mine. There are more people of good will of all colors in this country than otherwise. I am mildy curious as to what the term "race card" is suppose to be code for, but that sort of discussion probably isn't suited to this site. My view is that it detracts from Wash's chance at the job to emphasize anything other than longevity, organizational loyalty, and ability. Wash is deep in all three, so I am of the opinion that those traits are what should be emphasized.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Oct 16, 2006 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You make a great point about the race card.

I agree that it's a term that some hide behind to explain away occurences that might really be motivated by race.

I honestly don't think that race will have an affect on the choice the A's make. But odds are that if it did, we'd never know about it.

I do think that if the longest-tenured member of the A's coaching staff is denied a job that everyone always says he ought to have, you have to start wondering why.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 16, 2006 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beane

I would agree, Beane will be looking for someone that will take orders. That it will be someone that is on the same page with stealing, hit and run etc. I am sure he has a replacement in mind.

I personally think that Giradi is going to be an excellant manager, and would be my choice. But I doubt he will get consideration in Oakland.

ogallalabob

by ogallalabob on Oct 16, 2006 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't get it.

Saved my first post of the year for this one.

If the following, by Blez, et. al., is true ("And ultimately, I guess what undid Macha is the fact that he had a poor level of communication with his players."), did his poor communication suddenly appear this year ("Gosh, teammates, why is Ken not communicating with us this season?)? If so, why? If not, why was he re-hired??

I would agree that Wash deserves a chance and would apparently be the players' choice. However, the qualities of a great coach and mentor (as Wash has been) do not always translate to being a great manager. Nor do the traits of a great manager necessarily fit those of his GM.

So the questions are: 1) What are the qualities necessary for a great manager?

What are the qualities necessary for a manager to fit well with this GM?
Do Wash, et. al. within the organization possess those qualities? Who else does? Billy Martin?

by kimnjerry on Oct 16, 2006 2:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Billy Martin's in heaven with Mother Theresa

Believe it or not, Mr. Ripley.

by Salvatore on Oct 16, 2006 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Strategically

I thought Macha was OK. IMO, his undoing was not Melhuse. It was the piss poor defeatist attitude of Chavez and his comments to the media after game 3 v. the Tigers. I know managers can't make the players perform better but they sure as heck can help to instill a certain attitude in the club house.

by Bearcat on Oct 16, 2006 2:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

how about this quote?

at:

http://torontosun.com/Sports/Baseball/2006/10/16/2040278-sun.html

"It's not a big deal," third baseman Eric Chavez said.

From the poor editing of the article, it's not clear exactly what Chavez was referring to, as the previous line deals with Zito's durability. I hope Chavvy was not referring to losing in the ALCS.

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

Chavez is talking about Zito there.

Zito, Oakland's lone All-Star this season, won 102 games for the Athletics in his first seven big-league seasons and never missed a start because of injury.

His 23 victories in 2002 earned him the A.L. Cy Young award. His teammates have been prepared for his almost inevitable departure since spring training.

"It's not a big deal," third baseman Eric Chavez said. "I've lost a lot of friends. It was fun while it lasted."

Here's the whole article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/16/sports/baseball/16oakland.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&a mp;adxnnlx=1161044547-10YZpPtv5JL/L6cxZH8hgw

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Oct 16, 2006 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh .. is it chavvy's fault now? Jeeezz

by gilaASfan on Oct 16, 2006 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

depends...

not saying it's anyone's fault. Just my interpretation of what precipitated the firing. I'm sure there were other reasons. But it certainly wasn't because a back-up catcher didn't like the manager.

by Bearcat on Oct 16, 2006 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everything is Chavy's fault.

We should know this by now.

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 16, 2006 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

of course

because he's not a team leader.

by gotgreen on Oct 16, 2006 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Macha was fired b/c Chavvy's not Mexican enough

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just ask steve lyons

now he and Macha can hang out together.

"I hate the Angels"

by Vegas A's Fan on Oct 16, 2006 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No,

Macha sent Chavy to steal Leyland's wallet, but Chavy didn't know how.

by mikeA on Oct 16, 2006 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right

because he's not good at hablaing espanol...since, of course, he's not Mexican enough.

by bigthree17 on Oct 16, 2006 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

my momma used to say

"passive is as passive doesn't"

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

this is getting really old

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Oct 16, 2006 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

go tell Urban

Maybe he can get an intra-AN strife article out of it.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Macha, Chavez, and Me:

The Three Arch Villains of AN." By Mychael Urban.

by mikeA on Oct 16, 2006 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

McDonalds

The Two-Arch Villains of Gastronomy

By, uh, Bobby Kielty

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and don't forget ...

... this guy ...

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 16, 2006 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"not Mexican enough"

is really getting old?????????

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 16, 2006 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ken Macha = John Kreese

Can we now please admit that Ken Macha is the John Kreese of MLB? The similarities are hard to argue against...

Both are Black Belts in Martial Arts.
Both put down their own players/students (Melhuse and Johnny Lawrence, respectively)
Both got ousted by more powerful men (Billy Beane and Mr. Miyagi, respectively)

by nfadil4 on Oct 16, 2006 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

by El Payo on Oct 16, 2006 3:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My three picks in order:

Larry Bowa on a 1 yr., + an option

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