tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post3858697851695973381..comments2024-03-18T17:36:55.778-04:00Comments on Mondesi's House: Thursday News and Notesmondesishousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196483886553780303noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-40140288217019976722010-10-04T01:04:41.772-04:002010-10-04T01:04:41.772-04:00Wow. If you only used the same internet to know th...Wow. If you only used the same internet to know that the guy wasn't fired multiple times after winning a manager of the year award. <br /><br />Stick to pizza tossing.BURGH08https://www.blogger.com/profile/04977580975300029584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-26000329789600386832010-10-04T00:20:26.005-04:002010-10-04T00:20:26.005-04:00Cool story, bro.
I'm starting to think that i...Cool story, bro.<br /><br />I'm starting to think that in real life, you're this guy:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMEe7JqBgvg&NR=1Natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07565979944355875510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-57239981383684154802010-10-03T21:06:02.872-04:002010-10-03T21:06:02.872-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.BURGH08https://www.blogger.com/profile/04977580975300029584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-15115907392054582452010-10-03T21:05:58.102-04:002010-10-03T21:05:58.102-04:00I wouldn't be shocked if one could tell what H...I wouldn't be shocked if one could tell what Huntington had for lunch today....by smelling your breath.BURGH08https://www.blogger.com/profile/04977580975300029584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-7048710182595590572010-10-03T11:23:41.748-04:002010-10-03T11:23:41.748-04:00"John Russell has averaged 100 losses basical..."John Russell has averaged 100 losses basically for three straight seasons, but will it surprise anyone if he isn't fired?"<br /><br />I, for one, would be shocked if he was retained.<br /><br />I'd also be shocked if, when he is fired, people like Burgh and Mad Bubbler would find a way to be pissed about it.Natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07565979944355875510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-29749593633122892552010-10-03T09:31:28.075-04:002010-10-03T09:31:28.075-04:00If Dejan's sources are correct, John Russell m...If Dejan's sources are correct, John Russell manages his last game today as a Buc.brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08747962846898691035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-54854204647109272642010-10-03T03:05:22.743-04:002010-10-03T03:05:22.743-04:00A lot of the ire of the fans is because this team ...A lot of the ire of the fans is because this team should be better PR wise. Why is it that EVERY move they make seems to be backwards from the norm?<br /><br />John Russell has averaged 100 losses basically for three straight seasons, but will it surprise anyone if he isn't fired?Dom Erricohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02455254925881158019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-33222075127917573362010-10-03T01:17:51.349-04:002010-10-03T01:17:51.349-04:00"Do you mean Tike Redman?"
Yes. My bad...."Do you mean Tike Redman?"<br /><br />Yes. My bad. He was a mediocre player from 5 years ago, and I've mostly forgotten about him. Though amazingly, I just looked him up and he's still kicking around in AAA.<br /><br />I'm not defending management. I said I don't agree with his firing. I know you guys like to make this a "Nate thinks management can do no wrong" thing, but I disagree with this move. I just don't think it's ultimately a big deal, just like firing the pierogie wasn't a big deal. It has very little effect on the Major League (or really, even minor league) club is all I'm trying to say.Natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07565979944355875510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-79756013244882886872010-10-02T23:10:35.700-04:002010-10-02T23:10:35.700-04:00Do you mean Tike Redman?Do you mean Tike Redman?Dom Erricohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02455254925881158019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-68110954598129445962010-10-02T21:17:05.160-04:002010-10-02T21:17:05.160-04:00"I'm glad you've got your panties in ..."I'm glad you've got your panties in a bunch over a minor league manager."<br /><br />You actually seem to have yours in a wad defending management and supporting the claim that he was fired multiple times after winning as a minor league manager. Again, your words:<br /><br /><b>"I love how you totally failed to acknowledge what Charlie said above me: the guy's been fired immediately after winning the manager of the year award three times. Obviously, something is up with the guy"</b><br /><br />I didn't acknowledge it because it's false information. <br /><br />Hey, I understand. People have their defense mechanisms when proven wrong. I guess yours is not looking at actual facts.<br /><br />So be it.BURGH08https://www.blogger.com/profile/04977580975300029584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-46721196548681634392010-10-02T17:27:46.657-04:002010-10-02T17:27:46.657-04:00"So if we go by your "logical" way ..."So if we go by your "logical" way of thinking, then why do the Pirates even bother hiring minor league managers? Why not let the talent make the decisions. We could hire a monkey and put him on the bench and call him the manager."<br /><br />Sure, why not? That's about the amount of impact a manager has on actually winning games. Unless they're doing stupid things like batting Tike Redmond cleanup like Lloyd McClendon did, they're not going to make much of an impact on the wins/loss column. It's the talent on the field, not the guy filling out the lineup card. Baseball managers don't have nearly the influence as, say, a football coach.