CerroneSays: Don’t Fire Willie
I like Willie Randolph…
Like many of his players, he’s had his growing pains this season. He has yet to become comfortable with the pace of a National League game, particularly at the end. He’s struggled with the double switch, balancing instincts with precedent, in game strategies and defining the line between devotion and reality…
He does have the respect of his payers, though. He understands the need for media, the value of face-to-face, one-on-one discussions with his players and how to walk the line between friend and disciplinarian. He should not be fired, and any fan or pundit calling for such action is being too emotional…
As this team matures, so will Randolph. The New York media blasted Joe Torre upon his arrival, the Minnesota media beat on Ron Gardenhire early in his tenure. Last season, the Boston press nearly rode Terry Francona out of town three months before he brought their city a Championship. Calling in a hit-n-run, opting to use a lefty over a righty or deciding between a no-doubles defense or to shade to the left is important. It isn’t more important than motivation. Baseball is a marathon, and to be winners a team needs its manager to be a leader, a mentor and a guy his players feel will die in the trenches with them. Randolph can be that guy. But respect like this is earned in practice, not jsut by flashing past World Series rings…
If this team is truly built on a track for long-term success, Randolph needs to grow with his players. By doing so, they’ll respect him more and try harder for him when it’s show-time…
