Jeff Smith Named Miracle Manager

[Seth Stohs]

The Ft. Myers Miracle announce that Naples native Jeff Smith will take over as the manager of the Ft. Myers Miracle. he has been the manager in New Britain for the last several seasons.

 

Jim Dwyer remains the Miracle hitting coach. Ivan Arteaga returns to the Miracle after spending the 2014 season as the pitching coach of the Kernels. 

[Twins Fan From Afar]

I'm a little disappointed Smith is back. I was never a big fan in New Britain, and I heard from more than 1 person on/connected to the team that he didn't really "have" the clubhouse. Oh well.

[Seth Stohs]

I've heard that over and over for several years. Not well liked by players. Not really his job (to be liked) but other little things too.

[jokin]

So Smith stays because he's from the area and publicly requested the reassignment, which Brad Steil was apparently happy to oblige, despite the just-as-public concerns about if he's the right man for the job.

 

Soo... meanwhile,..the 500 Lb gorilla is still in the room... when's the news on Dougie, stay or go...coming out... before, or after the Holidays?

[JB_Iowa]

Seth Stohs ‏@SethTweets  · 6m6 minutes ago 
Chattanooga Lookouts announce that Doug Mientkiewicz will manage them in 2015. Stu Cliburn and Chad Allen return as Pitching, Hitting Coach.

 

 

i would guess this mostly has to do with the Twins wanting Doug M. to work with those AA prispects,

[nicksaviking]

I hope the many reports of Smith's lack of relatability are false, but I guess it's not like it's his first time managing this team. 

 

Seems like his teams win, but not sure about his players development under him.  The offensive players under his watch both in Beloit and Ft. Myers were hit or miss at best.  Plouffe, Parmelee, Benson all seemd to struggle.  Ramos emerged and Danny Valencia did well, not sure if relating to Valencia is much of a feather in your cap though.

[jokin]

I hope the many reports of Smith's lack of relatability are false, but I guess it's not like it's his first time managing this team. 

 

Seems like his teams win, but not sure about his players development under him.  The offensive players under his watch both in Beloit and Ft. Myers were hit or miss at best.  Plouffe, Parmelee, Benson all seemd to struggle.  Ramos emerged and Danny Valencia did well, not sure if relating to Valencia is much of a feather in your cap though.

 

That's the key, winning in the minors may mean something in regards to keeping it real with the affiliates, but it means little to next to nothing if the players aren't ready to play in the majors when called upon- and that rampant lack of readiness to play "Twins Way" ball has been on display for many years now.

[jokin]

Seth Stohs ‏@SethTweets  · 6m6 minutes ago 

Chattanooga Lookouts announce that Doug Mientkiewicz will manage them in 2015. Stu Cliburn and Chad Allen return as Pitching, Hitting Coach.

 

 

i would guess this mostly has to do with the Twins wanting Doug M. to work with those AA prispects,

 

Thanks, JB... ask and you shall receive.  That whole article about Dougie's hemming and hawing was apparently a skosh overblown.  

 

Can you now find out who's the guy in Rochester?

[JB_Iowa]

Can you now find out who's the guy in Rochester?

 

Yes, but I can't pronouce it.  

 

I'll probably refer to him as "Cade" -- good thing our posts are typed!

[Twins Fan From Afar]

I've heard that over and over for several years. Not well liked by players. Not really his job (to be liked) but other little things too.

Definitely not his job to be liked. Like you're kind of getting at, there are just (apparently) some other things. Just thought it might have been a good opportunity to give someone else a chance at managing.

[JB_Iowa]

Definitely not his job to be liked. Like you're kind of getting at, there are just (apparently) some other things. Just thought it might have been a good opportunity to give someone else a chance at managing.

 

Like Jamey Carroll per Berardino?

[jokin]

Thanks, JB... ask and you shall receive.  That whole article about Dougie's hemming and hawing was apparently a skosh overblown.  

 

Can you now find out who's the guy in Rochester?

 

Q is actually a great guy, Chicagoland native- I remember he was the point guard on a very talented high school team that went to the IL state championships, and a real over-achieving type (overcoming severe alopecia) who's had quite a bit of minor league success, besides his stint with the Cubs.

[nicksaviking]

Definitely not his job to be liked. Like you're kind of getting at, there are just (apparently) some other things. Just thought it might have been a good opportunity to give someone else a chance at managing.

 

I agree, and Smith doesn't have to be liked, but it certainly would help if the players relate to him.  Perhaps they do, but it doesn't sound like it.

 

It just has always seemed strange that the reports are that he isn't a player favorite, mostly because he's still so young.  He was still playing in the minors ten years ago, you always think of the young managers as the ones who are in touch and can understand the players.

[jay]

That's the key, winning in the minors may mean something in regards to keeping it real with the affiliates, but it means little to next to nothing if the players aren't ready to play in the majors when called upon- and that rampant lack of readiness to play "Twins Way" ball has been on display for many years now.

Seems a bit ridiculous to tie that player development (or lack thereof) to one MiLB manager.