There’ve been an average of 3.4 in-season managerial firings since the 2007, writes Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports in the intro to his latest weekly notes column, but the 2017 campaign may be the rare year where all 30 Opening Day skippers are still at the helm of their respective teams at the conclusion of the regular season. Heyman notes that while there’s been plenty of fan and/or media criticism of high-profile managers like John Farrell (Red Sox) and Terry Collins (Mets), no manager seems to be on a particularly hot seat at the moment. He also runs down a list of nearly half the managers in the league and examines their chances of being dismissed, though again, the primary takeaway is that most seem to be rather safe.
Some highlights from both his American League and National League roundups…
- The GM of a rival club tells Heyman that he doesn’t think the shaky start to the season for White Sox lefty Jose Quintana will negatively impact his trade value all that much. While some have suggested that the Sox missed an opportunity to move him this offseason, there are of course still three and a half very affordable years on Quintana’s contract, and his 8.95 K/9 rate is actually a career-best. In more loosely related ChiSox news, he notes that Brett Lawrie is still waiting for his ailing foot to get back to full health before seeking out a new team.
- Though the Royals recently lost Danny Duffy for the next six to eight weeks, they’re still planning to see if there’s one more run with their longstanding core for the time being. A sale from Kansas City still looks likely to me, given that the Royals have the worst record in the American League and plenty of potential rental pieces to market this summer. It’s worth noting, though, that even with the worst record in the AL, they entered play today a relatively manageable six games back from the division lead and from a Wild Card spot.
- The Diamondbacks have sent out indications that they’re planning to wait until the last minute to determine whether they’re going to add pieces prior to the non-waiver deadline or sell off some shorter-term assets. Arizona is currently a half-game back of the NL West division lead and is in possession of a Wild Card slot at the moment, though it seems that the new front office is understandably not looking to react rashly to the team’s hot start.
- With both Jake Arrieta and John Lackey set to hit free agency (and a shaky mix in the five-spot in the rotation), the Cubs are likely to pursue at least two starters following the 2017 season, per Heyman. He lists Marco Estrada and Derek Holland as some semi-speculative picks, noting that one exec from another club feels they fit the mold of arms the Cubs are likely to eye. Chicago, of course, is certainly a candidate to add some rotation help this summer and could well pick up an arm controllable beyond the current season, which would impact their offseason trajectory.
- The Nationals and Rangers were among the teams to make a play for Greg Holland, Heyman writes, but only the Rockies were willing to take the significant risk of including a vesting player option worth as much as $15MM. Washington GM Mike Rizzo was actually on board with the concept of a vesting player option, but Nationals ownership, on the other hand, was not. The Rangers didn’t come as close in talks as the Nats did, he adds. Holland’s $15MM player option will trigger once he finishes 30 games or appears in 50 (the former will happen first), and barring an injury he seems like a lock to turn that down and reenter free agency in search of a four- or five-year pact.
- Jeb Bush’s departure from the potential Marlins ownership group he’d been assembling with Derek Jeter was due to a disagreement over who’d be the “control person,” Heyman writes. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald recently reported that Bush was set to commit less than $20MM to the sale, and Heyman now adds that Bush was on the hook for just $10MM of his own money, which would understandably make him a curious choice as the point person in the group. It’s still not known how much Jeter is planning to invest if his group is selected, but the Marlins were apparently aware that Bush could be leaving the group and remain interested in working out an agreement with Jeter and his investors.
I’d say 95% of the Red Sox fan base can’t stand Farrel. He should’ve gotten fired 3 seasons ago, and every time it looks like he’s about to be fired, the team goes on a 3-5 game winning street and makes it a bad time to fire him lol
I knew he wasn’t a great coach when Lovullo took his spot the year he got cancer and we did pretty good after the all star break, but once he sent in Steven Wright, who arguably could’ve had a better season than Porcello, as a pinch runner that was the last straw
Agreed. Farrell has nine lives. The usual guilt driven winning streak that follows a manager’s dismissal has, by showing up early, saved Farrell more than once. Farrell needs to go.
We think he is doing a great job. Lots of internal strife and no Papi lot patrol the clubhouse, fried chicken and beer will soon re-appear for mid game refreshments. There is only one manager that would be worth flipping Farrell for; none other than Bobby V.
Aaaa only in Boston
I wonder if the Rockies would offer a prospect package for Quintana. Granted he hasn’t pitched consistently good yet this year but he would strengthen the inexperienced Rockie rotation. Maybe a package of Tapia, Ryan McMahon and some lower level pitching prospects would get a deal done.
