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General Astros thought and opinion.Friday, July 06, 2012
Astros 2013 managerial candidates, round one.
It should surprise no one that Jeff Luhnow will replace Brad Mills once the 2012 season ends. He will likely bring in a mix of those with managerial experience, and those new to the ranks that might work well with a young club. Hopefully, Jim Crane and Luhnow don't continue the old buddy system employed under Drayton McLane and Tal Smith and give Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio or Brad Ausmus the job on name recognition.
So where might he start?
Tim Bogar - The former Astros shortstop is currently serving as Bobby Valetine's bench coach in Boston. He has stops on the minor-league managerial circuit include Astros affiliates Greeneville and Lexington, and in the Indians system with the Double-A Akron. Bogar interviewed for the vacant Astros position that went to Brad Mills in 2009.
Jose Oquendo - Luhnow is familiar Oquendo, having been a part of two World Series- winning organizations in 2006 and 2011. He serves as the third base coach for new manager Mike Matheny, as position he held for Tony LaRussa since 2000. In 1997, he managed the team's rookie level affiliate in New Jersey. He could be seen as an early front-runner, especially if he feels he was unjustly passed over for the job when given to Matheny.
Tony Pena - The 18-year Major League veteran has previously managed the Kansas CIty Royals from 2002-05, and is Joe Girardi's bench coach with the Yankees. He was voted Manager of the Year in 2003 after guiding the Royals to a 83-79 record before being replaced during the 2005 season. He has previous stops with the Astros Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans from 1999-2001, and as the bench coach in Houston in 2002.
Joey Cora - Like Bogar, Cora has cut his teeth on the minor league coaching circuit, with stops in the Expos, Mets and Cubs farms over the course of four years, before being added to Ozzie Guillen's staff in Chicago from 2004-11. He followed Guillen south to join him with Marlins in 2012.
Dave Martinez - He has been tutored as part of the highly successful staff in Tampa Bay since being named bench coach in 2007. While light on lower-level coaching experience, Martinez has been a part of a Rays staff that has reached the playoffs three times and the World Series in 2008. Martinez would likely get a ringing endorsement from Rays manager Joe Maddon should he pursue a managerial position this offseason. His youth and pedigree could make him a hot commodity.
What this means:
While Oquendo might have the flash, I like Dave Martinez as a dark horse to land this job. You can't underestimate the success the Tampa staff has had when dealing with the Boston and New York superpowers in the AL East. I think this mindset could serve the Astros well as they become a member of the American League in 2013.
So where might he start?
Tim Bogar - The former Astros shortstop is currently serving as Bobby Valetine's bench coach in Boston. He has stops on the minor-league managerial circuit include Astros affiliates Greeneville and Lexington, and in the Indians system with the Double-A Akron. Bogar interviewed for the vacant Astros position that went to Brad Mills in 2009.
Jose Oquendo - Luhnow is familiar Oquendo, having been a part of two World Series- winning organizations in 2006 and 2011. He serves as the third base coach for new manager Mike Matheny, as position he held for Tony LaRussa since 2000. In 1997, he managed the team's rookie level affiliate in New Jersey. He could be seen as an early front-runner, especially if he feels he was unjustly passed over for the job when given to Matheny.
Tony Pena - The 18-year Major League veteran has previously managed the Kansas CIty Royals from 2002-05, and is Joe Girardi's bench coach with the Yankees. He was voted Manager of the Year in 2003 after guiding the Royals to a 83-79 record before being replaced during the 2005 season. He has previous stops with the Astros Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans from 1999-2001, and as the bench coach in Houston in 2002.
Joey Cora - Like Bogar, Cora has cut his teeth on the minor league coaching circuit, with stops in the Expos, Mets and Cubs farms over the course of four years, before being added to Ozzie Guillen's staff in Chicago from 2004-11. He followed Guillen south to join him with Marlins in 2012.
Dave Martinez - He has been tutored as part of the highly successful staff in Tampa Bay since being named bench coach in 2007. While light on lower-level coaching experience, Martinez has been a part of a Rays staff that has reached the playoffs three times and the World Series in 2008. Martinez would likely get a ringing endorsement from Rays manager Joe Maddon should he pursue a managerial position this offseason. His youth and pedigree could make him a hot commodity.
What this means:
While Oquendo might have the flash, I like Dave Martinez as a dark horse to land this job. You can't underestimate the success the Tampa staff has had when dealing with the Boston and New York superpowers in the AL East. I think this mindset could serve the Astros well as they become a member of the American League in 2013.
Labels: Astros, Dave Martinez, Joey Cora, Jose Oquendo, Tim Bogar, Tony Pena
posted by dirty steve # 11:24 PM 
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