Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports kicks off his weekly Inside Baseball column with a look at the job security of a number of managers, noting that Mets skipper Terry Collins, D-backs manager Chip Hale and White Sox manager Robin Ventura could all be on the hot seat, while Braves interim manager Brian Snitker doesn’t seem especially likely to shed the interim label and keep his post. Other names mentioned include Mike Scioscia (Angels), Brad Ausmus (Tigers), Kevin Cash (Rays), Paul Molitor (Twins), Bryan Price (Reds) and Walt Weiss (Rockies), but none from that group seems to be eminently in danger of losing his job even at season’s end, per Heyman.
Some highlights from the lengthy column…
- White Sox GM Rick Hahn was far more in favor of a deadline sale than owner Jerry Reinsdorf, Heyman writes, but the Sox ultimately held onto nearly all of their tradeable assets, with the exception of left-hander Zach Duke, suggesting that Hahn ultimately wasn’t given the go-ahead to operate as he might’ve wished. The Sox haven’t put Chris Sale on trade waivers yet, Heyman notes, though that decision is a moot point. He’d be claimed by the first team available — the Twins, as things currently stand — and pulled back off waivers. Chicago had interest in Gary Sanchez when the Yankees were looking at Sale, he adds, though that’s not much of a surprise. Catcher has long been a weak spot in Chicago, and Sanchez is among the more highly regarded prospects in all of baseball.
- There wasn’t much chatter pertaining to Yunel Escobar prior to the non-waiver trade deadline (and there’s been less in August), but Heyman writes that Escobar did draw interest in July. However, the Angels like what he’s been able to give to the club offensively, batting .316/.365/.397 in 474 plate appearances. I’m not sure I see the logic behind not being willing to move Escobar but trading a similarly priced and very arguably more valuable asset with the same amount of club control (Hector Santiago) for what amounted to an injured prospect, but perhaps the Halos simply didn’t receive an offer to their liking for Escobar.
- The Dodgers “love” Rich Hill and were planning to pursue him last winter until Brett Anderson accepted the team’s qualifying offer, per Heyman. Those two don’t seem like they should’ve been mutually exclusive — the Dodgers went out and signed Kenta Maeda and Scott Kazmir following Anderson’s acceptance of the QO, after all — but perhaps the Dodgers either couldn’t guarantee a rotation spot or didn’t find the notion of two starters with such recent injury woes to be palatable. Either way, if the Dodgers are as fond of Hill as Heyman indicates, it seems likely that they’ll be in the mix to re-sign him come the offseason.
- One executive from a non-Dodgers club opined to Heyman that no team will claim Yasiel Puig if and when he’s placed on revocable waivers and added, “…if they do, they’re going to get him.” Furthermore, Heyman writes that it isn’t likely that Puig will rejoin the Dodgers at any point this season, as he has “turned off” many of his teammates. It seems difficult to fathom that the Dodgers wouldn’t bring him back in the month of September when rosters expand, but we’ll find out in just a few weeks — if Puig isn’t dealt first.
- The Padres have yet to put Derek Norris on trade waivers, and Heyman calls him a more likely offseason trade candidate. The Indians showed mild interest but ultimately decided that their internal options were preferable to Norris, who is once again struggling tremendously following a strong showing at the plate from May 1 through the All-Star break. Heyman also notes that the Padres are interested enough in Puig to at least be thinking about it and points out the connection between pro scouting director Logan White and Puig. White was the Dodgers VP of amateur scouting prior to his Padres gig and was one of the execs that recommended Puig to his colleagues.
- The Rangers weren’t able to swing a deal for any of the big-name starters they pursued, but that’s in part due to the asking prices they received. The Rays asked the Rangers for Jurickson Profar and other pieces in exchange for Matt Moore, while Rougned Odor’s name was suggested by the Rays in Chris Archer talks and by the White Sox in talks for Chris Sale.
#Snit2017
Agree. But doubt our wish comes true.
It makes too much sense to keep him. He’s eased the pressure of the season on the players, provided an excellent clubhouse environment, stood up for his team against the umpires and, in my opinion, managed the lineup/bullpen the best way he could. Not to mention the rotation out performing all expectations.
He’s paid his time and should have his chance to continue. No other manager available is as appealing as Snit is in my opinion. He should be the guy for sure!
Considering Bochy’s health is now a concern, you might be right.
How is he any different than Fredi?
I really don’t think he’s much different than Fredi. IMO, they need to go outside the organization. Fredi was to well connected w/ Cox, and I don’t think they were smart to hire him. Needs to be someone new.
I like Snitker, but I don’t think he’s ready for Manager of a MLB team. I especially think he needs to work on bullpen management.
If you don’t see a difference between him and Fredi, you must not be watching the games. Fredi often looked lost and disconnected. He barely set foot out of a dugout to argue against an ump for his players. He would bat Jason Heyward first. He picked the worst pitching matchups.
Snit stopped Ender from being ejected the other night. Snit has actually been ejected a few times. Snit always seems focused on every play you see him in the dugout. So far his lineup decisions have been terrific.
