This is incredible, I can't believe we actually landed Maddux.
I can't believe it but I think I'm really turning around on this whole thing. Maybe this is part of the reason why they lowballed Black, according to the story they really did want Dusty first (the Lerners, that is) and they certainly did get him after the ensuing turnabout. "Who needs Black, we have Maddux"?
So, obviously Dusty is supposed to be some clubhouse guru. That's one half of the manager's job. We got Mike Maddux, and that alleviates my greatest fear about Dusty in that he basically knows nothing about pitching. As long as, of course, he listens to Mike word for word. That should cover the bullpens and the starters (including their health -
), that's half of what goes on in a game. Now if only Dusty will listen to some careful prodding from some of the saber guys in the front office about lineup construction (appreciate OBP) and defense (which this team never did well anyway, shifts etc) this could actually turn out to be a phenomenal staff.
Dusty's the guy making the final decision which still makes me real nervous, but frankly I was worried Bud Black knew nothing about offense. I think Dusty certainly knows more about developing hitters and getting production out of them (as individuals, lineup construction is another thing) than Black did, Maddux plus Black might have been pointless because either can probably do that side of the job on their own.
Depending on how the rest of the offseason shakes out, I might actually renew my one-seat cheapo partial plan...
