You know how major league players have trade veto clauses built into their contracts?I think Joe Girardi has something like that when it comes to selecting his next managing job. Baltimore's brass had visions of Girardi leading the Orioles to greatness, but Girardi clearly did not share that vision.
Girardi said that "the timing is not right for my family and I."
Whatever. Basically, that's code for "I would never take this job in a million years." The timing will never be right for Joe and his family.
If I'm in Joe Girardi's shoes, I have a list of about five franchises -- including Baltimore -- that I wouldn't manage for love or money:
- Kansas City Royals - It's not that they can't produce homegrown talent, it's just that they don't have the budget to keep it, and they never will.
- Pittsburgh Pirates - The Bucks haven't had a solid franchise since the days of Bobby Bonilla and Barry Bonds, the original killer Bs (squared). They also lack any real sense of direction. At least they play in a beautiful ballpark with a view of the river.
- Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Thanks to their tremendous ineptitude since the franchise's inception in 1998, the Devil Rays have had a ton of high draft picks in the last decade. Thanks to terrible management, those draft picks have been wasted on players high in talent and low in brains and character. Also, they play in a cave and each of their games draw a slightly larger audience than a high school cross-country meet.
- Baltimore Orioles - The Orioles are terrible, but it's not because of a low payroll. Since Cal Ripken skipped town, Peter Angelos has done a tremendous job of sinking his own ship.
- Washington Nationals - Yes, I know the Nationals are getting a new ballpark. That's great! But name one other thing that's this franchise has going for it. In all fairness, we shouldn't expect too much from these guys -- The Expos, by any other name, would play as crappy.
Who are your no-manage franchises?
3 comments:
I would nuance it a bit
Never Ever
Tampa Bay - Just don't have the fan base to be competitive
Colorado - Can't compete with Coors Field Factor
At Present
Washington - Cupboards are bare
Baltimore - Angelos
Kansas City - A work, not necessarily in progress
Texas - Not with Hicks or that ballpark
Interesting idea.
My no-manage clause would include:
Tampa Bay
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Colorado
I can deal the the Rangers ballpark, and not just because I'm a homer. I just don't buy that as an excuse--both teams have to play in the same park, so how can it be a disadvantage? Can't bring in the top FA pitchers? Can't afford them anyway. Need to develop them from within.
Besides, if I managed the Rangers, maybe I could spike Hicks's coffee or something. I've got it: I would play subliminal tapes in the clubhouse--sell the team...sell the team...sell the team...
I can't believe you both said Colorado. In my opinion, that is one up and coming franchise. And as for dealing with the Coors factor? I believe I heard on ESPN this morning that the Rockies lead the NL in team ERA.
And regarding the Rangers... I might not want the franchise, but that is one of the coolest ballparks I've ever been to (it may have helped that I went on free hot dog night. :-)). Sure, the ball flies out of there, but as Chris put it, whatever factors come into play should affect both teams equally.
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