After the first losing record since 1997, there’s not a big question as to whether or not Bobby Valentine should be fired. We are only to wonder who should replace him. Here are five great candidates for the job.
Dave Martinez: After sitting under Joe Maddon, possibly the best manager in baseball, for five years, Dave should finally be able to take over a team for himself. The Rays have been the opposite of the Red Sox, extremely well managed, well disciplined, and with great pitching. He was a top candidate for the White Sox managerial position last year, and has interviewed for the Astros this year. It may take a lot to get him, but he’d be worth the price.
Rick Honeycutt: The Dodger’s pitching coach is among the most undervalued coaches in the MLB. The Dodgers rank in the top five for runs allowed, ERA, and batting average against this season. The man simply knows how to teach and motivate his team. He would be a slightly underwhelming pick, but a deserving one.
Jackie Moore: The Ranger’s bench coach would be an unexpected and savvy pick as manager. He has served for the most consistent team over the past few years, as well as having managed for the A’s and in the minor leagues for a period. He knows the game inside and out, as he has played or managed in baseball for 54 consecutive years.
Larry Bowa: Some may think he would end up being another Bobby Valentine-like misadventure, but this is not the case. Bobby Valentine is crazy in the sense that he doesn’t have a tight grip on reality or how to handle a team. Bowa is sometimes driven to “meltdowns” by his passion for the game and his team. Bowa could do a better job of handling the brutal Boston media, and would give the players a figure in the dugout who really cares about them.
Terry Francona: I can dream, can’t I?
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