The Baltimore Orioles announced the hiring of Buck Showalter as their new manager Thursday, meaning we can begin the countdown to his firing. Let's set it at 750 days.
Showalter is certainly known for turning clubs around. He helped build the Yankees to what they are today, and for that I thank him. After guiding the Yanks to their first post-season appearance in 15 years in 1995, Showalter moved on to manage the expansion Diamondbacks. During Arizona's first season, Showalter once walked Barry Bonds intentionally with the bases loaded, which is one of the stupidest decisions in the history of organized sport. In 1999, the franchise's second season, William Nathaniel won 100 games and a division title, but perhaps because of the Bonds' decision, or because AZ was afraid he would do it again, Showalter was let go following the 2000 campaign. After taking two years off to recommit himself to the bleach-blonde-hair lifestyle, Showalter took over in Texas, where the Rangers had finished in last place the previous three seasons. They finished last in Nathaniel's first season as well (Orioles parallel!), but Showalter finished third in each of his final three seasons in Arlington. If he can do that in Baltimore, they'll make him mayor.
The Orioles are on their third manager of the year after Dave Trembley and Juan Samuel combined to go 32-70. Showalter is expected to get win No. 33 sometime this season.
go O's I see World Series in the future...
ReplyDeleteYou can see far into the future my friend.
ReplyDeleteThis team is 32 and 73 probably the worst team in several decades. Andy Mcphail has "stockpiled" young arms and left the rest of the organization gutted with no position players. Their are not enough words for me to descibe the ineptitude of this poorly run organization.
ReplyDeleteThe problem, as I see it, is they do a poor job of developing talent. I'm not sure whose problem that is or at what level it's taking place but they have some extremely talented players who are simply not reaching their potential.
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