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10-05-2005, 03:10 PM
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#1361 |
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The People's Member
Posts: 18,092
 
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According to Giambi, they weren't that peeved because they have played well on the road as of late.
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10-05-2005, 05:58 PM
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#1362 | |
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WTF do you want?
Posts: 14,760
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Quote:
It may be they were more pissed that the felt Showalter did it on purpose to try and "get back at George". |
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10-05-2005, 08:50 PM
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#1363 |
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History's Greatest, Mr. E
Posts: 42,425
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BYE BYE
Macha out as A's manager despite turnaround
/ Associated Press Posted: 44 minutes ago Ken Macha will walk away from the Oakland Athletics after seven years with fresh memories of another winning season, despite a young and injury-depleted lineup. He hopes potential employers appreciate that, too. Macha was out of a job as A's manager Wednesday after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract, which he called one of several "massive disappointments" in his tenure. "Who knows how the rest of baseball views you?" Macha said hours after general manager Billy Beane announced there would be no further negotiations to keep the third-year skipper. "I can go home and sleep and know that we used tremendous character to get through this season," Macha said. Macha led the A's to the AL West title in his first year as manager in 2003, the club's fourth straight playoff berth. But Oakland failed to reach the postseason the past two years despite a 91-win season in 2004 and 88 victories this year. "We offered a three-year deal with a club option and they countered with a three-year deal without a club option," Beane said on a conference call. "I don't think we were ever going to be able to bridge the gap. It was a significant gap." The option would have allowed the A's to decide whether to keep Macha after three seasons. "There are no hard feelings whatsoever," Beane said. "This is part of the business." Macha had said he hoped to return to the A's, but declined to discuss specifics of the team's offer, saying money matters are strictly personal. His agent, Alan Nero, told The Associated Press he received an offer from Beane on Monday, then offered a counter proposal Tuesday. "This is a sad day for Kenny, the fans and the players," Nero said in a telephone interview. "It was an amicable separation and it's time for everybody to move on." Nero said he spoke Wednesday to Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield about the managerial vacancy in Pittsburgh, where Macha lives. The Florida Marlins are also interested in the 55-year-old, Nero said. Macha hopes teams will take into account how the A's performed with such a young roster. Four rookies played huge roles. "Hopefully something will work out," Macha said. "You have experiences, and that was a growing experience." The A's seemed out of it in May when they had two eight-game losing streaks and finished the month with a 7-20 record. Oakland rebounded with another strong second half, overcoming injuries to key players, including shortstop Bobby Crosby and No. 2 starter Rich Harden. Macha's departure didn't catch players by surprise. Center fielder Mark Kotsay hopes Macha gets a chance with another club. "I know contract offers were exchanged, and they probably couldn't foresee themselves coming to terms," Kotsay said in a phone interview. "I think he definitely had a respect for the players and allowed us to handle ourselves as professionals. He was just a good guy." Macha was 275-211 in three seasons with the A's. He came to Oakland in 1999 following four seasons as a manager in Boston's farm system. He was promoted from bench coach when Art Howe left for the New York Mets following the 2002 season. Beane said the sides had exchanged proposals this past weekend because both parties wanted to come to a resolution quickly, leaving Macha time to explore other openings. "This whole issue didn't sneak up on us," Beane said. "It's disappointing we couldn't come to a conclusion that was satisfactory." Beane said he would work to form a list of candidates to replace Macha, and didn't say whether members of the existing A's coaching staff would be considered. On Monday, the A's announced hitting coach Dave Hudgens' contract would not be renewed ________________________ Have fun in Tampa Bay (probably) 
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10-05-2005, 09:44 PM
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#1364 |
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Clutch Poster
Posts: 11,997
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Nah Macha will be in Pittsburgh. Here's your next Tampa Bay Devil Ray manager:
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10-05-2005, 09:53 PM
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#1365 |
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History's Greatest, Mr. E
Posts: 42,425
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The question IS...who do the A's get? Lou Pinella?
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10-05-2005, 09:57 PM
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#1366 | |
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Second City Saint
Posts: 5,806
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Quote:
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10-06-2005, 08:04 AM
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#1367 |
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adjective noun
Posts: 30,416
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Go Astros, I guess :meh:
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10-06-2005, 10:00 AM
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#1368 |
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Adminstigator
Posts: 102,491
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Why anyone would hire Pinella is beyond me. He's too moody. Players don't need that type of character, they need a steady disposition.
