Managerial Notes: Rockies, Red Sox, Baker
Earlier today the Reds extended Dusty Baker for another two years. The former Cubs and Giants skipper has led Cincinnati to a pair of NL Central Division titles since taking over the helm. Here are some more links pertaining to managers…
- Rockies bench coach Tom Runnells tells the Denver Post's Patrick Saunders that he's grateful to be considered for another managing position. Runnels has been the Rockies' bench coach for the past three seasons, and hasn't managed at the big league level since 1992 with the Expos. Saunders calls him the leading in-house candidate, and mentions Tim Wallach, Ryne Sandberg and Brad Ausmus as external candidates.
- Don't count Brad Ausmus out as a candidate to take over as the Red Sox manager, writes Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com. It may seem strange that he was called in for an interview since his competition all appears to have extensive managing experience, but Edes notes the success of Mike Matheny this season. He quotes Joe Torre, who managed Ausmus with the Dodgers, in saying that Ausmus reminds him of Yankees skipper Joe Girardi.
- Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News calls the decision to extend Baker a wise one. He notes that Baker overcame the loss of Ryan Madson, Nick Masset and Bill Bray before the season even started, and also lost Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto for notable amounts of time.
- McCoy's colleague, Greg Billing, writes that the decision can't be judged until next season. Billing writes that he doesn't often question the decisions of GM Walt Jocketty and the Reds' ownership, but notes that the decision has not been met kindly by fans online.
Arbitration Eligibles: Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are next in our 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series. Matt Swartz's salary projections are below.
- First time: Jhoulys Chacin ($1.6MM), Jonathan Herrera ($800K), Tyler Colvin ($1.9MM), Josh Outman ($600K)
- Second time: Dexter Fowler ($4MM)
- Third time: None
With an 8.19 ERA in the Majors, Outman seems a candidate to be non-tendered. Herrera had a rough year with multiple DL stints, and could be cut loose as well. On the other hand, neither player projects to make even a million bucks, so if the Rockies prefer to keep their options open, they could be retained.
Chacin, slated as the Rockies' number two starter entering the season, was optioned to Triple-A by May. His early struggles may have been due to a pectoral issue, about which he was less than forthcoming. After Chacin rejoined the rotation in late August, he posted a 2.84 ERA, 4.7 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, and 0.61 HR/9 in nine starts. The strikeout and walk rates aren't encouraging, but there's no doubt Chacin will be tendered a contract for 2013.
Colvin's service time is right at the projected cutoff of two years and 139 days, so if that holds up he'll be arbitration eligible as a Super Two. He had a great year, at least at Coors Field, and started at least 18 games at three different positions. He'll enter next year with a prominent role on the Rockies.
Fowler had the best offensive year of his career, though he too was much better at Coors. Only three center fielders had a better OPS, though the advanced defensive metrics rated Fowler poorly. There's still enough here to merit an extension, which MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith discussed at length in late August. If Fowler is not extended, his somewhat low counting stats will limit his arbitration raise.
Assuming only Chacin, Fowler, and Colvin are retained, the Rockies are looking at an estimated $7.5MM for three arbitration eligible players.
Matt Swartz's arbitration projections are available exclusively at MLB Trade Rumors. To read more about his projection model, check out this series of posts.
NL Notes: Nationals, Rockies, Chris Carpenter
As the Cardinals and Giants do battle in San Francisco, let's take a minute away from the action to catch up on the latest news and headlines from around the National League…
- After enjoying a successful regular season with a 98-64 record, Nats Insider's Mark Zuckerman wonders if Washington can repeat a similar campaign next year. Zuckerman says that the team is positioned to be a strong club in 2013, but suggests that there are no guarantees of repeat playoff appearances in baseball even with a talented roster like that of the Nationals.
- The Rockies' timeline toward once again becoming a competitive franchise remains unclear given the poor performance of the team's management and ownership, writes The Denver Post's Woody Paige. The veteran columnist points to questionable decisions by the team including installing a four-man rotation, 75-pitch counts and moving the co-general manager's office into a conference room just off the home clubhouse.
