Have there been any managerial changes since the season began? Off the top of my head, i can't think of any. I think the heat is already on for Art Howe in New York - both for the Mets slow start and for his role in the Piazza-to-first-base mess. But now comes news that the Marlins have fired Jeff Torborg. One question: why? Did management really expect to be much better than they are?

Word from Baseball Tonight is that Jerry Manuel may be looking for a new job if the White Sox don't shape up...

I can't imagine Art Howe getting axed unless they have pictures of him doing something carnal with farm animals. And even then, maybe not. Stevie Phillips could, will, better, should take the fall for the Mets mess.

ESPN is reporting that it's because of his handling of the pitching staff. The Fishies have some very talented young pitchers (A.J. Burnett, Josh Beckett) who have been very injury prone since Torborg was installed prior to last season.

When that many pitchers get hurt -- especially young one -- you've got to look to the manager. Maybe the pitch counts are too high. Maybe relievers are being warmed up too frequently. Those young Marlin pitchers are the future of the team and Torborg was squandering it. Smart move to can him before he could damage more talent.

As long as they aren't farm animals of the same sex, what would be the problem? wink

I'm just wondering how long it takes to find Torborg another managerial job. It seems like for a mediocre manager, teams keep hiring him. Same goes for Jim Fregosi... he's past due for a job.

Trammell. In Detroit. Get him out of there. Gross incompetence. He's clueless. He left in the game a young pitcher who had been throwing a no-hitter but began to tire. He couldn't figure out that the guy should have come out to protect 1) the lead and 2) his arm. His comments on this flub were just embarrassing.

I feel for Jerry Manuel. A nice man. He's got a bunch of lifeless players on the team, though. Big Goo Two Frank Thomas has seen his best days. Only D'Angelo Jimenez has some pop in his bat. The fans need to stop attacking opposed teams and get on the GM. Trade some of the deadweight for 1-2 younger players who are going to play their hearts out.

Art Howe? I don't blame him. Look at the pathetic lineup he's got. The Mets have little pitching and other than Piazza no one is hitting. Mo Vaughan should retire, really. Or lose 75 pounds, not 5. What is Roberto Alomar's problem? His skills have really diminished. Roger Cedeno, despite his handsome face and incredible body, is a joke.

C'mon, the stats don't bear that out! The Mets wouldn't be as "good" as 17-21 with that woeful offense if the pitching was bad; it's mediocre. At the start of his contract, Howe is the most secure guy in the dugout. Getting maximum value for Piazza in a trade might even make sense in July...

Could anyone do better than Trammell with the Tigers? Doubtful.

[ May 13, 2003, 09:12 AM: Message edited by: Bill W ]

The Marlins may be a spot of trouble for not interviewing minority candidates before hiring McKeon.

Selig Angry