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10-06-2005, 04:04 PM
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#1369 | |
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Clutch Poster
Posts: 11,997
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Quote:
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10-06-2005, 04:05 PM
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#1370 |
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Clutch Poster
Posts: 11,997
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Beane would definately not hire Piniella. Beane likes managers who will do what they're told and not do anything out of the ordinary which is why Macha fit in perfectly. He always did nothing.
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10-06-2005, 07:19 PM
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#1371 |
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Adminstigator
Posts: 102,491
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Not too sure I agree with the firing of Alan Trammell. I'll admit I don't follow the Tigers at all, but really, they should have let him turn around Detroit. I'd like to her other people's thoughts on this matter.
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10-06-2005, 08:56 PM
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#1372 |
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History's Greatest, Mr. E
Posts: 42,425
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Yeah, thank you Hero, I don't understand the upside to Pinella either.
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10-08-2005, 12:37 AM
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#1373 |
Posts: 42,765
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White Sox really outplayed the Red Sox this entire series. I don't think the White Sox will be good enough to win the World Series though. Red Sox really did not have the same feel as last year. Its too bad because last year was fucking amazing honestly. I guess I would rather see them to lose to the White Sox instead of the Yankees. Atleast you don't have to hear it from the fans since the White Sox really don't have many.
Red Sox vs Yankees would have real hot though - last 2 Red Sox/Yankees series in the playoffs where the most exciting things to happen to baseball in a long ass time. |
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10-08-2005, 01:43 AM
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#1374 |
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Mas Vagina Porfavor
Posts: 11,343
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White Sox better win it now.
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10-08-2005, 01:50 AM
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#1375 |
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Posts: 42,765
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I bet Damon signs with the Yankees after the Red Sox don't resign Millar and Mueller.
Good thing we got Renteria and his 38 errors locked up though. Somehow switching leagues makes you suck at defense? Red Sox are probably going to make a shitload of moves this year but I don't know what they are going to do. Should be interesting. |
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10-08-2005, 02:36 AM
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#1376 |
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Posts: 2,540
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I think they might start Youkilis at third. They definately need upgrades at 2B and 1B though.
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10-08-2005, 07:13 AM
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#1377 |
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WTF do you want?
Posts: 14,760
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There's talk they've worked Youkillis at 1B also, I'd really like to see Muellar stay, I think Renteria will improve, but when Hanley Rameriez is ready, you'll see Renteria move to 2B.
Word is Manny is looking for a new agent, and his sole focus is someone who can work out a trade for him out of Boston. I don't see Damon going to NYY, I wouldn't be shocked if he wants too much to stay here, his agent is known for that, although Teck did stay with the same agent so who knows. I honestly wouldn't be shocked to see Damon go to a team like the Angels or more the Dodgers, McCorut as a lot of money to play with. The big beeds I see is 1B. I'd like to see Timlin back as Set-up, so if Foulke isn't going to close, then they need a closer, which could be Craig Hansen. 1B is obvious. I didn't list SP, because Schilling and Wells both have a year left (I think) and Pappelbon will be a SP next year, so that gives you 6 SP, which probably means Arroyo to the pen, and spot start when Wells & Schilling get injured. If Manny goes then LF becomes a need, and if Damon goes CF becomes a need. I didn't list 3B because even if Muellar goes, Youkillis will play 3B. Honestly, if they keep the current team intact, I'd really like to see a RF, Trot knows that RF at fenway, and he works his ass off, but I think he's on the downside of his carrer and don't see his injuries or hitting improving. it's only his 7th full season in the bigs, but he's also 31 (he was drafted with back problems and some people didn't know if he'd ever make the majors). Not sure what the sox have on the Farm for OF. |
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10-08-2005, 07:18 AM
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#1378 |
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WTF do you want?
Posts: 14,760
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another interesting note is, Theo doesn't have a contract for next year and I can't remember if they gave Francona a new deal or not.
Word is Cashman may be out in NY, and would go to Philly in a heartbeat. Here's an interesting thought, if Cashman is out, how much do you think George would throw at Theo? |
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10-08-2005, 10:39 AM
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#1379 |
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Adminstigator
Posts: 102,491
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blah blah bah. Red Sox will just buy more players. Problem solved.
