There's talk of Phil Garner being a possible candidate for the soon-to-be vacant Baltimore Orioles managerial position. Here's why I like the idea:
Garner's nickname as a player was "Scrap Iron." One thing the O's have lacked over the last several years ... hell, maybe the last 25 years ... has been grit. Think of any recent roster and who stands out in your mind as a gritty player? Eric Byrnes, maybe?
Orioles players, for the longest time have seemed lackadaisical, almost passive about the game. Some of the biggest O's stars in recent years have been known for being quieter or have "led by example," starting with the biggest star of all, Cal Ripken, Jr. Even now, players such as Nick Markakis or Kevin Millwood or Brian Roberts are not "kick in the pants" style leaders. That might work when there's a winning tradition and a team is full of vets that have "been there before."
But the Orioles seriously need someone to ignite them. Dave Trembley, for all his positives ... or for any positives ... is not that kind of manager. The last fire-breathing manager here was the legendary (in my eyes) Davey Johnson (who as you can imagine would be my choice to bring back, if just to remove the curse hanging over this organization since Peter Angelos ran him outta town in 1997). And guess what? Who was the last manager to have success in Baltimore?
Davey Johnson.
Now, clearly, Davey Johnson had a different type of roster with which to deal, but his style worked on a team that needed it. I contend that this team needs it even more so.
Garner was known as manager of the Brewers for an aggressive, running style that led his team to a successful record that year. He later took over for Jimy Williams in Houston mid-season (so he's no stranger to the mid-season start) and turned the team around.
Garner has experience, just enough fire (but probably not too much that will get him entangled with Angelos) and the "grit" necessary to potentially light a fire under this organization.
The last 3 managers - Trembley, Perlozzo and Mazzilli have all had no experience and were all generally easy-going (and certainly likeable) guys who were long-time "baseball men." Angelos should have learned by now that this route won't work for this team. Granted, it's never about the manager solely, and probably in the most extreme of circumstances the manager might only make a 5-10 game difference, but that might be the difference between a 70-win and 90-win season.
Regardless, at this point, Trembley's days seem numbered.
I like Phil Garner....but remember when the Orioles got Mike Hargrove as manager back in 1999 or 2000? He sure didnt do much either, and he had playoff experience, a trip to the W.S.
ReplyDeleteYes, Geoff, and Grover did have success with Cleveland - great success in fact. Difference is, Hargrove is the typical recent O's manager. "Nice guy, easy to deal with, passive, good baseball man." My point was that we need some fire.
ReplyDeleteOf course, like I said, Angelos doesn't like "fire" or people who aren't apparently yes-men, which is why Davey Johnson "resigned" in the first place when he wouldn't accede to Angelos' ridiculous demands.
Thanks for the comment.
I'm with you on this one, Ken. Trembley was a great organizational guy and a great teacher. He brough talong the young guys well enough, but he's not well-suited for taking this team to the next level.
ReplyDeleteGarner isn't my first choice, but I am 100% sure we need a guy with a history of success and who can kick the crap out of these guys when they are dogging it (like now).