Decision on Next Manager

[tomsred]

Craig's test results are in:

 

[T.G.]

I think this shift in hiring guys who don't have previous managing experience is an interesting trend.  Who started this? Which team took the leap first? What's really interesting is trying to understand how these trends even get started.  Seems like every time someone does something different - everyone else starts doing it until the next "thing" comes along - be it the shift, or focusing on the bullpen or launch angles or whatever.   I don't know that all of these things have made the game better from a fan's perspective.  I still like teams that force the issue, put an emphasis on putting the ball in play, etc.  The shift isn't entertaining. I understand it helps teams be more efficient, etc. - but it doesn't do much for the entertainment value of the game.

I don't get the whole launch angle thing and that it's okay to strike out.  One of the things I appreciated about Garret Anderson was that when he came to bat with runners in scoring position - I never really expected him to hit one out, but I always felt he was going to put a good swing on the ball and put it in play.  Now a days - and last night's NLCS was a perfect example - guys come up swinging for the fences when they could help their teams by just putting the ball in play.  Is this a GM influenced thing?  GM's now have more power and input into shaping a team than ever before.  Is that a good thing? 

It's as if managers are becoming less and less relevant. I don't know if I like that.  I'm not saying I don't.  I just don't know.  Some of these GM's are bright and really know how to use data and analytics, but is not what baseball is all about to me, as a fan.  Seems like some of the entertainment value is disappearing.  Big personalities like Billy Martin, Ozzie Guillen or Tommy Lasorda seem to be disappearing.  Regardless of how you feel about those guys - they added something to the game.   We don't see as many umpire/manager arguments any more.  It's like the personality is being taken out of baseball.  To that point - a lot of AW members complain that Scioscia didn't show much emotion or didn't "light a fire" under his players (whatever that means), but they don't want a guy who's old school and does some of that stuff. 

I'm rambling here...

 

[kevinb]

10 hours ago, True Grich said:

I think this shift in hiring guys who don't have previous managing experience is an interesting trend.  Who started this? Which team took the leap first? What's really interesting is trying to understand how these trends even get started.  Seems like every time someone does something different - everyone else starts doing it until the next "thing" comes along - be it the shift, or focusing on the bullpen or launch angles or whatever.   I don't know that all of these things have made the game better from a fan's perspective.  I still like teams that force the issue, put an emphasis on putting the ball in play, etc.  The shift isn't entertaining. I understand it helps teams be more efficient, etc. - but it doesn't do much for the entertainment value of the game.

I don't get the whole launch angle thing and that it's okay to strike out.  One of the things I appreciated about Garret Anderson was that when he came to bat with runners in scoring position - I never really expected him to hit one out, but I always felt he was going to put a good swing on the ball and put it in play.  Now a days - and last night's NLCS was a perfect example - guys come up swinging for the fences when they could help their teams by just putting the ball in play.  Is this a GM influenced thing?  GM's now have more power and input into shaping a team than ever before.  Is that a good thing? 

It's as if managers are becoming less and less relevant. I don't know if I like that.  I'm not saying I don't.  I just don't know.  Some of these GM's are bright and really know how to use data and analytics, but is not what baseball is all about to me, as a fan.  Seems like some of the entertainment value is disappearing.  Big personalities like Billy Martin, Ozzie Guillen or Tommy Lasorda seem to be disappearing.  Regardless of how you feel about those guys - they added something to the game.   We don't see as many umpire/manager arguments any more.  It's like the personality is being taken out of baseball.  To that point - a lot of AW members complain that Scioscia didn't show much emotion or didn't "light a fire" under his players (whatever that means), but they don't want a guy who's old school and does some of that stuff. 

I'm rambling here...

 

I never understood the manager arguing with the umpires. I can't remember a single time it changed the outcome of a call. You would watch it for 5 minutes or so and then either the manager would get tossed along with a player or two, or the manager would be all heated and just walk back to the dugout. It didn't do anything for me. 

