Just like this past Padres season, it came down to the wire, and in the end, Bud Black prevailed over Dusty Baker, and is the NL Manager of the Year in 2010.
Deserving? You bet. To me, and admittedly I'm a bit biased, it was a no brainer. I didn't however think that the BBWA would get it right. I figured it would go to the sentimental favorite, Bobby Cox, but in the end the writers did the right thing and gave the nod to our own skipper.
The case is a simple one. He did the best job of managing a baseball team this season. Going through the peaks and valleys of the 162 game schedule, Black, guided his team to a 90 win season, 15 more wins than the previous year. That was the best win differential in MLB.
Did anybody expect this? No. Did anybody figure out how to get the most of all his players, every single game? No. Case closed. Vegas set the Padres win line at 71.5 before the season, and as GM Jed Hoyer pointed out today in a conference call, "They don't build those casinos by losing money. For me, [Black] was a clear choice."
Congratulations Buddy, on a well deserved honor. It has been my privilege to work with him every game for the last four seasons, and I really enjoy talking baseball and other things with him all the time. What you see is what you get with Bud Black, one of the good guys in the game of baseball.
I'm Baaaack...
Many of you have sent me Facebook and Twitter messages wondering about the status of my blog and after a long hiatus, I've decided to bring back Masur's Musings. I can't guarantee it will be updated every day, or even every week, but I will certainly do my best to keep it relatively current. I'm just happy that there were so many people that actually read my blog, I had no idea really, and I do appreciate the following.
Random Musings...
- What a win for the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team the other night at Gonzaga. I've broadcast a few games at the "Kennel" and I've never heard the place as quiet as I did late in the game yesterday. These Aztecs are for real, and will be a force to be reckoned with when conference play begins.
- The USD Toreros are off to a 1-1 start, coming off a loss at Stanford, Monday night. This is a young team that Bill Grier has, 2 seniors, 2 juniors and 11 sophomores/freshman. Hopefully the non-conference season, will get this inexperienced group ready for WCC play. It's a great bunch of kids, and they are hard not to root for.
- By the way, in case you didn't hear, the Toreros games are on XTRA Sports 1360 this season. I'm back for my fourth season of play-by-play and couldn't be happier. I'll be away for the next couple of games to attend a good friend's wedding, so Ben Higgins will step in and handle the games, Friday night and Sunday afternoon at the JCP.
Alright, that's a wrap. Chat soon.
Showing posts with label Jed Hoyer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jed Hoyer. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Year...
Yes, I know, it's been a while, but I'm back. Happy New Year everybody!
I've been traveling the country the last few weeks visiting friends and family for the Holidays, and now it's time to write again! So here goes...
No News Is Good News?
Not much has changed since my last post in San Diego Padres land. It's been quiet at Petco Park, but I think that will change shortly. GM Jed Hoyer has been keeping a watchful eye on what other teams are doing, trying to figure out who may become expendable as a result. This much is true, he knows there are still holes to fill and will start that process soon.
As it looks now, Adrian Gonzalez will start the year with the Padres, but will he be here come August? I think A-Gonz's trade value will increase as his numbers do, and as the July 31 trade deadline arrives during the season. Teams are much more likely to over pay for players if they feel that guy will put them over the top and push that team to the playoffs.
It also seems to me that Kevin Kouzmanoff will be here when the season starts as well. To me that's great news. Kouz has been more than dependable both in the field and at the plate (save the first two months!) in his time in Southern California.
The most immediate move will likely be a back up catcher. Nick Hundley is improving season to season, but I know that the organization would like to have a veteran in there, to continue to bring the young backstop along. Brad Ausmus is a name you hear a lot about. The Padres tried to get him a year ago, but decided instead, after Ausmus signed with the Dodgers, to sign Henry Blanco. Ausmus has the same reputation throughout the league as Blanco, for being a great clubhouse guy and a veteran not afraid to help a youngster along. Ausmus would also be good for the young pitching staff.
