How good a manager is Bobby Valentine?

[BigJonEmpire]

From the LoHud Yankees Blog:

James’ Pythagorean standings break down the metrics of a team (the biggest numbers being runs scored and runs allowed) to produce a sum of expected victories. In a small sample, the formula can be argued. But looking at manager’s careers, it seems a reliable tool that takes the bias out of the equation.
Twice hired in mid-season and once fired in mid-season, Valentine has compiled a plus-23 Pythagorean rating in his 12 full seasons managing the Rangers and Mets — an average of plus-1.9.
How good is that? In Tony La Russa’s 31 full seasons with the White Sox, A’s and Cardinals, he was a plus-23 — an average of plus-0.7. In Bobby Cox’s 27 full seasons with the Blue Jays and Braves, he was a plus-16 — an average of plus-0.6.

[DJBeasties]

From the LoHud Yankees Blog:

I read somewhere yesterday (Hardball Times?) that his teams always have high K/9 numbers and despite his big personality, he doesn't overmanage. He does apparently love pinch hitters. I think it said something like his starters finished the least amount of games under him compared to other managers.

I watched his Red Sox Town Hall meeting and he was really good, but what a stark contrast to Terry Francona.

Also, if you listen, Ben Cherington sounds EXACTLY like Theo Epstein. It's uncanny.

[Sharky]

And he's FUN! I wish he were managing the Mets again.

[Judge Jude]

He's abrasive and annoying, and I have experienced this side of him personally.
Eventually, he drives the players nuts.

But he is an excellent in-game manager, no question.

[Erik]

Good job, Bobby, you've turned two of your stars against you already.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/04/kevin_youkilis_5.html

[TopChuckie]

This team is a mess and I think it's going to get worse before it gets better. I think they're gonna have to blow it all up and start fresh with maybe just Pedroia and Gonzalez and go from there. But that is going to be hard with the new cap rules, what appears like it could be fewer free agents in the future, more competition for free agents, CC's contract, and a somewhat weak and depleted farm system. I just don't see much direction here, and it's breaking my heart.

They'll still win some games this year due to their payroll, despite themselves, but they appear to be worse than last year both on and off the field. They have a very recent Mets-ian feel to them right now. Actually, I do see a direction, but it's not a good one, at least for them.

[cavebird]

Alert the media. TopChuckie talking smack about the Red Sox. I think he's worse about it this year because he realizes that the Yankees have issues of their own. At this point, I think the Rays are probably the best team in the AL East.

[B-Fly]

When Phil Jackson or Bill Parcells does this sort of thing, calling out the focus/commitment of a player in a public interview, it's considered motivational genius. It seems like that sort of thing is taboo in baseball, although I'm not sure why it is or should be any different from the NBA/NFL.

[cavebird]

When Phil Jackson or Bill Parcells does this sort of thing, calling out the focus/commitment of a player in a public interview, it's considered motivational genius. It seems like that sort of thing is taboo in baseball, although I'm not sure why it is or should be any different from the NBA/NFL.

Who knows, if Youk goes on a tear this week, Bobby V. might be called a motivational genius, too. That being said, given that it was Bobby V., he was probably just shooting his mouth off.

[TopChuckie]

Alert the media. TopChuckie talking smack about the Red Sox. I think he's worse about it this year because he realizes that the Yankees have issues of their own. At this point, I think the Rays are probably the best team in the AL East.

Hey, I don't remember saying much of anything during their collapse last season. Just watching it happen was joy enough. Now I'm just trying to get out ahead of the crash so when it happens again I will have said my piece and just sit back and enjoy again.

I have far more confidence in this Yankees team than last season's, but I also recognize Tampa as a greater challenge, and I'm looking forward to it. I don't hate Tampa like I do the Red Sox, in fact I wish they were in a different division as they are my "local" team and I would like to be able to root for them. Their pitching is superior, but I think the Yanks pitching will be right there, and the gap between pitching is not as big as the gap on offense SHOULD be if the Yanks started hitting like they should with runners in scoring position, and if Tex ever gets his sh!t together. I think it will be a good race that could go either way, and Toronto might make it even more interesting, but I certainly don't think the Yankees issues are greater than they were at this time last year.

[cavebird]

Hey, I don't remember saying much of anything during their collapse last season. Just watching it happen was joy enough. Now I'm just trying to get out ahead of the crash so when it happens again I will have said my piece and just sit back and enjoy again.

I have far more confidence in this Yankees team than last season's, but I also recognize Tampa as a greater challenge, and I'm looking forward to it. I don't hate Tampa like I do the Red Sox, in fact I wish they were in a different division as they are my "local" team and I would like to be able to root for them. Their pitching is superior, but I think the Yanks pitching will be right there, and the gap between pitching is not as big as the gap on offense SHOULD be if the Yanks started hitting like they should with runners in scoring position, and if Tex ever gets his sh!t together. I think it will be a good race that could go either way, and Toronto might make it even more interesting, but I certainly don't think the Yankees issues are greater than they were at this time last year.

That's the danger with the Yankees, however. The pitching may or may not be good. Sabathia is good, and Kuroda should be fine. The rest has upside, but serious question marks. The offense is getting old, and is heavily reliant on many older players who are clearly on the downside of their careers. Plenty of talent, yes, but lots of question marks. Remember, the Red Sox sucked at the start of last year, too, and they are basically the same team they were last year. The Ellsbury injury is going to hurt, but the offense there is still pretty good, especially if they get Crawford back relatively soon and he is back to being himself. The Red Sox pitching is a giant question mark, but it was for most of last year when they were winning, too. As you mention, Toronto is getting better. The AL East is going to be a big mess this year, I think. Then again, the NL East is a big mess for my Braves, too.

[DMT]

Hey, I don't remember saying much of anything during their collapse last season. Just watching it happen was joy enough. Now I'm just trying to get out ahead of the crash so when it happens again I will have said my piece and just sit back and enjoy again.

I have far more confidence in this Yankees team than last season's, but I also recognize Tampa as a greater challenge, and I'm looking forward to it. I don't hate Tampa like I do the Red Sox, in fact I wish they were in a different division as they are my "local" team and I would like to be able to root for them. Their pitching is superior, but I think the Yanks pitching will be right there, and the gap between pitching is not as big as the gap on offense SHOULD be if the Yanks started hitting like they should with runners in scoring position, and if Tex ever gets his sh!t together. I think it will be a good race that could go either way, and Toronto might make it even more interesting, but I certainly don't think the Yankees issues are greater than they were at this time last year.

Wrong thread. Maybe you should create a new one called 'TopChuckie's reflections on his beloved Yankees'. I know I'm waiting with bated breath.

[DJBeasties]

We had a stretch in Boston where the negative drama had subsided. It's in full effect now. Bobby is a lightning rod, good or bad.

[TopChuckie]

Wrong thread. Maybe you should create a new one called 'TopChuckie's reflections on his beloved Yankees'. I know I'm waiting with bated breath.

I didn't bring up the Yankees in this thread, I was simply replying to one, but thanks for your valuable post as well.

[Lucky]

Bobby V is a fine manager, and makes and excellent cheeseburger.