In the Spotlight: Bruce Bochy
Just to shake things up, we at Goat Riders have decided to post a managerial piece that is both relevant and topical (this article is like suntan lotion with words). Today in the Trib, Dave Van Dyke sidestepped the ottoman and declared that Bochy may have been contacted and now may be the frontrunner for the Cubs' managerial postition. Just trying to sell papers? Hard to say, but he did site a source "close to the situation" which, to be honest, is more than we've got here.
Before we get to the Bochy piece, let me just note that a huge log has been thrown into the anti-Piniella fire as White Sox "announcer" Hawk Harrelson strongly endorsed Piniella (reg. required).
"We would have the two best managers in the same city," Harrelson said. "If Lou comes, the Cubs' upside could be huge."
If by "best" Harrelson means "wackjobiest" then I fully agree. That being said, I rarely take my advice from people who can't form complete sentences. Let's hope Hendry heard this glowing praise and just said: "He Gone."
So, is Bochy a better choice than Piniella (yes) or Girardi (maybe) or is he just another managerial re-tread? To find out, we went to Geoff Young, author of the very popular Padres' blog Ducksnorts. Here's what he had to say. You might notice a shocking similarity between these questions and those we asked about Torre. That's just a coincidence, we assure you. Okay, here's Geoff:
Is Bochy a good in-game manager? Strategy and what not. Is he agressive with the steals or more of a three-run homer type. Big on the double switch? You know, stuff like that.
He is not a particularly good in-game manager (there are some who would say I'm being too kind in that assessment). He leans more toward the small-ball style, though that may be as much a function of his home park as anything. His pinch-hitting choices will drive you crazy sometimes, as he won't always send the best option up to the plate. He'll also call the hit-and-run just to "shake things up" on occasion, regardless of whether it makes sense to do so. Strategy isn't his strength.
How does he handle his pitchers? Conservative with the pitch count or does he ride his horses?
He used to ride his horses more than he does now. I wouldn't say that he's especially conservative, but in recent years he's had some good bullpen options and been more likely to use them earlier if needed. Jake Peavy is about the only guy he'll stretch out these days, and even then, it's not extreme.
How does he feel about using rookies? Was he prone to falling in love with a crappy veteran over a superior young player?
Historically he hasn't always been willing to give much responsibility to young hitters. This year he gave Josh Barfield and Adrian Gonzalez plenty of PT by necessity, but he's been more comfortable with established guys in the past. The young hitters he did use tended to be developed in other organizations (e.g., Quilvio Veras, Mark Kotsay).
Also, if you give him crappy veterans (e.g., Deivi Cruz, Gary Bennett, Vinny Castilla, Mark Bellhorn), chances are he'll find a way to get them into the lineup too often. Bochy has shown more willingness to use the young pitchers at his disposal, which may be colored by the fact that GM Kevin Towers has given him better young pitchers than position players in the past.Did his players seem that they wanted to play for him? Does he seem to be a good motivator?
Absolutely. This is Bochy's greatest strength as a manager. For all his strategical shortcomings, he knows how to work with his players.
In general, good manager? Would you miss him or would you be okay with the Cubs stealing him away?
I think I would miss him because he's got a pretty rich history with the club (he's the only person to be in uniform for all five of the Padres' playoff seasons) and he seems like a genuinely good person. That said, I'm not sure he's the guy to lead the Pads to a championship, so seeing him move on wouldn't kill me, assuming the Padres were able to find a capable replacement. I'd be sorry to see him go, but not necessarily
because he's a great manager.
So, there you have it. For the most part, it either seems that all managers are the same or that the Cubs are simply going after one kind of guy. All these guys have the same thing in common: questionable in-game strategy, love for the veterans and great motivation skills.
