Late last week, the Rockies started the search for their next manager in earnest when they interviewed bench coach Tom Runnells. They're also set to interview Triple-A manager Stu Cole, but a third in-house name may join the mix. Here's more on that and other managerial notes..
- Jason Giambi remains a candidate for the Rockies' managerial vacancy until he's ruled out, writes Troy Renck of The Denver Post. It's possible that the slugger will interview this week as the club determines whether to stay in-house or look outside for their next skipper. Last week, a source close to Giambi indicated that he would retire if given the opportunity to manage the Rockies.
- Meanwhile, the Red Sox are giving consideration to another managerial candidate who comes without previous experience. Brad Ausmus doesn't have the resume of other available names but is considered to be a good stress-reliever with a competitive edge, similar to Terry Francona, writes Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald. The former catcher's only dugout experience came this summer as the manager of Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic qualifying round.
- One Rockies player told Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post that he is concerned that candidates will be put off by the lack of control they would have in Colorado. "We are essentially being managed by the front office now," said the player. "I'm really wondering what kind of manager — I'm talking about a good manager — would come in here and accept this."
I truly am scratching my head Jason Giambi serious candidate for Rockies manager.
I don’t understand that at all. How did this happen? He was drafted by the A’s, signed on as a free agent with the Yankees and then latched onto the Rockies at the end of his career. Is there some sort of loyalty factor? What would make Giambi a good manager?
If the Red Sox name Ausmus as manager maybe they can finally sign Oswalt =P
This quote about the Rockies:
— I’m talking about a good manager — would come in here and accept this.”
Maybe this is why Giambi is being considered. I don’t think he’s the answer though.
Heck, bring back Don Baylor if possible.
Baylor’s got a fairly good thing in Arizona. Colorado is a poor and short-lived career choice.
It seems like loyalty is the reason here. From all the stuff that gets reported Giambi enjoys himself there and always wants to stay with the team, so that’s saying something.
It is entirely possible he likes living in Colorado, and like the organization. And it helps that there might be an actual chance if him being able to manage right away
Loyalty from the Rockies? I don’t think so. For whatever reason they just seem to think he would be a good manager for them. In part I think you may be right; they might want a guy who isn’t going to have major objections to how they’re running their team.
Loyalty from Giambi? No. If the A’s or Yankees want to offer him their manager’s jobs I’m sure he’d rather take those, but I doubt either are in the market. In his mind, I’m sure he realizes he only has a year or two left, tops, as a player. If managing is something he wants to do at some point then retiring to take a manager’s job if it’s offered is a no-brainer.
Giambi should reconsider. I would love to see a player/manager in baseball.
Is a player/manager on the field charged with a mound visit if he goes to the mound?
I would think not… but rule 8.06 does not mention “player/managers” or meetings of players at the mound. It may be allowable until the umpire thinks the P/M is abusing it.
Watch the anonymous Rockies player actually be Jason Giambi
If Giambi becomes manager then he has to take on Bonds as a hitting coach…
“Can I please be the pitching coach?”
~ R. Clemens
Roger needs to be a pitching coach somewhere that Manny Ramirez is the manager..
As a Rockies fan I would be in favor of that