As the Rays and Astros battle for the American League pennant, let’s check in on a trio of teams whose offseasons have already started:
- On the heels of their first postseason berth since 2008, the White Sox somewhat surprisingly parted ways with manager Rick Renteria yesterday. Jim Margalus of Sox Machine digs into the likely motivations behind that decision. To some extent, Renteria was the victim of circumstances, Margalus feels; when the former Cubs skipper took over on the South Side entering the 2017 season, the Sox were amidst a rebuild. Margalus opines those first few years of losing, while expected, made it easier for the front office to move on from Renteria now if they weren’t convinced the 58-year-old was best equipped to guide the contending club to postseason success. (Indeed, the front office was displeased when Renteria pushed back a bit against the use of data in his in-game decision-making, reports Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times). Another factor working against Renteria, according to Margalus: the Tigers’ own vacancy, which could have spurred GM Rick Hahn to launch a managerial search this offseason rather than risk losing an ideal potential candidate to a division rival.
- Sticking with the AL Central, the Indians face an offseason rife with uncertainty. The catching situation will be particularly interesting, Zack Meisel of the Athletic observes. Cleveland holds a $5MM club option on starter Roberto Pérez, while backup Austin Hedges would be in line for a raise on his $3MM salary in arbitration. That combination might prove too pricey for the low-payroll Indians, Meisel points out. That would seem to hint at Hedges being non-tendered, but Cleveland clearly liked him enough to acquire him from the Padres just over a month ago as part of the return for Mike Clevinger. Pérez had a dismal 2020 but is only a year removed from performing as one of the league’s best catchers; it’s hard to envisioning the Indians declining his option based upon a poor 100 plate appearances, although perhaps Pérez becomes a trade candidate himself if the club is comfortable turning to Hedges as their top option.
- The Blue Jays acquired Ross Stripling from the Dodgers at this year’s trade deadline, but the right-hander struggled in 15.2 innings after the deal. Nevertheless, he’s likely to be a key piece of the Toronto pitching staff in 2021, Kaitlyn McGrath of the Athletic believes. GM Ross Atkins specifically mentioned Stripling when discussing the team’s pitching options, McGrath notes, suggesting there’s not much of a chance he’ll be non-tendered this offseason. That’s not surprising, as Stripling is likely only in line for a small raise on this season’s modest $2.1MM salary.
It would be insane to non tender Stripling based off his only bad season which was all of 12 appearances. And especially after they gave up a semi legit prospect to get him. Hopefully he can bounce back to his first few seasons and slot nicely in their 3-4 spot.
It’s hard to know what he has to offer. He was great early on in the season, he won me some fantasy games. Then he declined (I ended up dropping him at the right time).
But the guy hasn’t pitched more than 125 innings a season and he’s 30. I wouldn’t say that’s entirely reliable. Definitely worth keeping, but he’s not fantastic by any means. Holds potential to succeed.
He hasn’t pitched more than 125 innings because he’s been a swingman for a team with a really deep rotation. It’s not because of injury.
My only concern with Stripling is how much going from Dodger Stadium to Skydome will hurt him, especially in the home run department. But he should still at least be a quality swingman with a 4-something ERA.
I know Paul Konerko has been mentioned as a future skipper in CHW for some time.
I should think they’ll go with some recently retired career back-up catcher, tho.
“Another factor working against Renteria, according to Margalus: the Tigers’ own vacancy, which could have spurred GM Rick Hahn to launch a managerial search this offseason rather than risk losing an ideal potential candidate to a division rival”
The only way this would be true is if they already know who that ideal potential candidate is
It makes no sense that the Tiger’s managerial search caused the ChiSox’ actions. The ChiSox and Tigers require different style Managers. First, the ChiSox’ rebuild was a rapid success. They are now expected to compete at high levels. On the opposite end of success, the Tigers put a great deal of effort on their massive tear-down and much less on the actual rebuild. The Tigers still have car parts to the wrong car spread out all over the parking lot.
Absolutely incorrect. Tigers have a ton of young talent. They are just in a much earlier stage of their rebuild than the Sox. We also did not have Chris Sale and his team friendly contract to rake back prospects like the Sox. THE only way the Tigers opening affects the White Sox is if both teams are interested in Hinch. Only three openings to date, and way more qualified candidates than that. But only one AJ Hinch on the market.
Not to mention, why hold on to your manager until a rival starts looking. The argument supposes that if the Tigers were not looking for a manager, Renteria would be retained. But if the Tigers are looking for a good manager, the ChiSox must get him first because they don’t want to be left with RR.
If they could and desire to get a better manager than Renteria, what difference should it make if some rival is looking for same, potentially? I don’t doubt people may think like this, but it’s a foolish source of motivation. If the Tigers seek to get a better sound system to improve the ballpark experience, I guess we know who will jump in to outbid them on a contract for such.
Firing Renteria only makes sense if either they already have somebody better in mind or Renteria were just awful. Renteria liked to overmanage, especially his pitching staff, but he also showed an ability to learn.
In his first three years the White Sox averaged about 32 sac bunts and 110 SB attempts per season, which was maddening to watch in modern baseball. This year, with a more potent offensive club, they had 1 sac bunt and 28 SB attempts, obviously way down even taking the short season into account. So he showed an ability to manage in a modern way once he had a modern offense. He still overmanaged the pitching staff.
