I’ve thrown out names previously. Here’s a compilation of those names, plus a few more with quotes from various sources:
Todd Greene –
Greene has served in a variety of roles since retiring, including quality assurance coach (Rays) and professional scout (Mariners). He’s been with the Diamondbacks for the past five seasons, where currently serves as a major-league scout and special assistant to general manager Dave Stewart.
With more than two decades in the game in a variety of roles, Greene has experienced every type of team, from rebuilding in Colorado to being on a Yankees team that lost a Game 7 in the 2001 World Series. He’s at an ideal age, 44, not too removed from his playing days so he can still relate to players while having experienced all facets of the game. He’s a fierce competitor who hates to lose.
sdcarp grade = B+. A lot to like here, including previous Colorado ties and quality time with Tony LaRussa. He’s probably first in line to replace Chip Hale….so Bridich would need to fire WW in-season and make a bold power-play to pull this off.
Alex Cora
Cora is a strong communicator, which has been on display in his work for ESPN. Former teammates and coaches universally respect him. He spent time on six different teams over those 14 big-league seasons under nine different managers. There is great value in playing the game under a variety of different managers and coaches when developing a mind to potentially manage one day. You have the advantage of learning under varying styles and developing your own style from the group.
Alex told me Davey Johnson was one of those managers he considers an influence. The big lessons came in watching Johnson be patient with the development of young players like Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa in Washington while handling the delicacy of aging veterans. He also cites Jim Tracy as a mentor he watched win while utilizing a full roster and executing the platoon advantage to perfection.
Cora managed in the Puerto Rican winter league this past year and will do so again. Anyone who knows the winter ball culture knows that the pressure to win each and every game is like no other.
sdcarp grade = C. Has the Jim Tracy link. But otherwise, no Rockies ties.
Phil Nevin
After a successful 12-year career as a player, Nevin decided to become a manager. He started off managing in the independent leagues, and was then hired to manage in the Detroit Tigers system in 2010. After spending four years there, including three at the Triple-A level, Nevin moved to the Diamondbacks organization in 2014.
Nevin’s playing background will certainly benefit him given baseball’s recent move towards former players as managers. On source noted his “fiery passion for the game” as what makes him stand out. Nevin is always seeking ways to learn more and more about the game. He received consideration for the Diamondbacks’ vacancy this offseason, and there is likely more to come in the future.
sdcarp grade = B-. He’ll be 2nd in line for Chip Hale’s job. Of course son Tyler is in the Rox Farm system. Nevin is highly regarded by many, but I look at the minor league record and something doesn’t add up for me.
Doug Mientkiewicz
Mientkiewicz will benefit from his playing background as he also played 12 years in the big leagues. Since then, Mientkiewicz got his start as a hitting coach in independent ball in 2012 before becoming manager of the High-A Miracle in 2013.
Mientkiewicz is known for his fiery personality and passion for the game and his players. One source told me, “I really like the way that his teams play for him.” His passion can become too evident sometimes as he started a brawl back in in 2013, which does hurt him. Still, Mientkiewicz was seriously considered for the Twins’ opening this offseason, and he could become a much-desired managerial candidate with a few more years of experience.
Mientkiewicz made his coaching debut in 2012 in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization as the hitting coach of the rookie league Ogden Raptors in the Pioneer League. 12, he was hired by the Minnesota Twins organization as the Manager of the high-Class A Fort Myers Miracle, the team he played for in 1995–96 to start his baseball career. Mientikiewicz got the Miracle off to a fast start in 2013 as the team tied a franchise record by winning their first 14 games of the season (equaling the mark set in 1995 and tied in 2007)and ended April with a Minor League best 21 wins (21-4).
In October 2014, Mientkiewicz was a finalist to become the manager of the Minnesota Twins.Ultimately, Paul Molitor was selected as Twins manager, and Mientkiewicz managed the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts in 2015.
sdcarp grade = A-. I’m a Mientkiewicz fan. He was a lunch pail player, and has been the same as a Minor League Manager. I’ve always thought the Rox should look to the Twins as a bit of a “model” also. He’s done his time and is blocked by Twins legend Molitor.