<br /><br />Also, I'm not "going off" on anyone. I'm just sick of the fake rage people have any time the Pirates make any decision. These are the same people that got mad that the team fired a freaking Pierogie mascot.Natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07565979944355875510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-89978161452354093562010-10-02T14:02:37.751-04:002010-10-02T14:02:37.751-04:00I think a manager is only as good as the talent he...I think a manager is only as good as the talent he has to work with. Last year the Curve went 62-90 with Walbeck at the helm. The core of this year's team was playing in High-A.<br /><br />Walbeck's contract was up after this season anyways, so it's possible he would have left for the AAA or higher position he so desires.<br /><br />Signs point to JR (once considered a great managing prospect in the minors) possibly being let go. With a bevy of potential managerial changes in MLB this off season, it wouldn't be fair to either side to have Walbeck stick around if they clean house with the coaches.<br /><br />The handling of the firing looks poor (over the phone IIRC) and not good for PR, but it is not going to set the franchise back. It will probably be long forgotten once hot stove kicks in and the roster decisions for 2011 and beyond take place.brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08747962846898691035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-66261302958021953352010-10-02T13:53:13.235-04:002010-10-02T13:53:13.235-04:00Nate,
So if we go by your "logical" way...Nate,<br /><br />So if we go by your "logical" way of thinking, then why do the Pirates even bother hiring minor league managers? Why not let the talent make the decisions. We could hire a monkey and put him on the bench and call him the manager.<br /><br />In professional sports, you aren't going to get hired at the major league level until you pay your dues first. They want to see proof you know what you are doing before they sign you to a long term multimillion dollar contract.<br /><br />I know from my experience as a PA Announcer. I feel I am as good as if not better than announcers making significantly more than me at the major league level, but I have to prove it beforehand. That's why I have been working at the minor league level, waiting for a chance to move up. <br /><br />I got turned down for an interview with the Penguins about the PA gig that went to Ryan Mill specifically because at that point they didn't think I had enough experience. <br /><br />Burgh08 has already shown you how Walbeck took other opportunities in other organizations to move up to a higher level, even to the major league level as a base coach. That's just how it works.<br /><br />Maybe you need to get YOUR panties untwisted rather than go off on people.Dom Erricohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02455254925881158019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-79035579522004910702010-10-02T12:35:26.631-04:002010-10-02T12:35:26.631-04:00Cool. If he's so good, why has he never manage...Cool. If he's so good, why has he never managed a big league club?<br /><br />I'm glad you've got your panties in a bunch over a minor league manager. You know, because they're so important. Considering they're usually told who to play, where to play them, where to hit them, and what positions they'll play by the parent club, I'm sure a minor league manager has a lot of important work to do that correlates extremely closely with winning games.Natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07565979944355875510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-9084348325800603702010-10-02T10:40:27.735-04:002010-10-02T10:40:27.735-04:00More ill informed comments from Nate, but what can...More ill informed comments from Nate, but what can you expect when your nose is in the collective ass crack of Pirates management? <br /><br />Walbeck won two league titles at the single A level with Detroit. The "move" was taking a better job with the Erie Seawolves at the AA level. No firing occured. <br /><br />He also was not fired by Erie. After winning the EL with the Seawolves, his next "move" was to being the third base coach of the Texas Rangers shortly after the '07 season. Again, taking a coaching position at the MLB level is job progression. <br /><br />He was not offered a contract with Texas which brought him to Altoona, and was replaced by a coach that was promoted within the Rangers farm system. <br /><br />Interesting concept, don't you think?BURGH08https://www.blogger.com/profile/04977580975300029584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-71275372840423147812010-10-01T22:08:14.250-04:002010-10-01T22:08:14.250-04:00And I love how you totally failed to acknowledge w...And I love how you totally failed to acknowledge what Charlie said above me: the guy's been fired immediately after winning the manager of the year award three times. Obviously, something is up with the guy.<br /><br />And for the record, I don't necessarily agree with the move. I have no idea what the motive was behind it. But it's got all the makings of the typical "make a mountain out of a molehill because it's the Pirates" story.Natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07565979944355875510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-24809527146421311882010-10-01T19:03:55.066-04:002010-10-01T19:03:55.066-04:00The Nutting Regime...Strangers in the strange land...The Nutting Regime...Strangers in the strange land they have taken over at the offices of PNC Park.<br />Still holding this once proud franchise hostage....With no sign of releasing the choke hold.<br />You're fired if you win (Matt Walbeck)....And you're extended if you lose (John Russell).<br />The strangest phenomenon in all of sports.<br />If it wasn't for a late night phone call from Walbeck to the Altoona Mirror....We may never even know about this till next season.<br />The Nutting Regime....Strange, strange little people.Daquido_Bazzinihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11945772928539341721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-9706460648812297132010-10-01T16:43:29.021-04:002010-10-01T16:43:29.021-04:00@ Corey: right on cue.
