It now appears that the Pirates next manager will be either Clint Hurdle or Jeff Bannister.
Hurdle is a guy with some past managerial success with the Rockies, although he was sent packing by them two years back (to be replaced by a guy that had been fired by the Pirates). Still, he has managed in a World Series, was a coach for the pennant winning Rangers, and is said to be on the interview list of the hapless, but money laden New York Mets. So there could - could - be a bidding war for his services.
Bannister is baseball lifer who has spent his entire career in the Pirates organization. He bleeds Black and Gold, and has been all but begging for the job with his comments to the media. He has not managed at any level of organized baseball since 1998. There will be no bidding war for his services. All indications are that he will be a lapdog for GM Neal, and he will come cheap.
The guess here is that rather than go outside the organization that has known nothing but failure for 18 years, the Pirates will stay within that very organization, and name Jeff Bannister as the next Skipper.
I don’t think it’s much of a guess to say that Jeff Banister (note – correct spelling is with one “n”, but that shows you how unknown he is) will be the next manager, it should be a done deal. If you go to the Pirates website right now and find “Coaches” and then click on his name you get the message that says…. “We're sorry, this staff bio is being updated, please check back later.” There is no such message on any other coaches. The guy is so obscure I couldn’t find his picture for an avatar!!! Jeff Banister? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…. Put this one on Prez Frank Coonelly, he’s the one who has the authority over this and calls the shot for a cheap hire, not the GM.
ReplyDeleteAgree, Dave, that FC makes the call on the cheap hire, but don't underestimate the Lap Dog Factor where GM Neal is concerned. I am sure that Jeff will have pitchers batting eighth and weird defensive shifts with no questions asked.
ReplyDeleteAs I stated here previously, Banister was the man from the get-go. Another 'lackey', a company kiss-ass. He will be Huntington's puppet. Just thinking.....why would you hire someone who has been in the WORST organization in all sports the longest to run your team. Because he has been here for 25 years? This guy should have been fired long ago. Maybe they can find someone who has been in the organization longer to run the team. My suggestion would be Kenny the Lemonade Vendor at PNC Park. I bet he has been with them longer. Funny thing though, where in the hell is Banister going to find coaches that are inferior to him? You know you NEVER want anyone on your staff that may eventually take your job. (Example---Varsho.) The 3rd base coaching job and KC bench coach job are now seen as a more 'glamourous' job in MLB. Also the Pirates have stated their payroll will go up next year. Of course it will. With the Yanks ready to sign Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford for starters and resigning Jeter and Rivera, their payroll will climb. Thus making them pay more in revenue sharing. The Pirates will reap the benefits and put that towards their payroll. Nutting will not drop a penny more into it. The likes of the Yanks, Red Sox, Angels, etc. will once again pay for the ENTIRE Pirates payroll for the 2011 season.
ReplyDeleteI like Kenny as the new skipper With T.C. as the bench coach.
ReplyDeleteNow the mystery: Who is The Legend?
Whoever you are, I appreciate the support!!
I had deduced the identity of The Legend, and it was confirmed to me by another follower. Glad to have him on board!!!
ReplyDeleteWho is "Kenny" and who is "T.C."?
ReplyDeleteWell guess I was wrong about Jeff Banister. But my question is just what kind of power will Clint Hurdle have? Hope it's more than ole J.R. I don't want to see anymore of those lineups with the pitcher batting 8th. Please someone explain to me how that makes your lineup better. Just brings up a terrible hitter much earlier and much more than a better one. If you want to 'turn the lineup around', then bat the pitcher even higher. Like first. That would be great huh?
ReplyDelete