Brett Butler – Marlins third base coach
Another former player, Butler had a great 17-year career in the big leagues that ended in 1997. He later served as an instructor with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets before getting his first managerial job for the GCL Mets in 2004. Butler then spent time with the Diamondbacks as a minor league manager and an outfield and baserunning coordinator. After coaching the Triple-A Reno Aces from 2009-2013, he took the Marlins’ third base coach job in 2014.
One source noted that Butler is “a high energy guy with a ton of passion whose playing resume puts him on the radar.” Another told me that he “is a great communicator and passionate about teaching.” Though he has not gotten any serious managerial consideration yet, his experience makes him an intriguing name to watch moving forward.
sdcarp grade = C+. A lot to like, but no Rox ties. Seems more like a Dodgers guy anyway.
Bud Black
Black returned to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to serve as a special assistant to the new General Manager, Billy Eppler. Black previously served as a pitching coach for the team from 2000-2006.
Of course Black was the Padres longtime Manager.
sdcarp grade = B+. Rough year in Anaheim. Could be major turnover ahead. I’m guessing he’s got a Managerial “out” clause in his contract regardless. He’s the “safe” choice.
Mike Maddux
Maddux currently serves as pitching coach of the Washington Nationals. He previously served in that capacity for the Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers. The teams for which Maddux has coached have allowed significantly fewer runs to score than before his hire. While coaching for the Rangers, the pitching staff posted season earned run averages (ERA) lower than 4.00 for the first time since 1990, doing so for four consecutive seasons. The Nationals hired him after the 2015 season.
sdcarp grade = B-. I’m a longtime Maddux fan. But it seems as though he’s settled into his pitching coach role and may not aspire to Manage.
Pat Murphy
Murphy is currently the bench coach for the Milwaukee Brewers. He previously served as the interim manager of the San Diego Padres and as the head coach for the college baseball teams representing Arizona State University and the University of Notre Dame.
sdcarp grade = B+. This is my current dark horse candidate. He’s done his time and was critically acclaimed when the Padres brought him up last year. But he had no chance. That was a complete dumpster fire. His entire history is with young players – hence the potential fit with the Rox. Deserves a real 2nd chance somewhere.
Wally Backman
Back an was a candidate to replace Jerry Manuel as the New York Mets’ major league manager in 2011, having interviewed for the position with new General Manager Sandy Alderson. After a second round of interviews in which Backman was a finalist,[14] however, the position went to Terry Collins. Backman was subsequently named manager of the Mets’ double A affiliate, the Binghamton Mets.[15]
In Backman’s first season in Binghamton, the club had a 65-76 record. Backman remains highly regarded in the Mets organization, and was promoted to manager of their AAA affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons[16] for the 2012 season.
In 2013, Backman managed the Mets’ new AAA affiliate, the Las Vegas 51s, leading them to an 81-63 record and winning the Pacific Coast League’s Pacific South Division title. Las Vegas lost to Salt Lake three-games-to-one in the Conference Championship Series. Backman returned to the 51s for the 2014 season, and the team once again advanced to the playoffs. On August 29, 2014, Backman was announced as the PCL Manager of the Year.
sdcarp grade = C-. I actually think Backman could do really well, but don’t see Monfort letting him get in the door to interview given his slightly sketchy past (DUI, financial scam…..both 15+ years ago).
Jason Giambi
I think he’s completely out of baseball.
sdcarp grade = F. Don’t do it.
Spillygoat
I’m
- NOT
a fan of players becoming Managers without putting in their time Managing in the Minors first. But there seems to be some trend towards hiring these guys. I hope we don’t go that route. If we do….Spilly would actually be my “first” choice.
sdcarp grade = D.
Ryne Sandberg
He’s something like a Cubs “ambassador” now…..whatever that means. He had no chance in Philly, but he’s still not good.
sdcarp grade = F.