- Chris Carpenter's rise to veteran leader of the Cardinals clubhouse can be explained by his experience learning from the pitchers who made their mark before him in both Toronto and St. Louis, says Matthew Leach of MLB.com. "My presence has changed, because I'm the only one left," Chris Carpenter said. "So it's definitely changed. I feel like I'm a St. Louis Cardinal. I feel like I always will be in the organization and the clubhouse, the team, I love it all and I enjoy being in there, and I think my presence has changed a lot just because I've been here that long."
Managerial Notes: Giambi, Rockies, Red Sox
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."
Quick Hits: A’s, Gomes, White Sox, Cubs, Dodgers
Earlier today, A's skipper Bob Melvin suggested that the club is ready to discuss a new contract with Jonny Gomes. The interest seems to be mutual, as Gomes re-iterated that he wants to be back in Oakland next season, writes Casey Pratt of CSNBayArea.com. "Would I like to? Absolutely," Gomes said. "I don't know, I mean this season has been magical for me, it has been a dream come true. When you've been kicked in the teeth as much as I have in the offseason you realize nothing is a guarantee." Here's more from around baseball..
- Dayan Viciedo will see his four-year, $10MM deal expire at the end of the year, but the White Sox outfielder says that he is not focused on his next contract, writes Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Viciedo has 1.123 years of major league service to his credit and won't be arbitration eligible until after the 2014 season.
- In his latest mailbag, several readers ask Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune why the Cubs can't build for the future while also looking to win in 2013. Sullivan writes that the main answer is a lack of pitching, which is a problem that can't be remedied overnight.
- The Dodgers announced earlier today that hitting coach Dave Hansen will not return in 2013. However, Hansen has been offered another position in the club, tweets Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times.
- The Rockies officially kicked off their managerial search yesterday by meeting with bench coach Tom Runnells, writes Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. Stu Cole, manager of Triple-A Colorado Springs, is the club's other internal candidate in the search.
Managerial Notes: Baker, Red Sox, Ausmus, Rockies
Joe Girardi won’t be named AL Manager of the Year for his efforts in the regular season — that honor will go to Buck Showalter or Bob Melvin — but he made the most memorable substitution of the year last night when he replaced Alex Rodriguez, one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history, with Raul Ibanez. As you know by now, Ibanez homered and then homered again as the Yankees took the lead over Showalter’s Orioles in the Division Series. Now for today’s managerial notes…
- Reds GM Walt Jocketty told reporters (including John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer) that he expects manager Dusty Baker and the coaching staff to return in 2013. Baker has completed his last year under contract with the Reds and said he's “not sure where my career is going here in Cincinnati. We’re going to talk about that in the next couple of days. But I’m not through managing. I have more to do.”
- The Red Sox are prioritizing Major League managing, coaching or playing experience in their search for a new skipper, which is why Triple-A Pawtucket manager Arnie Beyeler is not being considered, reports Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston. The Sox have yet to contact Blue Jays first base coach Torey Lovullo or White Sox third base coach Joe McEwing (who was considered for Boston's managerial job last year).
- The Red Sox will interview Padres special assistant Brad Ausmus for their managerial job early next week, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe (on Twitter). Ausmus, the former MLB catcher, isn’t the only NL West-based candidate who has caught the attention of Red Sox personnel. The Red Sox are also expected to interview Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach for the position.
- The Rockies announced that they will interview Tom Runnells for their managerial opening, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. Rockies executives will interview the 57-year-old bench coach today. Runnells, the former manager of the Montreal Expos, is up against Stu Cole, the manager of the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate.
MLBTR's Mark Polishuk also contributed to this post
Managerial Notes: Red Sox, Rockies
The latest managerial news from around MLB…
- The Red Sox have contacted Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach to determine his interest in their managerial opening, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports. Wallach is interested and the Red Sox are expected to interview him in the coming days.
- Boston continues to target Blue Jays manager John Farrell, Silverman reports. However, hiring Farrell could involve compensation or take a long time, so the club's exploring options such as Wallach, who also drew interest from Boston last offseason. Padres special assistant Brad Ausmus is believed to be on Boston's list of possible candidates.
