Hal states that dumping Frank would be a mistake.
Off in the distance, faint music from baseball's managerial merry-go-round can be heard. In two weeks, it'll be deafening.
Jack McKeon, who guided the Marlins to the World Series championship in 2003, could be losing his Florida cap soon if his club misses the playoffs.
By Rick Silva, AP
I can't remember a September when there's been so much talk of teams poised to wield an ax on their skippers after the season.
By my count, as many as 13 teams could change managers before next season.
Start with the New York Yankees.
To even discuss Joe Torre's status for 2006 seems absurd. He's taken the Yankees to the postseason the last nine years, won eight American League East titles and four World Series.
He just might be the most respected sports personality in New York. But if the Yankees miss the playoffs, owner George Steinbrenner is certain to take action ? especially after bankrolling a record $205 million payroll.
No matter the situation, I can't see Torre walking away from the estimated $13 million his contract will pay him through 2007.
Steinbrenner loves former Yankee Lou Piniella, who could work out a settlement with Tampa Bay and not return in 2006. Piniella rubbed salt in Yankees' wounds when his $28 million Devil Rays took 11 of 19 games from them. If Torre leaves and Piniella doesn't return to Tampa Bay, he'd be the leading candidate for the Yankees job.
He could also get the Orioles' position. Selling the team to Baltimore fans is a priority for owner Peter Angelos, what with the Washington Nationals having a bigger home attendance average than the Orioles. Lee Mazzilli was fired Aug. 4, and interim Sam Perlozzo may follow.
When general managers set sail to find replacements, will they go after proven managers or try someone with little or no experience?
Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro had to make that decision and chose virtually unknown Eric Wedge during the 2003 season. Wedge played just 39 games in the major leagues. The Indians are currently one of the game's hottest teams.
"Every situation dictates the type of person who is the best fit," says Shapiro. "The relationship between general manager and manager is so important."
So far this year: Buddy Bell replaced Tony Pena, who resigned as Kansas City's manager in May; the Cincinnati Reds fired Dave Miley on June 21, replacing him with Jerry Narron on an interim basis; Perlozzo took over for Mazzilli; and the Pittsburgh Pirates bounced Lloyd McClendon on Sept. 6, giving the interim job to Pete Mackanin.
One man's managerial scorecard:
?Pittsburgh Pirates: Former Pittsburgh manager Jim Leyland would appear to be the leading candidate. But if Ken Macha doesn't return to Oakland, he'd be in the mix. So would former Astros-A's-Mets skipper Art Howe, Dodgers manager Jim Tracy if he leaves L.A. and possibly Angels bench coach Joe Maddon.
?Los Angeles Dodgers: Tracy signed a two-year deal last winter, a contract that contains a clause allowing him to leave after one season. He won the NL West title last year in his fourth season, but his relationship with GM Paul DePodesta has been strained.
?Oakland Athletics: Macha has yet to sign a contract extension and seems to be in a similar situation as Tracy.
?Detroit Tigers: The Tigers were expected to contend this year after spending big for Magglio Ordonez and Troy Percival, and Alan Trammell may pay for a fourth-place finish.
?Texas Rangers: After a strong start, the Rangers have disappointed. Buck Showalter might be falling out of favor but probably will remain.
?Washington Nationals: The franchise will have a new owner next year who could opt to replace Frank Robinson. That would be a mistake, but it could happen.
?Florida Marlins: Much depends on whether the Marlins return to the playoffs. Owner Jeffrey Loria has refused to comment on Jack McKeon's status, but the fact McKeon rewarded him with a World Series victory in 2003 cannot be overlooked. If a change is made, McKeon, who'll be 75, probably will remain in an executive capacity.
?Cincinnati Reds: Considering the improvement in the Reds, I'd be surprised if GM Dan O'Brien doesn't remove the "interim" from Narron's title before the season ends.
?Chicago Cubs: If Dusty Baker doesn't return, former Red Sox skipper Grady Little, a roving catching instructor, would be the top candidate.
?Arizona Diamondbacks:Bob Melvin got a recent vote of confidence, but former agent Jeffrey Moorad, now the managing general partner, had Baker as a client.