Eyes are still open for a right handed hitting center fielder to compliment Tony Gwynn Jr. This could be a little more costly a position to fill than the catcher's spot. Here are a few names to consider: Reed Johnson, ex of the Chicago Cubs. A great defender and at age 33 still has something left in the tank. Another name to consider is that of Jerry Hairston Jr. I was chatting with Corey Brock of mlb.com about Hairston Jr. We both agreed that he'd be a great influence in the clubhouse, like his brother Scott was. He's also a player that gives you a lot of versatility. He can play the outfield, shortstop and second base. Jerry Jr is a right handed hitter with a little pop and he has some speed too, which fits into what the Padres are looking for. Hairston is 34. Food for thought.
I'm sure that Hoyer would like to add another veteran arm to the rotation as well. Makes sense, with some youth in the starting five, it's always nice to have that experienced arm to count on once in a while.
Stay tuned, the hot stove should be getting a bit warmer in the next week or so for the Padres.
Big Unit hangs it up...
Randy Johnson is calling it a career. The "Big Unit" hangs em up after a 22 year career with several teams. He started with the Expos, but came to become a pitcher, with the Seattle Mariners. Johnson winds up his career with 303 wins, and finishes up second on baseball's all time strike out list, with 4,875 punch outs, only behind Nolan Ryan. Johnson was the co-mvp of the 2001 World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also owns 2 no hitters, including a perfect game, which he threw in 2004. Might he be the final pitcher to ever reach the magic 300 win number? Could be.
Happy Holliday in St. Louis...
So Matt Holliday is going to stay in St Louis after all for 7 years and $120 million. Shocking. Not. Where else was he really going to go? My question is this...the Cardinals are considered a mid-market team, and now has two, $100 million players, how? Especially considering, Albert Pujols is entering the final year of his 7 year, $100 million dollar deal. Good luck Cardinals. Enjoy this year.
Mourning Markas...
I woke today to some terrible news, that of the untimely passing of Angels play-by-play man Rory Markas. He was only 54, and died of an apparent heart attack. He was with the Angels the last 8 seasons, and was also the voice of USC Trojans basketball. I didn't know Rory very well, but he would always have a "hello" or a "how you doing?" when the Padres and Angels would play in Spring Training or during the season. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all of those in the Angels family, who have had a rough year, with the passing of Preston Gomez, Nick Adenhart and now Markas. He will be missed.
NFL Playoffs...the Weekend of Rematch...
How strange is that? 3 of the Week 17 match ups will happen again, in the first round of the playoffs. In the AFC, the Jets who destroyed the Bengals Sunday night, will meet again, but this time with something on the line for both teams and in Cincinnati. My pick, Cincinnati. Also in the AFC, Baltimore visits New England. Even without Wes Welker, I think the Patriots will be able to get it done and advance this weekend. Of course that would mean that the Chargers would host the Patriots and make it 12 in a row after dispatching of "The Hoodie" and "Tom Terrific". In the NFC, it's an all rematch slate. The Packers face the Cardinals in Arizona. I think (and this kills me as a Bears fan) the Packers will advance and then beat the highly over rated New Orleans Saints. Dallas hosts Philadelphia again, and I see the same result happening in this one, Cowboys over Eagles in Jerryworld. I'll keep an eye on the games, and have more after the weekend.
Alright, that will do it for now. My New Year's resolution is to keep this blog a bit more updated. Hope I can stick to it!!!
Andy
I've been traveling the country the last few weeks visiting friends and family for the Holidays, and now it's time to write again! So here goes...
No News Is Good News?
Not much has changed since my last post in San Diego Padres land. It's been quiet at Petco Park, but I think that will change shortly. GM Jed Hoyer has been keeping a watchful eye on what other teams are doing, trying to figure out who may become expendable as a result. This much is true, he knows there are still holes to fill and will start that process soon.