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10-08-2005, 10:58 AM
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#1380 | |
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WTF do you want?
Posts: 14,760
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Quote:
You keep bitching about "the sox and yanks buy their championships" Well... 2 of the top 3 payrolls made the playoffs. 3 of the top 5 payrolls made the playoffs. 5 of the top 10 payrolls made the playoffs. Playoff team with the lowest payroll? #16 SD. The probelm isn't the Sox and Yanks (1 & 2). It's the Bottom 5, that either can't or wont spend the money to compete. Yeah, Cleveland came close and were 26, but "close to make the playoffs" doesn't get you anything. They have a "luxury tax" problem is too many owners pocket it. That being said, if your team makes money, why can't you spend it? spend it to help your team win which in turn helps make more money. I'd love to see a hard cap like the NFL, but the MLBPA would commit mass suicide before doing that. |
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10-08-2005, 11:20 AM
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#1381 |
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Adminstigator
Posts: 102,491
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blah blah blah. justification for a terrible (non existent) salary structure.
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10-08-2005, 02:28 PM
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#1382 | |
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WTF do you want?
Posts: 14,760
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Quote:
WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION? Yeah, let's pretend your god and MLB and the Owners have to do what you want. What do you do? |
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10-08-2005, 04:15 PM
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#1383 |
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Adminstigator
Posts: 102,491
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All sports should have a hard cap. Period.
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10-08-2005, 05:48 PM
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#1384 | |
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WTF do you want?
Posts: 14,760
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Quote:
Not saying I disagree, cause I agree they should have hard caps like football. Top 5 payrolls were NYY, BOS, NYM, LAA, PHL (as of April 05) That being said, the top teams would argue a few things: 1) Why if they can operate at a profit, should they not be able to spend money on payroll, which typically gets a better team and hence makes more money. 2) You can say the top teams spend too much, but can't you also say the lower teams don't spend enough? Should there also be a minum to force teams to "compete" rather then owners who have loyal fans and wish to make bigger profits? 3) Baseball is a sport, but MLB is a business, and if you're going to limit what the top money makers can spend so the little guys can compete shouldn't you limit what Domino's and Pizza Hut spend on their companies so the local little guy can compete? 4) If we put a cap to limit how much teams can spend, doesn't that also limit what players can earn, and hence kill "free enterprise" (this is MLBPA argument). keep in mind, I agree 100% with a hard cap, those are just some of the arugments against it. Interesting side note: The Yanks haven't won a WS since they went over the 100mil mark in payroll. Last edited by VonErich Lives; 10-08-2005 at 06:00 PM. |
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10-08-2005, 05:57 PM
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#1385 | |
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WTF do you want?
Posts: 14,760
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Quote:
Seattle had the 8th highest payroll. 4 of the 8 playoff teams spent less money. 4 Los Angeles Angels $97,725,322 8 Seattle Mariners $87,754,334 21 Texas Rangers $55,849,000 22 Oakland Athletics $55,425,762 What I find funny is you bring up payroll as a reason Seattle can't compete, yet 2 teams that spent 32mil less then Seattle finished better. Los Angeles 95 67 .586 Oakland 88 74 .543 Texas 79 83 .488 Seattle 69 93 .426 So, is that Seattle doesn't have money to spend or doesn't spend it properly? I'll copy/paste this into the MLB thread so we can keep the cap discussion in one spot. |
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10-08-2005, 09:15 PM
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#1386 |
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Adminstigator
Posts: 102,491
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Yes teams should have to spend a minimum amount of money under a hard cap system.
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10-08-2005, 09:41 PM
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#1387 | |
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Clutch Poster
Posts: 11,997
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Quote:
Second-tier teams like us have to go after the second-tier FA's and trade for younger players. We got Richie Sexson, an excellent pickup. 40 HR, 120 RBI in a pitcher's park. Guardado, 25 saves, ERA under 3. Beltre had a poor season, no one denies that. The jury is still out on him, he has been in the LA organization since he was 15 and now he comes to Seattle, he's going to struggle the first year. He'll be better next year. At the very least we can expect 20 HR and excellent defense. Not bad at all. You think that because Seattle is bad in 2005 and Boston is good in 2005 that this will always be the case. Seattle was at one point the best team in baseball. Boston was at one point the worst. It's called "rebuilding" and they're doing it this year. Boston has done it before. I assume you were a fan in the 20th century, I'm sure you remember Kevin Kennedy. Butch Hobson. I've asked you before to name me a team that has always been good. You didnt answer because there is no answer. |
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10-09-2005, 01:30 AM
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#1388 |
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King of Love and Piss
Posts: 62,988
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Atlanta Braves.
