A Few Interesting Questions

[The Rap]

1. Who do you realistically think will be Bobby's successor and why?

2. Who do any of you personally prefer to be Bobby's successor? and why?

3. Following that who should be the pitching coach and hitting coach?

[Andy G.]

I think Frank Wren will hire from outside of the organization when he replaces Bobby Cox.

I know a lot of people talk about TP being Bobby's replacement, but I don't see it happening. He'll probably get a job somewhere else. He is said to be extremely personable, and from what I have gathered he seems to be considered a natural leader. I still don't think Wren will make him our head coach. Wren's not an "old school" type of guy, and that's the type of manager I think TP will be if he ever gets the chance.

I don't have any suggestions for who the next coach will be, but my gut tells me it won't be TP.

[Andy G.]

Actually, if I can go back on my previous statement a little bit, I wouldn't be surprised if McDowell got the job. I brought his name up last off season when we had this discussion. I've always gotten the feeling that he has a forward thinking mind for some reason. I like the way he carries himself, too. We've all heard about how much of a cut-up he was as a player, but as a coach he's been nothing but professional. I think he'd be a slightly more strict version of Bobby. He knows what it's like to be a player and to want to have a good time, but he's also shown that as a coach he means business.

It's possible that the Braves brought him in because they recognized his potential as a manager. He has a completely different style than Leo did, so maybe their thinking all along was to have him get some experience under Bobby and to see what he brings to the table. If they like what they've seen, and I have a feeling that they do, he might be on their short list for a replacement next off season.

[bravos4evr]

I think that Jim Leyland will be our next Mgr.... He has supposedly craved the job forever AND he's probably at the top of FW's list. Who our subordinate coaches will be?.... I have no clue, the new mgr usually sets those paramters!

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I would be shocked if McDowell became the Braves manager. As I see it, he has no managing experience that I'm aware of, for some reason, pitching coaches don't usually get the same respect as a third base coach in regards to a manager's gig and I'm probably overlooking someone but I don't know of any pitching coaches who have made that jump with any degree of success. I remember Ray Miller, who was one of those "ahead of the curve" pitching coaches who made sure the Orioles had great pitching for years, and his foray into managing. It didn't go well. It wasn't all his fault, but it was a flop.
I also believe the prime thinking in the McDowell hire was because he works so well with younger pitchers. Leo's strength was in his ability to ride herd on a staff of proven stars. They followed his lead and all had tremendous success. When the old stars began fading or moving on, Leo jumped at the chance to go work at home with an old friend. He never made me think he was patient enough to direct the kids who struggle so much as they try to become ML pitchers.
I like the idea of getting Jim Leyland! I have always appreciated his strength working with a diverse roster, old and new, superstar or situational guys. He actually manages games instead of being a glorified fan. He also makes demands on his teams to perform, not just show up on time. He might be just the guy to lead the new Braves into the future. If I knew of a younger version of Leyland, I'd be for him. As stated, the manager will be the one to name his staff and I trust someone of Leyland's credentials to make solid picks. I'm not real sure if his chain smoking is a plus or minus, but I do like his fire!
:rimshot:.....................:D

[The Rap]

I started this thread so I guess the right thing to do would be to put my two cents in;

I have no clue what Wren is looking for and if he is willing to spend the money on managers who already are managing teams. I think TP's time to manage has passed and he will either go elsewhere or simply go home. Two guys keep crossing my mind and they are Jeff Blauser and Mark Lemke both of whom I always thought had the potential for the job. The reason I asked about the coaches is that if we go outside for the manager maybe it would be a good idea to bring in some retired Braves to do the job. Glavine as pitching coach could be great IMO as a good example.

[bravos4evr]

I'd get behind Eddie Perez as the Mgr. Tho I have no idea what his game mgmt style is, I would assume he's a Cox style guy. Waiting for the 3 run HR and likes aggressive batters.... I would really like us to get a guy who is into OBP..... but Eddie could be miles away from Cox. No way to know until he gets a job

[The Rap]

I think Eddie would be on the list but there would be others before him.

[warefreak]

I know it's reaching, and highly unlikely... but I want Greg Maddux. I want him to be a pitching coach... badly.

[The Rap]

Never happen in a million years but who really knows? I don't think he has any interest and is rich beyond any need to work anymore so why? Especially since family means so much to him?

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

I'd rather see Eddie chosen as the bench coach for the next manager and then considered the next time around if the new guy fails to impress the FO....

[Hobbes]

I know it's reaching, and highly unlikely... but I want Greg Maddux. I want him to be a pitching coach... badly.

Me too, although I agree that it's an exceedingly unlikely scenario.

[Agent-X-]

Isn't Maddog supposed to be a pitching instructor for us this spring? Seems like he might be testing the waters just a bit...