Is it time fire Scott Servais?

DerekJohnson

Just answer the question, bud

DawgOfTheAges

No

No, but clearly need to make a major change about how to develop hitters in the minor league system, do a better job of evaluating and drafting hitters, make the investment to build the evaluation and development network structure for international players, and it would be a huge help to get proven hitters in free agency that don't fold up with the challenge of hitting in the home park environment ~ all of which says that identifying and going out and getting a big time Player Development / Assistant GM guy at the top in addition to the current GM, and then spending the money to fund the build out of improved infrastructure would be my priority. No problem, Right?

Switching managers for a proven big time guy that can attract big time hitters / players would be great (Piniella did that for Seattle, Baker has done that, Bochy has done that for Texas) would be great as well, but until we get more talent in the lineup and spend more resources within the development system, i don't think that is the current scenario difference maker.

DerekJohnson

Yes

TheRoarOfTheCrowd said:

No, but clearly need to make a major change about how to develop hitters in the minor league system, do a better job of evaluating and drafting hitters, make the investment to build the evaluation and development network structure for international players, and it would be a huge help to get proven hitters in free agency that don't fold up with the challenge of hitting in the home park environment ~ all of which says that identifying and going out and getting a big time Player Development / Assistant GM guy at the top in addition to the current GM, and then spending the money to fund the build out of improved infrastructure would be my priority. No problem, Right?

Switching managers for a proven big time guy that can attract big time hitters / players would be great (Piniella did that for Seattle, Baker has done that, Bochy has done that for Texas) would be great as well, but until we get more talent in the lineup and spend more resources within the development system, i don't think that is the current scenario difference maker.

Then we will keep treading water and be in the same position next year. When the pressure is on this team folds. The only thing that has ever changed that was Piniella's presence and attitude

Fishpo31

The switch to analytics has taken the game-management piece away from managers. He is a people manager, first and foremost. It takes the infamous “managing with your gut” out of the equation, which, IMO is a major negative, but it is what it is. Lou could not manage today, as well as a lot of others. I could manage today, because I would be told who to play and when to play them…not that I would want to.

It looks like he runs a good clubhouse, but it also has a shelf life. We revere Lou, but I remember the shots of Griffey an others laughing hysterically at Lou railing at umpires, defending them. Woodworth is very good with the pitchers, and Perry Hill is maybe second only to Ron Washington as an infield coach.

chuck

No

I don't think it would help them. They need better hitters and for the pitchers to not give up so many long balls.

phineas

No

give him another year or two imo.

if they cant make a run in the next two years then its over regardless. fire everyone and blow the whole thing up.

RaceBannon

It's always time

DerekJohnson

Yes

Fishpo31 said:

The switch to analytics has taken the game-management piece away from managers. He is a people manager, first and foremost. It takes the infamous “managing with your gut” out of the equation, which, IMO is a major negative, but it is what it is. Lou could not manage today, as well as a lot of others. I could manage today, because I would be told who to play and when to play them…not that I would want to.

It looks like he runs a good clubhouse, but it also has a shelf life. We revere Lou, but I remember the shots of Griffey an others laughing hysterically at Lou railing at umpires, defending them. Woodworth is very good with the pitchers, and Perry Hill is maybe second only to Ron Washington as an infield coach.

There's still the people element. Of course Lou could manage today.

HFNY

No

I have gone back and forth on this but @Fishpo31 made the good point that his surrounding staff is good.

I don't like that Servais is 6-14 in extra innings though 2024 is when ownership opens their wallets and lets Jerry get Servais 1 or 2 professional hitters to extend the line-up. Having France at 1B and Haggerty at DH when it's win or go home time (Saturday) is not a winning strategy.

I don't really know who to blame for the players brought in who should have done well enough but bombed. Wong cost the M's $8.25 million (Brewers paid $1.75 for the $10 million) and Pollock cost $8 million. Adding insult to injury is that Evan White will cost $7 million in 2024.

If the M's can spend that $16.25 million (from Pollock / Wong), they could get a hitter like Bellinger, assuming his shoulder checks out.

I'm not sure what they do with Marco and France as their combined contracts are over $10 million but neither of them seem to have a full-time spot with the M's for 2024. If they do, there is something wrong.

Fishpo31

DerekJohnson said:

Fishpo31 said:

The switch to analytics has taken the game-management piece away from managers. He is a people manager, first and foremost. It takes the infamous “managing with your gut” out of the equation, which, IMO is a major negative, but it is what it is. Lou could not manage today, as well as a lot of others. I could manage today, because I would be told who to play and when to play them…not that I would want to.

It looks like he runs a good clubhouse, but it also has a shelf life. We revere Lou, but I remember the shots of Griffey an others laughing hysterically at Lou railing at umpires, defending them. Woodworth is very good with the pitchers, and Perry Hill is maybe second only to Ron Washington as an infield coach.

There's still the people element. Of course Lou could manage today.

I have the utmost respect for Lou Piniella, as a player, a coach, and as a baseball man. The game has changed, evolved for better or worse. Sure, he could manage, but would he?

I have found exclusive footage of Lou Piniella, in his triumphant return to the dug out, in his first strategy meeting with the analytics department, none of whom ever played professional baseball (or college, for that matter), with freshly-minted mathematics degrees from Ivy League schools...
https://youtu.be/YSPaLiTBL3E?si=Jj9J7teiklAgaiIS

chuck

No

Anyone feel like a Cal Raleigh trade would be less than shocking?

I'm not suggesting it so don't twist.

He's disgruntled and spoke up about it. He's a Scott Boras client. He has a lot of value and is probably not going to resign with Seattle down the road (I don't remember if he's down to 1 or 2 arb years).

I hope not. Nobody is untouchable in my mind though. Not if you can make clear, overall upgrades.