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10-09-2005, 11:18 AM
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#1389 |
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Clutch Poster
Posts: 11,997
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Are you joking? You realize baseball was invented before 1991 right?
1990 65-97 1989 63-91 1988 54-106 1987 69-92 1979 66-94 1977 61-101 |
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10-09-2005, 12:19 PM
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#1390 |
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I'm all there is
Posts: 31,809
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and you can't just say Atlanta Braves because you have to go with Braves history as a whole or the thing is screwed up.
the Boston Braves/Bees (same history) were ridiculously terrible from the 20's-40's. |
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10-09-2005, 01:17 PM
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#1391 |
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Adminstigator
Posts: 102,491
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Braves went from worst to first.
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10-09-2005, 11:02 PM
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#1392 |
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Unofficial Legend
Posts: 11,931
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Yes, they did.
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10-10-2005, 02:25 AM
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#1393 | |
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King of Love and Piss
Posts: 62,988
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Quote:
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10-10-2005, 03:16 AM
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#1394 |
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WTF do you want?
Posts: 14,760
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Miz I agree no team can be good all the time. and yes, the Sox, Yanks, Mets and other "top spending teams" do outbid a lot of teams, The sox have also recently started rebuilding their farm system, which was what helped NYY in the 90's to trade for a lot of high priced talent and key additions late in the season, difference is the Sox do look at their wallet a bit (unlike NYY the Sox owners still have huge loans) and keep most of their top talent (recently, IE: new owners, new gm).
So, I understand your complaint, the Sox, NYY, NYM and a few others can spend money that other teams can't, so what is your solution? Also, what about the teams that have money and won't spend it? Also, keep in mind with Schilling, he had a contract in Arizona (a team that once or twice had to have MLB cover it's weekly payroll). In the case of Renteria, the sox offer was the same or less then STL, but Renteria "really wanted to come here" because he had some "relationship" with John Henry from the Marlins days. I'm not denying the big teams don't spend what the little teams can't, but my question to you is what is the solution. IS it fair to tell a team "you can't spend money to better your team"? IS it fair for an owner to say "I wan't to make more money, so I'm cutting payroll to put in my own pocket". |
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10-10-2005, 03:22 AM
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#1395 | |
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WTF do you want?
Posts: 14,760
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Also,
Quote:
Also, I don't understand how you can claim the Sox, Yanks, NYM are good because they "just buy players" then other teams who spend 30mil more should be better. In some cases teams just spend money in the wrong place. Look at Oakland, every year one of the lowest payrolls, yet every year in the hunt. |
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10-10-2005, 10:56 AM
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#1396 | |
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I'm all there is
Posts: 31,809
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Quote:
what does being good for 14-15 years have to do with his argument? |
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10-10-2005, 12:44 PM
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#1397 |
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Adminstigator
Posts: 102,491
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To be honest, I don't consider the Atlanta Braves to be a success. Being good enough to make the playoffs 14 straight years, while impressive is over shadowed by the fact they have but one Championship to show for all of that. That's why they don't sellout home playoff games.
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10-10-2005, 02:38 PM
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#1398 |
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Posts: 42,765
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I don't get how they can be good enough to win the division 14 years in a row and only have one championship. I mean you would figure they would atleast have 4 or 5. Running into a hot pitcher or something like that can be happen but 13 out of the 14 years?
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10-10-2005, 03:01 PM
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#1399 |
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Second City Saint
Posts: 5,806
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not only that sTiMa, but they have lost in the first round 4 straight years now. that's why they don't sell out playoffs games... even their own fans don't care unless they make the world series.
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10-10-2005, 04:28 PM
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#1400 |
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Unofficial Legend
Posts: 11,931
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Nah it's not that, it's just that a lot of us have stopped believing in the Braves. We are one of the biggest choke jobs in the MLB. We should have 4 or 5 rings because we were more talented than a lot of the teams that beat us. But, we just can't get it done. Pretty simple concept really.
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