As it looks now, Adrian Gonzalez will start the year with the Padres, but will he be here come August? I think A-Gonz's trade value will increase as his numbers do, and as the July 31 trade deadline arrives during the season. Teams are much more likely to over pay for players if they feel that guy will put them over the top and push that team to the playoffs.
It also seems to me that Kevin Kouzmanoff will be here when the season starts as well. To me that's great news. Kouz has been more than dependable both in the field and at the plate (save the first two months!) in his time in Southern California.
The most immediate move will likely be a back up catcher. Nick Hundley is improving season to season, but I know that the organization would like to have a veteran in there, to continue to bring the young backstop along. Brad Ausmus is a name you hear a lot about. The Padres tried to get him a year ago, but decided instead, after Ausmus signed with the Dodgers, to sign Henry Blanco. Ausmus has the same reputation throughout the league as Blanco, for being a great clubhouse guy and a veteran not afraid to help a youngster along. Ausmus would also be good for the young pitching staff.
Eyes are still open for a right handed hitting center fielder to compliment Tony Gwynn Jr. This could be a little more costly a position to fill than the catcher's spot. Here are a few names to consider: Reed Johnson, ex of the Chicago Cubs. A great defender and at age 33 still has something left in the tank. Another name to consider is that of Jerry Hairston Jr. I was chatting with Corey Brock of mlb.com about Hairston Jr. We both agreed that he'd be a great influence in the clubhouse, like his brother Scott was. He's also a player that gives you a lot of versatility. He can play the outfield, shortstop and second base. Jerry Jr is a right handed hitter with a little pop and he has some speed too, which fits into what the Padres are looking for. Hairston is 34. Food for thought.
I'm sure that Hoyer would like to add another veteran arm to the rotation as well. Makes sense, with some youth in the starting five, it's always nice to have that experienced arm to count on once in a while.
Stay tuned, the hot stove should be getting a bit warmer in the next week or so for the Padres.
Big Unit hangs it up...
Randy Johnson is calling it a career. The "Big Unit" hangs em up after a 22 year career with several teams. He started with the Expos, but came to become a pitcher, with the Seattle Mariners. Johnson winds up his career with 303 wins, and finishes up second on baseball's all time strike out list, with 4,875 punch outs, only behind Nolan Ryan. Johnson was the co-mvp of the 2001 World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also owns 2 no hitters, including a perfect game, which he threw in 2004. Might he be the final pitcher to ever reach the magic 300 win number? Could be.
Happy Holliday in St. Louis...
So Matt Holliday is going to stay in St Louis after all for 7 years and $120 million. Shocking. Not. Where else was he really going to go? My question is this...the Cardinals are considered a mid-market team, and now has two, $100 million players, how? Especially considering, Albert Pujols is entering the final year of his 7 year, $100 million dollar deal. Good luck Cardinals. Enjoy this year.
Mourning Markas...
I woke today to some terrible news, that of the untimely passing of Angels play-by-play man Rory Markas. He was only 54, and died of an apparent heart attack. He was with the Angels the last 8 seasons, and was also the voice of USC Trojans basketball. I didn't know Rory very well, but he would always have a "hello" or a "how you doing?" when the Padres and Angels would play in Spring Training or during the season. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all of those in the Angels family, who have had a rough year, with the passing of Preston Gomez, Nick Adenhart and now Markas. He will be missed.
NFL Playoffs...the Weekend of Rematch...
How strange is that? 3 of the Week 17 match ups will happen again, in the first round of the playoffs. In the AFC, the Jets who destroyed the Bengals Sunday night, will meet again, but this time with something on the line for both teams and in Cincinnati. My pick, Cincinnati. Also in the AFC, Baltimore visits New England. Even without Wes Welker, I think the Patriots will be able to get it done and advance this weekend. Of course that would mean that the Chargers would host the Patriots and make it 12 in a row after dispatching of "The Hoodie" and "Tom Terrific". In the NFC, it's an all rematch slate. The Packers face the Cardinals in Arizona. I think (and this kills me as a Bears fan) the Packers will advance and then beat the highly over rated New Orleans Saints. Dallas hosts Philadelphia again, and I see the same result happening in this one, Cowboys over Eagles in Jerryworld. I'll keep an eye on the games, and have more after the weekend.
