Phillips on the NL G.M.s (Insider)

[RynoRules]

You'll need an "Insider" subscription, but the article is here: Link

 

Basically its Phillips comments on the NL (and AL) GMs, their personalities, how they operate, etc.

 

His thoughts on JH are interesting (and note the Beane reference):

 

Jim Hendry, Chicago Cubs

When Hendry first got the job as the Cubs' GM, he called Billy Beane and said, "Hey Billy I am not smart enough to figure out how these three-way and four-way trades work, but count me in." He plays the fool, but can make others look the part at the end of the day.

 

He is also smart and has good instincts, but doesn't act as if he's brighter than you are. He is funny when it is appropriate, and he cuts to the chase when it is appropriate. He is aggressive, and will tell you what he likes and what he doesn't.

 

There is no indecisiveness in him, which is part of his training -- as a scout he was taught to never sit on the fence. He is also a good baseball man and always seems to be in a hurry, but slows down when he sees or hears something he likes.

 

Also, check out the pic of Ed Wade - he looks positively frightening, like a an old-time general or nasty law professor.

 

And most importantly, congrats to me on my 500th post! \:D/

[jyoung55]

Does somewhere in the article include the statement: "My analysis of all of the GMs is... they are all at least 3x better than me"? Because that's the only relevant thing Phillips would have to say.

[hawkeyecub]

Does somewhere in the article include the statement: "My analysis of all of the GMs is... they are all at least 3x better than me"? Because that's the only relevant thing Phillips would have to say.

 

I don't think so. He was a bad GM, yes. But it's an interesting perspective to hear how these guys work from general managers who have dealt with them in the past.

[UMFan83]

It's interesting, but it seems like he is trying not to step on any toes in case an MLB team comes calling for him again.

[Zaphkiel]

I think that Steve Phillips writes very interesting articles, and they're pretty informative, too. I look forward to the day when every mention of him on this board doesn't lead to the following post: "I don't care about anything he has to say because the Mets were bad while he was a GM."