New Manager Criteria

[markominne]

How do you think the Twins should select their new manager? How do you think they will do it?

 

In most professions, potential new hires are selected based upon a number of evaluation criteria, in addition to the neulous "personality fit". Giving this a little thought, based upon my observations over the past 13 years (the Gardenhire era), and before (OK, I'm old), I've come up with this list:

 

Must Haves:

1. Respected as a leader

2. Commitment to statistical approaches

3, Track record of consistent, aggressive game management

3. Track record working well with Spanish-speaking players

4. Track record developing young players

 

Important:

1. Spanish-speaking

2. Willing to accept input on coaching staff members

3. Track record of dealing positively with media

4. Demonstrated aversion to bunting (OK, that's a joke - kind of)

5. No track record of unhealthy affection for light-hitting utility infielders (Also a joke, but only kind of...)

 

I'm sure there are other priorities for the hire, but what are your thoughts on criteria? Prioritization? How do you think the publicly-identified candidates measure up on this - or your - list?

 

Perhaps more importantly for an organization that has not gone to the outside to hire a manager in the last 28 years, how do you think the decision will actually be made?

 

[drjim]

To me there are two things a manager absolutely must do well:

 

1. Manage the rotation/bullpen.

2. Properly develop and integrate younger players.

 

After that - the manager is responsible for guiding a team through the grind of a regular season, ups and downs, etc. There are certainly different methods and personalities that can do this.

 

The last part for me is to have someone who can be on the same page and integrate wholistic strategy for the entire organization of integrating data and developing younger players.

 

I don't really care how they do any of this - whether they are fiery or analytical, speak Spanish or don't, are a "leader" or aren't, or whatever other intangibles or pet theories people want to mention.

 

To me, Gardy was competent at the first three things on the list, but didn't seem fully bought into the fourth. It is certainly time for a fresh set of eyes and new ideas - whether that comes from inside or outside the organization.

 

It seems Molitor, Mientkiewicz and Lovullo have the most steam at the moment. I would be OK with any of them.

[James Richter]

The best coach I ever had (soccer, but hopefully generally applicable) was a guy I played for in 2 consecutive seasons. Our stock lineups/game plan were different each season, because of the changes in the composition of the team between the 2 years. He didn't try to force players into a system in which they weren't suited to succeed. Instead, he modified his system to best take advantage of his players' strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

 

It appears as though the lineup and rotation for 2015 are already more or less set. Additionally, we know which impact prospects we're hoping to add over the next season plus. That's the personnel we're going to build the next winning team around. The next manager needs to have a plan for maximizing the value of those particular players. This should include training & coaching to help young players reach their potential (helping Arcia cut Ks, Santana increase BBs, Hicks improve OF defense, May survive jams, etc.). It should include lineup construction and bullpen use strategies that limit exposure to unfavorable matchups. And it should include a culture of accountability from everyone in the dugout: we know what we're supposed to do, we've trained as hard as we possibly can to do it to the best of our ability, now go do it on a consistent basis or go find another line of work.

 

From what little I've heard so far, I would also be OK with any of the front-runners.