Hirings and Firings
I liked Mick Kelleher. Not just because he lives in the Santa Barbara area in the off-season and is a good friend of my neighbor. But because the players seemed to like him and his work with infielders (I’m especially thinking of Cano) was said to be exemplary. So I was sorry to read that he’d been let go earlier this week along with Kevin Long, who was not as big a loss for me; Long was the expected fall guy for the lack of offense.
The re-signing of Brian Cashman wasn’t a surprise, but it does boggle my mind how cozy he’s become with the current generation of Steinbrenners. Would George have kept Cash around for another three years? Or would he have made a change by now? I’m guessing the latter. Not that getting Headley, Prado and McCarthy weren’t clever moves, and the trade for Pineda a couple of years ago is looking like a big win for our side. I was just hoping for a fresh perspective.
I’ve been watching the Royals through their Wild Card playoff game, the ALDS and now the ALCS and marveling at what a superbly crafted team they are. So many ways to beat the opposition. They can do it all: steal bases, play Web Gem-type defense, excel at situational hitting, even go deep. And then there’s the pitching; they’ve got starters and relievers galore. And they’re young! What a joy not to see some overpaid, overfed, past-his-prime player lumber around the bases or take a giant hack at the ball when just a poke through the shift would do! Obviously, I’m rooting for them to go all the way because they’re so much fun to watch, but I’m also envious. What I wouldn’t give for a Yankees team that had so many weapons in their arsenal.
In the end, winning is about personnel, not coaches, and the guy in charge of personnel is the GM. I rest my case.
Comments
I’ve been rooting for Kansas City too. They are a great team to watch. So inspiring. So much heart.
They’re great to watch, Freya. I’m hoping they get another win today, although the forecast doesn’t look good for the game.
It was a good move to get rid of Long since the hitting was just not there this season, but I’m not sure why they would get rid of Kelleher. My daughter always says he looks like George Washington. Anyway, we’ll see what happens in 2015. Not following baseball this post-season…if there are no NY pinstripes, there’s no Diane. But our NY (NJ?) football teams are dismal this year so my only question is….how many days until “pitchers and catchers”? GO YANKEES!!!
Cashman said of Kelleher’s firing that he was looking for a more “global perspective,” whatever that means, Diane. I’m reading it as someone who can get the players to steal more bases or manufacture runs better. But as I wrote, it’s a personnel issue. You can’t turn Mark Teixeira into a base stealer.
I’m a bit late to this, but I absolutely love watching the Royals play! They are fast! I think one of the best strategies they have is to get guys on base no matter which way. If they have someone on first, they have no issue bunting them over to second. There have been so many situations where I’ve seen a (relatively) big hitter for KC just bunt instead of trying to do more and failing. It’s fantastic. Really, you can’t get any runs in if you have no one in scoring position. Joe G, I hope you’ve been watching! The Yankees could really learn a lot from watching these guys play.
I’ve felt the same way, saphire916. They just find ways to win. I’m amazed by their style of play and would love to see more of it in the Bronx.
Hi Jane and Fellow Baseball Fans..
Just dropping by to say hi and let you know that I am now a Grandma of the newest little Yankee fan!!! My granddaughter, Kayleigh, was delivered on 10/11/14 at 12:53 pm. She weighed 7lbs 9ozs and was 19 inches long. Not that I’m prejudice but I have to say she is absolutely adorable. Mom & Dad are doing well too. She wore her Yankee cap in the nursery and used her Yankee pacifier on her first trip out to the doctor…just the start of her Yankee pride. I bought her much more Yankee items so she will always be in Yankee style. Can’t wait to take her to her first game (she was actually at DJ’s last game inside her Mommy’s belly…lol).
Needless to say, at the moment, I’m not in a Yankee state of mind but I will be shortly…especially when hot stove season starts. As for the WS …I’m actually happy to see KC in there because it’s been a long time. I’m happy Buck and his crew didn’t make it if only because of Buck. He’s such a whiner when it comes to the Yankees and I can’t stand it. If and when he does give a compliment to the Yankees it’s always backhanded. Go KC …take it all for the American League!
Go Yankees 2015 !!!!
Congratulations, Grandma!!!! So happy to hear Kayleigh came into the world healthy and Yankee happy. I know she’ll be outfitted in style. Agree about the WS. Can’t believe the Royals swept the O’s, but they are a team of destiny, no question.