Q. 600-lb. Gorilla managers can spark rebellion.
A. So can guys who try to set records for letting the umps do what they want...
No, seriously, there are a few Piniellas and LaRussas and Bakers out there who transcend a clubhouse. Those guys can command a ballclub. Bobby Valentine, unless we're mistaken, is in that group.
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Q. Any other successes he had, besides the Rangers and Mets?
A3. Valentine's managerial success in Japan cannot be dismissed. That is a challenge he was given, a difficult one. He aced it, big time.
His Japanese success speaks well to Valentine's intelligence, to his agility and to his people skills. And it was just flat good baseball managing.
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Q. What else would we judge Valentine on?
A. This is just a quick primer as to why Valentine interests: he's a sabermetrically good manager, one who has had good on-field results. He's 600-lb. gorilla for a 3-5 year span. It's not easy to find those guys.
But a serious evaluation of Valentine would include a bunch of stuff: how well does he develop young players? How do pitchers hold up under him? How well does he recognize talent? How well does he coach technically, find swing flaws and stuff like that?
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There is major advantage in bringing in an "opposite" to follow Wakamatsu. Sees the problems Wok didn't.
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Q. You think maybe he's persona non grata?
A. Earlier, we wondered about that. A guy with Valentine's very decent success, it's weird that he should be out of baseball for several years.
But here he is, making noises about the next opportunities. That strongly suggests he's still in the club.
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And, of course, gives you a taste for what is good and bad about Bobby Valentine, that he's publicly lobbying for jobs currently held by other men. :- )
BTW, now that we look around the net a bit, we see that Valentine has been seriously linked to the Marlins this summer. Evidently that puts the kibosh on these SSI concerns.
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Q. Is Valentine a Chuck and Howard kind of guy?
A. Yeah, I think so. He's photogenic, likeable, positive, well-spoken (they're not going to put Lou Piniella on ESPN in heavy doses). Presentable in corporate circles and to the media.
From Zduriencik's point of view, here's a shot at another NL guy. No disrespect intended, but Capt Jack will know Valentine, respect him, etc.
Valentine's a Japanese manager into the bargain, and I hear the M's are a bit of a Japanese org.
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Q. Leaving us where?
A. I dunno if Valentine's the best choice for next manager. But I do know that he should be on the 4-man short list.
Give NYM a nickel for a rundown on the dude. Or anybody else who knows more than SSI does about him.
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BABVA,
Dr D