He’s been in baseball for 40 years and managing most of it. I do not understand how you can say “he’s not ready to be an MLB manager”.
You’re not ready to comment on Major League Baseball if you think that 😉
He can work on bullpen management more when we actually have a bullpen, and not names pulled out of a hat! He’s done the best he could with his roster, by far. This season hasn’t been a total dumpster fire, like it would have been under Fredi.
#Snit2017
I’d claim Puig. He’s not that expensive and has tons of talent. Sign me up
He’d be a perfect fit in Philadelphia actually. Any OF spot and he’s only 26 next year – plenty of time to get him an acting coach so he stops being so foolish.
He also probably needs adderall too. Would love to see him get analyzed by a professional about that…
Why do you think adderall is going to be helpful to him?
I agree. MacKanin fancies his ability to relate to hispanic players, speaks fluent Spanish. I’d offer either Knapp or Lively and a lesser prospect.
It’s quite interesting because the Dodgers have no need to trade him or bring him up. He will probably provide more value in the offseason if gms believe his AAA numbers are intriguing. So they probably aren’t going to just give him away. Nobody of great value is going to pass through waivers. Plus as much as the Dodgers have soured on him he still provides depth just in case someone get injured. So if expect him to not be with the big club this year unless for emergency but not traded until the offseason.
I’d claim puig…any team not willing to claim him would be stupid. If the dodgers want to get rid of him so bad they may do so for little return and puig potentially has tons of upside and if he doesn’t perform you can release him.
So the Rangers don’t have room in their budget to re-sign Yu Darvish and Ian Desmond, but they should be willing to pony up $17.5M for a replacement level Puig? And they’d be stupid if they didn’t??
are yu darvish or ian desmond going to cost 17.5?
Notice how I said “if the dodgers wanted to get rid of him badly”. I wouldn’t pay for him but I’d claim him and discuss at least some kind of trade that could work for any claiming team.
Is that seriously a question?? Darvish has posted 2.0 WAR in 10 games this season, that’s a rate of 6+ WAR over an entire season. If he continue pitching like he has over his career, and stay healthy, there’s no doubt he’ll command north of $17.5M
Desmond is arguably having the best year of his career, and at $8M this year he’s a bargain. There’s no way he doesn’t easily eclipse the $17.5M Puig is owed.
I did notice that, but I also noticed how you said “any team not willing to claim him would be stupid” and I also noticed that “any team” includes the Rangers. I also noticed how the statement you reiterated has no bearing on the statement I called you out on. And I happened to notice that revocable waivers do NOT require a trade and that the waiving team can just let the claiming team have the player, saddling them with the entirety of the contract.
You don’t get the choice of whether you work out a trade or not, the waiving team does. If the waiving team says “sorry, not interested in your prospects to eat dollars, he’s all your’s” that’s their prerogative, not yours.
meaning…is spending 17.5 on puig the difference between signing those guys or not. They will cost enough more than that, that if you can’t sign them, spending the money for puig isn’t a direct correlation
He’s signed for another $17.5 mil over the next 2 seasons and has been pretty darn close to replacement level. That’s pretty much a $17.5M bet on potential. He came in and set the baseball world on fire and has markedly declined every year. We’ve seen plenty of guys come in and do the same thing. Some teams might have extra money to throw around, but I wouldn’t advise it unless they’re willing to eat a large chunk of that contract.
Finally rid of Papelbum, and you want to bring in another clubhouse cancer? Puig would set one heck of an example for all the kids. (Insert sarcasm)
I wouldn’t respond to this person. Same guy who said he would immediately sign Danny Vasquez despite the fact he was just videoed beating the **** out of his girlfriend. Actually, if I were MLBTR I wouldn’t allow this person to comment after that remark, but oh well.
Listen man, I don’t condone violence by any means, but redemption is certainly possible and I believe in second chances. Look at Michael Vick- he didn’t hit women, but he tortured and murdered dogs– but the Eagles signed him and not only did he provide excellent value for them on the field, he rebuilt his image and became the club house leader, including standing behind Riley Cooper when he made his mistake.
Again, I apologize if it offends you, I meant not to seem as if I condone this kind of behavior because I find it appalling, however second chances are an important part of life- people learn from mistakes and from a business perspective, having the ability to acquire a player at a discounted rate due to a reason like this is an opportunity that can be beneficial to an organization. (Yankees and Aroldis Chapman).
But puigs not a bad person, the media is trying to paint him as one for some reason
Phillies are rebuiling and don’t need a player that needs a 24/7 baby sitter (google Tim Bravo Puig and read the articles) and he isn’t conditioned (whether it be mentally or physically) for a 162 game season. 2013 and 14 after 100 games (the approx. length of the Cuban league with playoffs) he faded.
2013 after game 100 (40 MiLB 60 MLB) his slash…237/316/438. 2014 after 100 games…247/335/335. 2015 to start a respectable 279/380/465 4/6-4/24 then the DL for 39 games. He comes back and as is his pattern he is a monster for a few days 6/6 – 6/18 372/426/581 and then from 6/19-10/4 he slashes a pathetic 224/285/398.
