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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