Dodgers fire Jim Tracy

[CuseCubFan69]

I pick up the phone and call people. Simple as that. I talk with several people within the organization. Hendry is very accessible. He won't compromise confidential information, but he'll answer every question, even if he says he can't say something. During the Maddux negotiations two winters ago and the Sosa saga last winter, I was talking with Jim every day, sometimes two and three times a day. He always answered or got back to me.

Sounds like Jim is a straight-up guy.

 

I've read quite a few reports about Hendry being a very straight up guy. I think Nomar was talking about that last year when he signed. He seems to treat people with respect and that's nice to hear from a GM.

[CubfaninCA]

Some names that have been thrown out there for the LA job are...

 

Kevin Kennedy, Bobby Valentine (Lasorda guy), Ron Washington of Oakland, Orel Hershiser, and Terry Collins.

 

Would be funny if Dusty begged for the LA job.

[CuseCubFan69]

Some names that have been thrown out there for the LA job are...

 

Kevin Kennedy, Bobby Valentine (Lasorda guy), Ron Washington of Oakland, Orel Hershiser, and Terry Collins.

 

Would be funny if Dusty begged for the LA job.

 

Funny no....wonderful yes.

[KW34]

All these managers are getting cut loose for insubordination, and we are talking about offering Dusty an extension. Unbelievable.

 

Would I prefer Tracy over Baker? All day long.

 

Tracy used to manage the Peoria Chiefs. Baker is a long time player in the Dodger organization. I'd be perfectly fine with the ole double switch.

 

Many Dodgers fans hated Tracy, often complaining about moves some here might find "Dusty-esque", most notably his handling of one Hee Seop Choi. If Tracy were here I don't think many would find much different in on the field matters. Check out this comments on this blog if you'd like a sampling of the SABR-friendly L.A. fans' views on Tracy:

 

http://dodgerthoughts.baseballtoaster.com/archives/269357.html

[bobbyd20]

Bruce,

 

Could you get me Hendry's number? There are a couple of questions that I have been wanting to ask him.

 

Thanks.

 

Sincerely,

 

Most of Wrigleyville

[KW34]

Those weren't "rumors" about the contract extensions. Those were strong indications given to media members close to the team _ given to us by various members of the Cubs family.

There are several "extension" scenarios regarding Baker: He could be offered a one-year extension. He could be offered a two-year extension. He could be offered a "lowball" extension. And as I've said, there is no guarantee he'll accept. I don't think he particularly likes Chicago all that much.

A good start will be important regardless, especially since I have a feeling Baker will make the whole extension thing moot by not accepting it. Nice use of the word "perpendicular," though.

 

That's interesting. I've always felt that Dusty's main motivation method was "us against the world", and his teams thrived under adversity - when forced to circle the wagons (apologize for the cliches). In 2003 he attacked the negative perception of the Cubs and Cubs fans ("why not us?") and successfully parlayed it into a somewhat successful playoff run. Last year he attacked the broadcasters and media without much success, but did have the team in position for a run until the hurricane in Florida. This year they made a brief run after Prior went down, and again when Wood finally went to have his surgery. I figured next year he would play the "woe is me I don't have a contract after all I've done". If he turns down an extension, what does he have left? The fans now expect a winner, the broadcasters play nice (not in a bad way - I am a big fan of Len), hopefully injuries won't be as big of a problem next year. Has Dusty ever been in a situation where he couldn't complain or blame anything? And more importantly, can he possibly succeed in this type of environment?

[Mark Priors Calves]

I pick up the phone and call people. Simple as that. I talk with several people within the organization. Hendry is very accessible. He won't compromise confidential information, but he'll answer every question, even if he says he can't say something. During the Maddux negotiations two winters ago and the Sosa saga last winter, I was talking with Jim every day, sometimes two and three times a day. He always answered or got back to me.

 

Very interesting, thanks Bruce.