Grady Little

[jfiling]

Little was just extended as the Dodger's manager. In the story, I see that he has the best winning percentage of current MLB managers. Anyone know why he got no real consideration for the Indian's spot that was given to Wedge?

Also, would you rather have Little instead of Wedge? I know I would.

[pup]

Grady Little was crucified for making one bad decision, yet Eric Wedge gets extensions for making hundreds. It is one of the biggest travesties in managing and I am glad he has finally gotten a 2nd chance.

[hermanfontenot]

I agree, Pup. And Grady was in the ultimate lose-lose situation in Game 7. If he leaves a tired Pedro in the ballgame, well... we all saw what happened. But let's say he pulls Pedro, puts, say, Scott Williamson in the game, and he blows the lead. You know how Red Sox fans are- 50 years from now they'd still be bitching about how they didn't have a sausage from 2003 because Dumbass Little yanked da best pitchah in franchoyse histuhry and put in Scawt Freakin' Williamson.

[pup]

I don't have the resources or energy to research it, but I believe the Red Sox bullpen was very similar to the Indians of 2006 that year. There were 5 or so games Pedro left with a lead and they blew it, so he went with his ace and got burned. So be it. Then Francona, who is about as pointless of a manager as Wedge reaps all the benefits of the groundwork Little laid.

[jfiling]

Pup,

I went to Retrosheet for that game, and it looks like Little had the choice between putting Alan Embree in a bit earlier or sticking with the ace and letting the chips fall where they may. I'd wager that Little never would have been crucified in Cleveland like he was in Boston for that decision.

[swerb]

My recollection of that games a little different. I remember being horrified Grady left Pedro in there, and it being pretty apparent that Pedro was toast.

That season, Pedro had a history of falling apart late in games, things unraveling on his as soon as he started to lose that bite on his #1 and his changeup.

That said, I've always liked Grady, and despite the fact they won it all the next year, they prolly never shoulda run him in Beantown. Id be interested ot hear Jumbo or Beanpot's take on this.

Dodgers are my pick to win it all this season.

[consigliere]

I'm not a big Grady Little fan. At all.

This is not an endorsement of Wedge, but Wedge made much more sense as the manager of this team when the rebuild started in 2003 than having someone like Charlie Manuel or Grady Little coach this team.

As for the present, I'm open to suggestions for replacing Wedge.....although have a hunch it is all moot discussion as the Indians will win 90 or so games this year, and he'll get an extension playoffs or not. Not saying I disagree or agree if that happens, but unless they flat out hit tank this year, I don't see him going anywhere.

[swerb]

My fear is that the Indians will be just good enough to get Wedge an extension this year. That Wedge will comandeer a 100 win team to a 90-72 record, and finish 3-4 games out of the playoffs. And the Indians give him three more years.

Two words: Joe Fucking Girardi

[consigliere]

My fear is that the Indians will be just good enough to get Wedge an extension this year. That Wedge will comandeer a 100 win team to a 90-72 record, and finish 3-4 games out of the playoffs.

Two words: Joe Fucking Girardi

Yes, my fears as well.

Sort of ties into my fears with RAC as well. That if the Browns win 6-7 games, he sticks around another season.

So, I'll root like hell for the browns and Indians to start the season....but once it starts to go down the shitter I'll root for an all out implosion so there is no doubt on firing RAC or Wedge.

Although, if Wedge is fired, his replacement is coming from within. Book it. And I am not saying Showalter.

[pup]

Torey Lovullo.