Earlier today we passed along some Dodgers-related rumors, but now let's round up some other West Coast links…
- The Rockies have interviewed former Mets and White Sox manager Jerry Manuel and former Phillies bench coach Pete MacKanin for their managerial opening, reports Troy Renck of The Denver Post (Twitter links).
- "I don't see it as an arms race," said Giants president Larry Baer to Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times when asked about his team's rivalry with the Dodgers. "It's a judgment race. It's a brainiac race. What team can come up with the right judgments to put the right combination of players on the field?"
- Bruce Jenkins of The San Francisco Chronicle says Giants GM Brian Sabean should do everything in his power to keep his team intact moving forward. In my opinion, one of the biggest mistakes a team (in any sport) can make is think it has the "magic formula" and not make any meaningful changes.
- Scout and minor league manager Tom Kotchman (Casey's father) resigned from his positions with the Angels, reports John Manuel and Conor Glassey of Baseball America. Kotchman had been with the team since 1984 and signed players like Howie Kendrick, Patrick Corbin, and Jeff Mathis as amateurs.
- The Mariners have hired Tim Kissner as their new international scouting director, reports Baseball America's Ben Badler. Kissner spent the last two years in the Cubs' organization. Bob Engle, Seattle's long-time international scouting director, informed the organization that he would not be returning a few weeks ago.
Baer is correct, Jenkins is not. The Giants did many things right this year, but they can definitely improve. Any good front office should never take options off the table; it leads to bad decision-making.
As of right now the giants are definitely winning that “judgment race” with 2 championships over the past 3 seasons. Impressive