He wasn’t awful. I can think of at least three guys recently who were worse – Ventura, Bevington, Manuel. So I have to think they have a specific guy to replace him, otherwise they risk ending up with far worse.
The Sun Times reporter does not have a clue what he is talking about
Isn’t that the whole Sun-Times?
Ok well here is my two cents. I think the White Sox would be smart to go with Mike Redmond as there next manager. He is definitely a very smart baseball guy. it would be a nice place for him to get a good shot or atleast better then when the Marlins hired him.
I totally forgot that Strippling existed, but him Ryu and Pearson is a good start to a decent rotation in 21′. I think all of Shoemaker, Roark, Walker, and Ray are free agents this off-season, but I’m too lazy to check.
I believe Roark has one more year.
Yeah unfortunately Roark has one more year
I am optimistic that Roark, in a 162 game season would be able to eat some innings, to avoid overworking some of the young pitchers (Pearson, Manoak etc.). If it is a truncated season, he is hot garbage though.
I think you should try to resign Walker, he did pitch pretty well this season.
Ray is probably going to end up in the bullpen.
Shoemaker if you can get him to resign, then do it.
And if Roark is your 5th starter, then that is ok
And you pray to god (or whatever made up character of your choice) that someone takes Anderson off your hands and you never speak of his name again in T.O.
Indians would be foolish to let Perez walk. This guy handles a pitching staff better than anyone in the game. Look at the results of all their young starters.
Agreed, and letting him walk while giving a raise to Hedges would be disastrous.
One of the most mind-boggling stats he has is he hasn’t allowed a passed ball in 2 years. When they trade Franke, grab a catcher who can hit. Give Perez a shot to start, but if he can’t hit…
Highly unlikely but what about Sandy Alomar Jr as a candidate for CWS managerial opening? Did a good job in Tito’s absence and could be a major influence for Luis, Yoan, and Eloy. It was be something for Sandy to 1) leave CLE and 2) leave and go to a division rival of all teams
Almost Jr. also played for the white Sox for multiple seasons.
*Alomar
You didn’t watch any a Cleveland games did you? He made several questionable decisions with his lineup and roster management in games. I always wondered why he never landed a manager position until I watch him this year. But, to Alomar’s credit, he is filling in for a HOF manager, so he has that going for him,
….because Sandy might be the Indians skipper next year. We’ll have to see how healthy Tito Francona is.
He was my favorite player growing up, but I shudder to think he is their next manager. At least I won’t have to yell at the screen when Tito asks all his players to bunt.
So many A. J.s, so little time.
I hate to see a manager go through a rebuild and as soon as success comes he’s or shortly before he’s let go. If Renteria was to be let go why now? He finally has the players to make a push and with every year of development the WS are likely to get a little better. So again why now? Was it WS or bust this year?
Margulus can say all he wants but Renteria just isn’t a very good manager from a tactical sense.
You’re delusional if you think the Indians are going to part with Perez. If he only hit .100, he’s the best defensive catcher in baseball and the No. 1 reason the Indians’ young starting staff pitch like veterans.
The fact that Mazara and Encarnacion nearly doubled (DOUBLED) the at-bats of both McCann and Engel in 2020 is more than enough reason to part ways with Rick. McCann played 31 games in 2020 after making an all-star appearance in 2019. Just saying.
Mazara and Encarnacion play different positions than McCann. Just sayin.
How do you figure DH when it produces 19 RBI’s and a .250 OBP (Encarnacion)?
McCann could have played more at DH after it became apparent Edwin was finished (or even behind the plate with grandal getting time at DH). And if you reread the original post (as I would encourage you to do before leaving ignorant posts), he suggested Engel over Mazara for RF. If that wasn’t clear, move on back to your yankeee messageboards
I assume you mean Rick Hahn, because he is the one who made those terrible acquisitions.
Stripling, Roark, Ray, Anderson, yamaguchi are all Atkins misfires. He can’t evaluate talent. They were called this way when they signed. Some don’t belong in the MLB anymore, some can be long relief in a losing game. None of them belongs on a team trying to win.
The only “somewhat surprising” aspect of the Sox parting ways with RR is that Hahn had the balls to do it. If you ask any Sox fan, they’re not only happy with it being done, but more happy about the timing of it all.
Has everyone forgotten White Sox parted ways a few seasons back with what was thought to be an up and coming manager because he didn’t use analytics? It is clear whomever White Sox select will be an analytics hound. If you look at the lineup Tampa puts on the field you cannot explain in purely baseball terms how they continue to win. Yet they are in all likelihood going to the World Series this year. So are the Braves who went more the same route as White Sox but use analytics far more than Chisox.
What a sad state of affairs in the tepee. I can see not resigning that smiling mercenary at short,but are things so bad you can’t even hang onto Roberto Perez and keep Austin Hedges as well. This just proves it’s time to either get some other investor or sell the team and get out of Cleveland. This is beyond a disgrace. What’s next? Clipping coupons probably.
Frankie, Hand, Santana- all gone saving about $50M. I would say that’s enough cost-cutting for one year. I don’t want to hear the whining of the owners about how much money they lost in 2020. MLB just got $2B for a new TV contract. If they can’t afford the team, sell it. The Dolans paid $323M in 2000. It’s now worth $1.3B. Not a bad return in 20 years.