I wonder why Nate didn&#...@ Corey: right on cue. <br /><br />I wonder why Nate didn't *gasp* mention the fact that he *gasp* has won three league titles and four manager of the year awards?<br /><br />You mean he isn't worthy of keeping in THIS organization? Anywhere? <br /><br />*gasp*BURGH08https://www.blogger.com/profile/04977580975300029584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-80839045743718738702010-10-01T14:26:41.568-04:002010-10-01T14:26:41.568-04:00If talent guaranteed a championship, then why both...If talent guaranteed a championship, then why bother playing the games?<br /><br />A manager still needs to use the talent properly.Dom Erricohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02455254925881158019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-54006046280220800012010-10-01T13:53:03.539-04:002010-10-01T13:53:03.539-04:00So what's the over/under on the estimated numb...So what's the over/under on the estimated number of people who had even heard of Matt Walbeck until he was fired?<br /><br />Maybe the Curve were winning games because *gasp* they've got talented players, who came into the system through *gasp* things like the draft or international signings?<br /><br />Nope. It was the manager. The manager single-handedly made them winners, and now that he's gone, all those players that will be promoted to AAA next season and wouldn't have been managed by him anyway will never have success again. Woe be to any members of the Bradenton Marauders (37-31 in 2010, winners of their division title) who have to suffer through not having the fantastic Matt Walbeck by their side in AA next year.<br /><br />Oh, and let's entirely ignore the fact that this team won a High-A championship last year without Walbeck as the manager. That just wouldn't fit the narrative.Natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07565979944355875510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-34665251628001434672010-10-01T09:46:52.018-04:002010-10-01T09:46:52.018-04:00In the Pirates' defense...this isnt the first ...In the Pirates' defense...this isnt the first time Walbeck has been fired for not being in line with the Parent club. He won Manager of the Year with the Tigers AA team a few years ago and was let go. I believe this is the 3rd time he's won the award and was fired immediately after. There must be something about the guy. <br /><br />Personally I don't agree with it, but the winning could have come from the actual caliber of the players on the roster. This is essentially the same team that won the High-A championship last yearCharlie Hildboldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11446958644517941534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-75672377091394884002010-10-01T09:02:55.825-04:002010-10-01T09:02:55.825-04:00Maybe they should have fired him...and then hired ...Maybe they should have fired him...and then hired him as the Pirates manager. No, no, what am I saying...heaven forbid they get someone in there who knows how to win and can get the effort and results needed from the players he manages. I'm much happier with the zombie manager Russell and the collective conscience of the Borg Pirates. We certainly don’t need a manager who may fight the assimilation process.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14645147302738910500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-14798921837538644972010-10-01T08:33:50.925-04:002010-10-01T08:33:50.925-04:00Well, at risk of sounding cliche, the problem they...Well, at risk of sounding cliche, the problem they had with Walbeck was that he instilled winning in in his players. They certainly don't want that creeping in their heads at the minor league level or they may expect to.... GASP..... win at the MAJOR league level!!!<br /><br />I think it is so funny that this is the FO's version of "accountability". You don't do exactly as we say, you're gone. It doesn't matter if your methods work, you have had success with us and other organizations, or have been 4time manager of the year. We will throw you out on the curb in favor of someone who would rather sleep on the bench and follow our every order.<br /><br />How does Comrade Huntington take himself seriously and make this decision while keeping Russell around at the major level? <br /><br />I mean, Russell might averge 100 losses per season after this one is over with, but at least he can adhere to the strict regimen desired by the FO consisting of piss poor baserunning, errors, lack of any fundamentals, terrible pitching and managing of pitchers, and of course losing 2 out of every 3 game games.BurressWithButterflywingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12466557816631165674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-26146604030076328732010-10-01T08:25:05.180-04:002010-10-01T08:25:05.180-04:00@ burgh08, yes he did! how long before nate rushes...@ burgh08, yes he did! how long before nate rushes to the pirate defense?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17325780083717650209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29893900.post-68451010014559357562010-09-30T23:40:40.492-04:002010-09-30T23:40:40.492-04:00The best part of the OchocincO story is that the p...The best part of the OchocincO story is that the processing plant for the cereal is in Pittsburgh. Talk about a good laugh for a Steeler fan.Maurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13285351168739812344noreply@blogger.com