tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859126.post4512983559865442154..comments2023-10-28T06:41:07.069-07:00Comments on Ambition, Impatience and Sloth: Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427208386709900367noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859126.post-45682229061838635592007-10-10T13:58:00.000-07:002007-10-10T13:58:00.000-07:00You know, I think you're right that a Cub/Phils se...You know, I think you're right that a Cub/Phils series would'be been much more compelling than the NLCS we have - but why, exactly? (For us, it's partly NLDS bitterness and dislike of Xtian supremacism, but the feeling extends to lots of other, differently-minded bball fans.) I suspect the real reason that I, and you, and lots of others feel that way, is because of the history of the franchises - Cubs/Phils seems like an epic clash of two teams playing since the 19th century, whereas Rox/Dbacks are 2 teams that have only played since the [first] Clinton presidency. But take a step back - both teams have some great young players. Webb, Helton, Holliday, all that young Dback talent. One team on a fairly incredible roll right now. Why does franchise history, which is essentially unrelated to the present roster, affect how compelling a present-day playoff series will be? Because of that uncomfortable Seinfeldian fact that I try not to remind myself of too often - we're really just rooting for laundry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859126.post-57040364010810776392007-10-09T12:37:00.000-07:002007-10-09T12:37:00.000-07:00I meant to include an addendum like "as with most ...I meant to include an addendum like "as with most managers" when it comes to questioning Torre in short series. It seems that guys who manage with guts rather than stats (less stats, more sass?) do well over the long run, but their mistakes become more glaring when they lose in the short run (starting 5 lefties against C.C.; pitching Pettitte second when it's clear that Wang does not have the mentality of a number 1 starter, even if he has 19 wins; not bunting with Melky with first and third, nobody out, etc.). Valentine is a good example of the anti-Torre (more stats, also a fair amount of sass, but unrelated to baseball acumen and more towards the Groucho nose-glasses-mustache prop brilliance). <BR/><BR/>I agree that the dynasty is not over; it's just the changing of the guard. And once the mighty Pavano gets healthy, we'll be unstoppable.Feralhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09812523941671650852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859126.post-89312183916523181942007-10-09T11:48:00.000-07:002007-10-09T11:48:00.000-07:00I can't think of any manager in my lifetime who's ...I can't think of any manager in my lifetime who's won adulation for his "short-series management decisions." I guess maybe LaRussa or Bobby Valentine, but then, those guys are dicks. Even those universally regarded as great managers--Torre and Bobby Cox--take all kinds of crap for their roster construction, bullpen or pinch-hitting choices and what have you. In almost every single case--Grady Little comes to mind--it's the players' fault. <BR/><BR/>Girardi/Mattingly/whoever will be perfectly fine as long as Joba, Hughes, Kennedy and the rest of the kid pitchers stay healthy. These "end of the dynasty" stories are much overstated. The style might change, but Cashman really knows what he's doing here.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06427208386709900367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859126.post-12569842351045970752007-10-09T10:53:00.000-07:002007-10-09T10:53:00.000-07:00I’m happy as a Yankees fan to have lived in New Yo...I’m happy as a Yankees fan to have lived in New York for all 12 years of the Torre Era. His short-series management decisions can be called into question at times, but there was absolutely nobody better who could handle the team through the ups and downs of a long season. To the people who think that a Billy Martin/ Lou Pinella style rage-fest management is best suited for NY, he proved the value of acting like an adult in a child’s game.<BR/><BR/>Now bring on the Girardi Era! Mattingly can be his bench coach (provided that he cuts those damn sideburns).Feralhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09812523941671650852noreply@blogger.com