The White Sox are still going to want a top 50 prospect in any Quintana deal. Rockies have three of them. Though Hoffman is now in the majors.
I don’t think the package you mentioned is good enough to land Quintana. That would be selling low on what they value him at.
The problem for the Sox is most GMs around the league feel Quintana has been overvalued. His poor performance so far this season is proving them right.
This leaves the Sox with two options:
1) Trade him for a few decentprospects and move on, or…
2) Keep him until he finishes out his current contract.
There’s virtually no hope of trading him for a premium package of multiple high prospects or anything close to the Sale deal.
As for Quintana, a trade is obviously in his best interest because it would bode well for how the league values him in free agency or contract extensions.
Strange how you know how most gm’s value him. You, like me, have no clue. He is a good pitcher on an excellent contract. Nobody ever said he’d get a Sale-like deal… but he will still bring back a premium package.
Totally agree ..
Nobody ever said? I’m pretty sure Hahn said he could get almost as much as Sale fetched
Why trade him any way or at all he younger than some prospects
mets need an overhaul in the coaching staff… the way they handled injuries is a joke.
Not even joking I’d still rather have Farrell than Joe Maddon. That man nearly lost the Cubs the WS. I sill lose sleep over Steven Wright..but Maddon is a gimmick with a loaded roster. Which makes me question, how many actual GOOD managers there are in the league? Luvullo was the replacement I would have enjoyed..but like DL0806 points out it’s about timing..and I don’t even know what manager is available that I’d be dying to have replace Farrell at this point.
Are there*
Maddon still won the WS. And what he’s been able to accomplish in TB/CHC have been super impressive any way you slice it.
The Cubs won the World Series in spite of Maddon, not because of him. The way he managed the pitching was absurd.
This again… Yes the way he handled the pitching staff was frustrating, but not absurd since I understood the logic behind the moves he made. The Cubs didn’t win the WS bc of him or in spite of him, the won it with him. It’s a team sport
Well said IACub
I’d swap Farrell for Maddon today – no brainer. Maddon is unorthodox, Farrell is clueless.
Haha I like “with him”. It is well said. And yes, Baseball is a team sport..lol. Teams win with good and bad managing..both of these 2 proved that. That does not change the fact that he was handling the pitching like Windom Earle would.
Red Sox fans said the same things about Francona. Boston sports fans are the most arrogant and delusional fan base in the country.
That’s the way baseball go!!…..
-Ron Washington
Ha your name though
I loved and still love Francona. Amazing manager. So there’s one for the good guys!
Seconded. Even Theo was happy to leave.
Don’t hate, just appreciate!
There never have been many good managers at any given time – very few ever got to hold the job long term.
I find it very hard to believe that Quintana’s performance this season including his last outing won’t negatively effect his trade value.
It’s because teams are smart and they know he didn’t just become a bad pitcher. His track record is what keeps his value where it was. I’m sure the value is down a bit, but the Sox won’t drop it at all. If they don’t get what they want, they won’t trade him. They still have a ton of time with him.
His problem has been with his location. There is no reason to trade him if they are not getting top dollar. He has three more years on his contract after this one. I’m sure they hope to be competitive by then. If they get what they want, great trade him. If not, just wait it out.
If not Farrell then who?
Three names that come to mind are Dave Martinez, Tim Wallach, or Ron Gardenhire (once healthy). Farrell is easily replaced.
With all the free agent pitching available this offseason, Marco Estrada and Derek Holland are very underwhelming choices.
I’m one of the White Sox fans that would rather keep Quintana, but the Rockies are an interesting trade partner. Not only would Q be a nice addition to their rotation, I think the Rox can make a deal without affecting their MLB team. If I’m the Sox, I’d ask for Brendan Rodgers as the headliner, with Forrest Wall, Dom Nunez, and Harrison Musgrave as the additional players (though I’d definitely consider subtracting any of those three if the Rox are open to include Rodgers). If the Rox balk at including Rodgers in any deal, I think a package of Tapia, McMahon, Tom Murphy, and either Ben Bowden or Sam Howard would be strong too.
If Q doesn’t start pitching good soon (he has 2 months to rebuild his value), I have a feeling he is here until next year’s deadline.
Well if Mr Met can get fired anyone can!! New York Mess!!
Quint ….. is too logical of a choice for the Cardinals GM to trade for. He would be their only left handed starter, and they could move Wacha to long relief and spot starting if needed. The role would fit Wacha, who’s regaining shoulder strength and Quintana would fit nicely in the 4 slot.