This year he was just as inconsistent. Through 6/2…53 games…237/283/360….then the DL and he comes back 6/21…. for 13 games….381/447/571. After that it’s back to the old Puig… in the 15 games before being demoted….245/345/327.
The guy may have raw talent but not the mentality. Philly doesn’t need a guy that pulls himself from a game and goes clubbing that night. People can say that there is no proof that “he has “turned off” many of his teammates” but you have to wonder. If LA couldn’t even find a trade partner then just maybe the stories are true.
Holy mother of arbitrary endpoints
It shows a distinct pattern of extreme inconsistency and poor conditioning. Look at the game logs.
Always wanted Cash to end up back in Boston as a coach someday, then after he played in NY for a little bit? Thought he’d wind up as a coach there before becoming a long term manager as well.
The guy is really baseball smart and deserves to head up a team with resources and would like to see the combination of nice guy and smart go to the perfect situation next. No knock on the ChiSox, but that is not it..
Yeah sure, you need a good manager to “head up a team with resources.”
Puig is hitting .500 with a 1.505 OPS at AAA – he does not belong in that league. Josh Reddick has a .417 OPS with the Dodgers. Puig is clearly the superior option, and they need to either trade him or play him over the horrible Reddick.
Even at the time of his demotion he was hitting better than reddick, and brought a needed right handed bat to the Dodgers lineup
It was never about the numbers.
Superior option based upon what “potential.” Compare the overall numbers this year because essentially that’s all you can do. Reddick has played 82 Puig 81. Redddick has better numbers in everything but RBI’s which can be explained by the A’s offense. Add on to that Puig’s success came when he was hidden in the 7th spot. Add on to the fact that he was a distraction, became a punching Judy hitter, and his adjustments didn’t last.
Sure you can quote AAA numbers but remember since he’s been in AAA Trevor Cahill was the best pitcher he’s faced and maybe one other mid rotation prospect. Sure he can hit in AAA when the competition he’s facing isn’t close to what he’d face in the minors. He’s an average player that’s what his numbers break out after 2013. Yes the first half of 14 was great but then teams got the book on him and made adjustments Reddick might be an average to slightly above average player on a playoff team but I’ll take the professional non club house distraction every day. Last time I checked a .5 doesn’t even sit you at the table for a superior player.
Yes Reddick is struggling but he’s hitting the ball hard right at people at least before tonight. That’s a sign that they are going to start falling.
Puig strikes me as a perfect Oakland Athletics reclamation project.
Puig to Cleveland, they need him and he gets into a pennant race. He’s got something to prove, lays well and then they move him in the offseason when his stock is up.
No way. They have a good thing going. Why bring in a wild card and potentially ruin the mojo they have. Save the money and go find and magic shoulder (and bat) for Gomes.
Brantley is done and Almonte will have to sit out the playoffs, they’ll need another bat. This is a chance to grab a high talent player at a low price. He can revive his MLB career by playing well and they can then move him in the offseason.
It’s not coming at a low price that’s why he won’t be traded until the offseason. In part because he has times to recoup value not much but they aren’t selling low. Especially when the market dictates the shortcoming of quality FA plus the overall health situation in LA.
You don’t see the logic in keeping Escobar…
Well you answered your own question with his slash line. Plus, the third base market is almost non-existent this offseason. Unless the Angels bring back David Freese and move Escobar to 2B.
See if they’d take Gardner or a couple of OF prospects. The yankees have a ton of them. I think he is worth the risk but if there is one place you can get into more trouble then LA it is New York.
Snitker has showed alotnof promise and ever since he has taken over he has got the players to play hard and fight for every game regardless of the score. This team doesn’t give up. I big to differ from many of you who think he isn’t much different than freddie. I personally believe he is completely different. It shows in how he approaches the lineup and when to change pitchers or challenge plays or even making in game adjustments. You can tell the players believe in him and are willing to play hard for him unlike Freddie. Freddie was a softy and Snitker will go out there and argue for his players. At the end of the day the players play. Doesn’t matter who had been coaching this year team. The outcome would be the same. Snitker is managing this team about the best it could possibly be. I say give him a year in the new stadium and the excitement of young talent coming up as well as some new pieces from free agency or off season trades and than we will be able to tell if he is the man for the job long term. Who else the braves gonna hire. I’m not a huge Bud Black guy and we’re not gonna hire a good manager away from another club so give Snitker a full season.
PUIG FOR AVI GARCIA
Ventura should have been gone about 2 seasons ago. The fact that he is still ‘managing’ the White Sox after his record, and whole 12 yr old leader in the clubhouse and the Sale scissor hands incident, tells me not to be surprised if clown kenny gives him an extension, in which case prepare for more mediocrity on the south side of Chicago for another few years. If the Sox had a better manager I have a feeling this team would be legitimately in the running for a wild card spot right now.