Alright, that will do it for now. My New Year's resolution is to keep this blog a bit more updated. Hope I can stick to it!!!
Andy
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Hoyer looks like the man...
Although it won't become official until Monday, multiple sources, including MLB.com, and the San Diego Union Tribune, are reporting that the Padres have hired, Red Sox Assistant GM, Jed Hoyer to replace Kevin Towers as the new GM of the Padres.
Hoyer, is 35 years old, and will be a GM for the first time, at least a full-time GM for the first time. Hoyer has worked under Theo Epstein for the last 7 years, and briefly assumed power when Epstein walked away for 44 days, at the end of October 2005. While in charge, Hoyer helped to engineer the deal between the Red Sox and the Marlins, acquiring Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, sending Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez to the Marlins. The deal has been widely regarded as one that worked out well for both sides.
Padres Vice Chairman Jeff Moorad stated in his press conference, that he wanted a person to come in and have a more 'strategic' approach. Moorad also wanted a candidate who could use the numbers, and also rely on his knowledge through scouting and gut feel. Hoyer has that reputation. He also happens to be the same age, 35, as Josh Byrnes, when Moorad hired the latter in Arizona.
There will be plenty more available on this story, after it becomes completely official.
Rain Rain Go Away...
As I suspected, the rain would not subside and the Yankees/Angels game 6 was postponed until tomorrow night. Yankees manager Joe Girardi decided to stick with Andy Pettitte for the game, preferring to keep CC Sabathia on normal rest, if a game 7 becomes necessary. As far as the Angels are concerned, they'll stick with Joe Saunders, and now, with an extra day, Mike Scoiscia can come back with John Lackey in a game 7 situation. Rain is still in the forecast for New York on Sunday.
Phree Time for the Phillies...
How will this long layoff affect the Phillies? After finishing off the Dodgers in 5 games, the Phils have been off since October 21st. I guess you could argue it either way. One thought is that now Charlie Manuel can set up his rotation to best compete against the American League Champ. It also gives the Phillies a chance to get some much needed rest and be fully prepared when the World Series starts. The other school of thought is perhaps the Phillies have lost their momentum, and could have a hard time getting re-started once the WS starts. I say this, the Phillies are the defending champions, they've been here before, they have the experience and will be ready when the bell rings. Sometimes we like to over think these things, don't you think?
The Ocho?
I told you yesterday that Chad Ochocinco was fined by the NFL's uniform police for an improperly colored chin strap, now comes news that Ochocinco would rather report the news, than be the news. He's planning to form his own social news network on Twitter, and use his contacts around the league, to break stories, and bring his followers news on other teams. He has a name and a slogan already, the network is OCNN "The Ochocinco News Network", and the slogan, as he told the AP in a phone interview, "If I break it, you might as well believe it". Hey Chad, I'd like a t-shirt with that logo and saying on it please! Someone who is following Chad, please pass that request along will you please?
UFC...
Ok, I have to admit, I'm really not into the UFC thing, but I happened into a local establishment tonight, and watched the title bout between Lyoto Machida and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua won by Machida on a unanimous decision. I was amazed to see so many people of all different ages, races and gender getting into every punch, kick, block and connection. My jury is still out, but it did open my eyes to the popularity of the sport. Maybe I'll watch it again?
Alright that's it time for bed and a full day of NFL tomorrow...if you have the DirecTv package, make sure you check out my friend Andrew Siciliano on the Red Zone Channel, it's a great way to watch all the games, and he does a great job.
Later all...
Andy
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