Job interviews are not a calming process for anybody. Believe me, I know. But that's what Dale Sveum is going through right now as Doug Melvin is in Phoenix interviewing Dale Sveum for the managerial gig.Now, I would hate if there were people criticizing and speculating about my current job prospects, but nobody out there is writing a passionate blog about my life. So, let's ask the question. Should the next manager of the Milwaukee Brewers be Dale Sveum?
Technically, Sveum was the manager that led the Brewers to their first playoff berth since 1982, even if Ned Yost got them into the home stretch. That has to count for something. But he went 8-8 overall in his tenure, and wouldn't have reached the playoffs if the Mets did completely collapse.
Sveum also received a great deal of criticism in his short tenure, including leading-off Mike Cameron, and starting Jeff Suppan in game four. But he did do a lot right, especially when it came to managing the bullpen.
There are two schools of thought as to where the Brewers should go from here. If you're in support of keeping Sveum, it's because he's already familiar with the team, and there is a comfort level there. The players have already said they want him back, so why not, right?
But there are others that think Sveum is maybe too comfortable, and almost just as stubborn as Yost. These are the people suggesting the Brewers get a veteran manager (ala a Willie Randolph type) that won't make decisions based on personal relationships.
Which school of thought are you in? Please leave a response in the comments, this could be a worthwhile discussion. And since none of you responded to my "Your Turn" suggestion about how it felt to have the Brewers make the playoffs, this is the least you could do.
Personally, I'm not 100% sure hiring Dale Sveum is the right call. In the end though, I think he's earned the chance.
Now if only employers felt the same way about me.
8 comments:
shhhh. its packers season.
I'm going to go ahead and ride the fence on this one. He had his bad decisions, but the team looked *a little* better once he took over.
I was skeptical and I still feel that was legitimate. I don't know they'll make an honest playoff run next year, so could giving him a chance hurt? I guess we can only find out.
I heard rumors that Bobby Valentine might be in the mix. I don't remember if he was any good, but there must be a reason he is in Japan right now.
Bobby Valentine was good enough to actually get the Mets to a World Series. That said, I think Sveum atleast earned a shot to keep this thing going but this position can't be a revolving door. If they go with him, it should be for the entire season. We can't dump him the first sign of trouble.
Who cares. It's baseball. Managers really don't do that much and are blamed too much when teams choke and are given too much credit when they win. It's not like they have to draw up a game plan like other sports or actually design plays. If Prince, Braun, and Hart don't fall apart in August and September, and Sheets isn't a bitch and stays healthy, Yost is still our coach. We should work on getting rid of Weeks and trading Prince for Jake Peavy.
Sorry Dale, but if I was the general manager, we'd be having a meeting this week to tell you that you won't be back as skipper in 2009. This team needs some new blood from outside the organization.
Guys that I would interview, or at least inquire with, would include:
- Bobby Valentine
- Ken Macha, former Oakland A's manager who finish in first, second, second, and first in his four seasons there
- John Farrell, pitching coach of the Boston Red Sox and former director of player personnel with the Cleveland Indians
- DeMarlo Hale, third base coach of the Red Sox and former award-winning minor-league manager
- Pat Listach, award-winning minor-league manager currently of the Triple-A Iowa Cubs
We should work on getting rid of Weeks and trading Prince for Jake Peavy.
This is silly. The Padres already have a better first baseman in Adrian Gonzalez, who is, y'know, their BEST PLAYER.
Good Point Jonk about Adrian Gonzales. I'm just not a huge fan of Prince. Where can we deal him and get something decent in return? SF?
What is with the rush to trade Prince? Braun and Prince are the cornerstones of our offense. If we trade him, no one we have in the majors or minors will equal his production next year. He is under control for 3 more years and I do not see the Crew moving him until next off season at the earliest. JJ fits this as well.
I only see the Brewers looking to upgrade 3B, SP, and RP this off season, thats it all other pieces are in place. I would not trade a starting player to plug a hole because that just creates another hole.
As for the manager all I can say is in Doug we trust.
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