[Lou]

3 hours ago, Kevinb said:

I never understood the manager arguing with the umpires. I can't remember a single time it changed the outcome of a call. You would watch it for 5 minutes or so and then either the manager would get tossed along with a player or two, or the manager would be all heated and just walk back to the dugout. It didn't do anything for me. 

they argue to try and influence subsequent calls

[Fullmer17]

 

[Blarg]

On 10/17/2018 at 12:08 AM, Kevinb said:

I never understood the manager arguing with the umpires. I can't remember a single time it changed the outcome of a call. You would watch it for 5 minutes or so and then either the manager would get tossed along with a player or two, or the manager would be all heated and just walk back to the dugout. It didn't do anything for me. 

Every replay is an argument with the umpire. They just skipped to the chase allowing them to demand one from the dugout. 

[IEAngelsfan]

On 10/17/2018 at 3:43 AM, Lou said:

they argue to try and influence subsequent calls

Yup.  They argue for the next call that is made to be in their favor.

[Angel Oracle]

On ‎10‎/‎17‎/‎2018 at 3:43 AM, Lou said:

they argue to try and influence subsequent calls

And, related, stand up for their players.

[Angel Oracle]

The NBA outlawed zone defense eventually, as the players became taller, stronger, and more athletic.

Could MLB adopt some sort of limit, as to how a shift can be done?

[Angel Oracle]

At the rate the Astros are going, the Halos new manager (if Espada) could be announced as soon as a week from now.

[ukyah]

1 hour ago, Angel Oracle said:

The NBA outlawed zone defense eventually, as the players became taller, stronger, and more athletic.

Could MLB adopt some sort of limit, as to how a shift can be done?

 

i've actually been for this change. i know the argument is lay down a bunt, but i believe the new rule should be, you can't line up on the opposite side of the 2nd base bag before the ball is pitched.

[2112]

On 10/5/2018 at 11:31 AM, stormngt said:

When?

His handle says it all......

[Troll Daddy]

 

[tomsred]

4 hours ago, Angel Oracle said:

At the rate the Astros are going, the Halos new manager (if Espada) could be announced as soon as a week from now.

It won't get announced during the World Series, I think MLB has a rule against releasing news like this while the Series is ongoing.

[Docwaukee]

49 minutes ago, Troll Daddy said:

 

you must be devastated.  

[Stradling]

51 minutes ago, tomsred said:

It won't get announced during the World Series, I think MLB has a rule against releasing news like this while the Series is ongoing.

If it is Espada (I think that is his name from the Astros) then it could be announced tomorrow.  

[Blarg]

7 hours ago, Angel Oracle said:

The NBA outlawed zone defense eventually, as the players became taller, stronger, and more athletic.

Could MLB adopt some sort of limit, as to how a shift can be done?

They should outlaw 3 outcome players that can only pull the ball. 

[Blarg]

1 hour ago, Stradling said:

If it is Espada (I think that is his name from the Astros) then it could be announced tomorrow.  

Not until his test scores are posted.

[tomsred]

2 hours ago, Blarg said:

Not until his test scores are posted.

When the hell has he had time to take a two hour test?

[CDiaz27?]

I’d like to see Joe Espada brought in. Simply because he can bring the data they are giving to the Astros pitchers that’s turning them into ‘Ace’ material type pitchers. Angels pitchers need more data other then how to tear your UCL. 

[ukyah]

31 minutes ago, CDiaz27 said:

I’d like to see Joe Espada brought in. Simply because he can bring the data they are giving to the Astros pitchers that’s turning them into ‘Ace’ material type pitchers. Angels pitchers need more data other then how to tear your UCL. 

i've said from the get go that it would be espada based on eppler's stated desire for qualities in a manager. i don't think any other candidate represents those qualities better. i think the only thing that trumps that is if espada chooses another managerial position or if eppler likes chavez or ausmus better, as in house guys.

[eligrba]

Did I miss the announcement?  I read on Angelswin it would be announced today.

[Stradling]

18 minutes ago, eligrba said:

Did I miss the announcement?  I read on Angelswin it would be announced today.

Oh yea, where did you read that?  

[eligrba]

31 minutes ago, Stradling said:

Oh yea, where did you read that?  

 

On 10/18/2018 at 5:43 PM, Stradling said:

If it is Espada (I think that is his name from the Astros) then it could be announced tomorrow.  

[Stradling]

Just now, eligrba said:

 

Oh ok.