https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2022/07/09/deeper-discussions-32/
DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers
Over the past decade, baseball became more modern as a result of teams starting to hire younger managers and Front Office personnel who were schooled in the latest trends, theories and strategies.
The overwhelming majority of them came in from outside baseball and brought advanced degrees in sports economics, business and psychology with them. For the most part, these changes were successful.
But within the past 2 years, some teams have returned to hiring older, traditional baseball people. Joe Girardi was hired to manage the Phillies.
Tony La Russa returned to the White Sox as their manager. Dusty Baker was the solution to the Astros scandal and provided good will and balance to a team in turmoil.
And Dave Dombrowski was hired by the Phillies to be their first President of Baseball Operations who also has some responsibility for building the team?s roster. All of them in their 60?s and 70?s.
All but Baker have come under heavy fire, especially this year from both fans and baseball analysts. Girardi was fired from his job while many are calling for the same thing to happen to La Russa. He is being questioned for some highly questionable in-game moves that no longer jive with what is going on in the game.
Joe Maddon, one of baseball?s oldest managers, was also recently fired for his team?s under-performance.
Dombrowski is being criticized for building an old-fashioned roster that is high on one-dimensional hitters while ignoring defense and the bullpen.
Much of the criticism is based upon a perceived failure by these older traditionalists to keep up with the changes happening in baseball. And these changes are often rooted and supported by the findings of computer programs and advanced technology. Younger managers and GMs are much more comfortable using and explaining the results generated by computer reports. They also don?t have to get up to speed.
To offer some perspective, the majority of today?s managers are in their 40?s. The next largest group is in their early 50?s.
As for GMs, they skew much younger. Most are in their early 40?s while the next largest group is in their 30?s. Al Avila is MLB?s oldest GM. And if we were to include Dombrowski (who is not a GM but carries the roster-building duties), he would be the oldest of them all.
Tigers? manager, A. J. Hinch is 48. GM Al Avila is 63.
Today?s blog addresses this dilemma and allows readers to share their thoughts in more detail. And hopefully, to actively engage with others by responding to their posts and creating back-and-forth discussion threads. The more the merrier!
For this one blog only, you?ve got 6 sentences max to share your thoughts.
Of course, you can respond to as many other readers as you want.
TT will supply the ammunition. One thought-provoking question.
Several options provided. One hard choice to be selected. One vote.
Ready? What is your preference when it comes to hiring management?
What is your preference when it comes to hiring management?
1. Older w/lots of baseball experience.
2. Younger w/updated skills and technologically savvy.
VOTE