Bruce Bochy seems like a decent choice at this point and is certainly as good as anyone else, I think. Given that Earl Weaver won't be managing again anytime soon, I think we're just going to settle for a manager who's "good". I will go on the record regarding Bochy with a resounding "meh".
greg
But you forget how Hendry traded for Ramirez, Lofton and Simon in 2003. That helped push us over the top and aramis is still here and playing well. First of all, Thome doesnt fit the cubs needs, he is a below average first basemen which is why is the DH for the white sox. He is going to start declining soon being in is upper 30's, so why pay so much for him. I think the sox overpaid for him. I said barrett is average defensively. The padres are the playoff team with a terrible defensive catcher. Piazza is terrible at defense. But also look into that stat of throwing out baserunners and how many times did he really have a shot. Bases are mostly stolen off the pitcher, leaving the catcher no chance. If the pitcher is slow to home or is tipping his pitches and the runners go on off speed and breaking stuff, its almost impossible to throw out a runner. So that is not all on Barrett. I dont think that Hendry cant evaluate talent, i also just dont think its where some people want to play. I dont think Furcal even wanted to play in chicago. Becuase its not all about the money. Our farm system isnt as strong as it used to be. Many of our top prospects are now in the show. Rich Hill and Guzman. What do you have to say about Brian Cashman? Is he a genius at evaluating talent or is he just lucky to an unlimited payroll and the yankees mystique. The Yankees farm system is terrible it is the worst in baseball. Lay off of hendry because he has made deals to help us in 2003, and then getting Nomar, and D Lee. Also i doubt you could do a better job in that office. I really do.
Cubs Fan
Hendry inherited most of the 03 team's talent. Three full seasons as GM, and he has turned a division winning team into the worst team in the NL. Sorry i've lost faith in him. He wont pay for players like Thome, Beltran, Furcal but will overpay for guys like Jones, Dempster or Neifi. He traded way to much for Pierre but wouldnt trade an oft injured Prior for Tejada. As for Barrett, he is probably the worst defensive catcher in all of baseball. You dont see alot of playoff teams with catchers that cant throw anyone out (I think he was 16 out of 105 in throwing out baserunners). Our farm system sucks and our GM cant evaluate free agent talent. 07 is going to be another long season, so I guess it really doesnt matter who manages this mess.
greg
First of all, Cubs fan, not having world series experience doesnt matter. If that was the case there would be very few managers available right now. What about Ken Macha, he hasnt taken a team to the world series, is he a bad manager, or girardi too for that matter. World Series experience should not be a prerequisite since it is very difficult and takes luck to get there.
The article talkes about how all the managers the cubs are looking into are the same. I thin any manager you could put in these categories to some extent. Game strategy is something that differs from person to person, so you are never going to find somebody that will agree completely with you. Since there are many different philosophies, granted some are better than others but its just difference of opinion. The love of veterans thing. I dont know of a manager out there that would sit a veteran because of potential in the farm system. joe torre has to play veterans, thats all he has, The Cubs last year, played youngsters mostly pitchers but also cedeno, and murton. and Theriot at the end. I think having a balance is important. You dont want to be heavily weighted on one side. The experiece that a veteran brings is important to.
Cubs Fan, im going to have to disagree with you again. its a good thing that hendry doesnt give up on people. That is a good quality. It gives the manager confidence that he doesnt have to perform miracles. It gives a little job security. Would you be happy if your boss, gave up on you easily? I bet not. Also how can you say hes not a good judge in talent. Jones has a had a very successful career by many accounts, also Barrett is a great player, he is an average catcher but he is a great hitter.
Jason R.
Well, a lack of world series doesn't bother me. It's pretty easy to not make the World Series. Frankly, I want Bobby Valentine, but that's just a pipe dream.
senator
Not sure we want another west coast guy, not used to dealing with any questions or abuse from fans or media...Dusty would be fine back on the left coast
Cubs Fan
Why would the Cubs want a guy who has managed for 14 years and never won a world series title. Talk about remind you of Baker. Listen to how those questions were answered, the only thing missing is the toothpick and wristbands. I still say go for 1. Pinella 2. Girardi 3. Brenly then maybe Bochy. Unfortunately, Hendry falls in love with guys and does not give up on getting them, even if it doesnt make sense ie..J.Jones. He looked into Bochy 4 years ago, couldnt get him and signed Baker. Bochy doesnt make sense anymore, his style of managing didnt work (Baker) and now you have Pinella and Girardi available. But like Jones, Barrett and Dempster, Hendry will sign Bochy and prove once again that he cannot evaluate talent at all.