- The Red Sox intend to start interviews related to their managerial opening on Friday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. The process will likely continue over the weekend and early next week, Bradford reports.
- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports outlines the Rockies' managerial options, including Wallach. Under Colorado's new front office structure, director of Major League operations Bill Geivett assumes some of the responsibilities that would traditionally go to the field manager.
- MLBTR had two sets of managerial links yesterday which are worth checking out.
Managerial Notes: Leyland, Rockies, Indians, Red Sox
Earlier today, we ran down the latest managerial news including word that Rangers skipper Ron Washington's job is safe despite the club's disappointing finish. Here's the latest on vacancies from around the major leagues..
- While the Tigers and manager Jim Leyland will address his contract situation at the end of the year, the skipper confirmed today that he wants to continue managing, writes Jason Beck of MLB.com.
- Rockies senior vice president Bill Geivett told Jim Bowden (via Twitter) on MLB Network Radio that both bench coach Tom Runnells and Triple-A manager Stu Cole are internal candidates for their managerial job.
- As of now, former Astros skipper Brad Mills is not joining the Indians staff under Terry Francona, tweets Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Mills served as Francona's bench coach while with the Red Sox.
- Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherington declined to comment when asked if he has requested permission to interview candidates from other clubs, tweets Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. Of course, there has been wide speculation that the Red Sox are interested in Blue Jays manager John Farrell.
- Mike Lowell told Rob Bradford of WEEI.com that he would want to know the "ins and outs" of an organization before taking on the role of manager. Yesterday, Lowell told Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that he's not looking to become a big league manager at this point in time despite being linked to the Marlins job.
Managerial Notes: Rangers, Red Sox, Rockies
Managers are in the spotlight more than ever in October, since in-game decisions are heavily scrutinized throughout the postseason and it’s a busy month for hirings and firings. The latest…
- Though there’s a lot of self-evaluation going on in Texas following the Rangers’ disappointing finish, manager Ron Washington will return in 2013, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). Washington’s current contract covers the 2013-14 seasons.
- Candidates such as Tim Wallach, Sandy Alomar Jr. and Brad Ausmus would surely come up if the Rockies look outside of the organization for potential managers, Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports (on Twitter). Jim Tracy resigned as the team's manager two days ago.
- The Red Sox will start their search for a new manager in earnest in the next few days, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney writes. Boston will start by asking the Blue Jays for permission to speak with John Farrell, Olney reports. Ausmus could be a candidate in Boston, too.
- Bobby Valentine may have been paid not to criticize the Red Sox following his dismissal, rival officials suggested to Olney. Such financial incentives are not uncommon, according to Olney.
- In case you missed it, Ozzie Guillen's future with the Marlins remains unclear.
Rockies Notes: O’Dowd, Fowler, Coaches
The Rockies' season didn't go anywhere close to how they'd hoped, as it was marred by significant injuries to Troy Tulowitzki and disappointing performances from highly touted trade acquisitions such as Drew Pomeranz and Alex White. Jim Tracy resigned as the club's skipper yesterday, but that's not the end of news relating to the Mile High City's team…
- The Denver Post's Patrick Saunders told readers in a recent mailbag piece that GM Dan O'Dowd is safe for the foreseeable future. O'Dowd still has the confidence of owner Dick Monfort, though O'Dowd is no longer responsible for day-to-day baseball operations following an August front office restructuring. Former assistant GM Bill Geivett assumed the role of senior VP of Major League operations in that shuffle.
- Within that same piece, Saunders reports that the team is not actively shopping Dexter Fowler, but confirms earlier reports that they will entertain offers on Fowler in order to acquire young pitching.
- Saunders also notes that the Rockies have asked the Marlins for permission to interview scout Mark Wiley to serve as the director of pitching operations. If that happens, former Royals and Red Sox pitching coach Bob McClure is likely to be brought in as pitching coach.
- Saunders' colleague Troy Renck reports that the Rockies have dismissed hitting coach Carney Lansford and third base coach Rich Dauer. Saunders noted in his piece that Geivett's authority to mold the coaching staff as he sees fit could have played a role in Tracy's decision to resign.