Posted by Steve
TH reported today on local radio that the Brewers have hired Ken Macha and are simply waiting until after the World Series to officially announce it. More importantly, neither Bob Brenly nor Willie Randolph will be managing the Brewers.
I am relieved that Brenly was not hired because I don’t want to see my favorite team lead the league in sacrifice bunts. I am also thankful I no longer need to read that Brenly was qualified because he saw the Brewers play several times this year as an analyst for the Cubs, and is therefore “familiar” with the team. Based on that metric, you and I are far more qualified to manage the Brewers than Brenly (It may surprise you, but in no way am I qualified to manage a Major League Baseball team. You probably aren’t either.)
I am relieved Willie Randolph was not named manager because I don’t want a Ned Yost clone: an inept bullpen manager who has presided over multiple late-season collapses. Randolph also disregards on-base percentage, as he has consistently used low OBP players at the top of his lineups.
Macha’s falling out with Oakland A’s players in his last managerial job is concerning, but Doug Melvin said he looked into it and that it isn’t an issue. Frankly, I am much more concerned with the next Brewer manager’s views on baseball strategy than anything else, so Macha was a no-brainer between the three candidates.
