Fökai 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 ESPN.com news services The Boston Red Sox, still smarting from a bitter seven-game loss to the rival Yankees in the ALCS, will fire manager Grady Little on Monday afternoon, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Gammons reports that the Red Sox will announce the firing at a 3 p.m. ET news conference at Fenway Park. Monday's Boston Herald, citing a Red Sox source, reported that two candidates to succeed Little could be former Indians manager Charlie Manuel and former Red Sox second baseman Jerry Remy, a television analyst for NESN, a regional sports network partly owned by the Red Sox. According to the report, others on the Red Sox list are Yankees third-base coach Willie Randolph, Yankees first-base coach Lee Mazzilli, Dodgers third-base coach Glenn Hoffman and former Phillies skipper Terry Francona, now the A's bench coach. Little's dismissal has been hinted at since the series ended. Although Boston's CBS affiliate, WBZ, reported Sunday that Little would be fired Monday, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein told ESPN on Sunday night that the report was not true. Epstein said the team had begun its review of Little and hoped to make a decision on the manager's future "as soon as possible," but said that "no decision" had been made on whether to pick up Little's contract option for next season. On Friday, a Red Sox official told the Herald that he would be "real surprised" if Little survived this offseason. Multiple team sources told the paper that all signs pointed to Little's option, which expires Friday, not being picked up. "He's not (team president) Larry (Lucchino)'s guy -- if he were Larry's guy, (Lucchino) would have defended him by now," a source close to Little told the Boston Globe. Earlier last week, Little said he was ready for the worst. "I'm prepared for the likelihood," Little told the Globe. "I am not sure that I want to manage that team. That's how I felt when I drove out of town." Little has been criticized for his decision to stick with tiring ace Pedro Martinez in the eighth inning of Game 7 against the Yankees. Martinez failed to hold a 5-2 lead, and New York won in the 11th inning on Aaron Boone's homer off knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. The Red Sox have insisted that Little's future will not be determined by the one decision, but according to the Herald, the team was concerned about Little's lack of reliance on stats. Many key Red Sox players, including Todd Walker and Manny Ramirez, publicly expressed support for Little's return. In Little's two years as Red Sox manager, Boston was 93-69 and 95-67, and the Sox qualified for the playoffs this season for the first time since 1999. Little became the Red Sox' 43rd manager on March 11, 2002, after Joe Kerrigan was fired. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted October 27, 2003 I can't wait for 3pm I want Bud Black or Rick Peterson to be the new manager. As I've stated several times we need somebody with a mind for pitching Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Ok, so who the hell do they get to manage now? Whoever it is, he'd better be ready to handle that clubhouse (Manny's antics, a bunch of guys (including Pedro) in the last year of their contracts) I'm sorry, but I just think this is a muy estupido move by the Sox management. Little won almost 200 games in his two years as manager, handles the egos in the clubhouse well (hell, even MANNY wants him back) and he's canned? Dumb. The Sox won't win 90 games next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 The Sox didn't win the one game that counted most because of him. That's enough reason to sack him right there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Good God. OK, I can understand teams like the Yanks and BoSox wanting to win. That's good. But to go off your rocker because you lost in a seven-game ALCS or a World Series is a little to much. It's not these teams underachieved or anything... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted October 27, 2003 ok, just so you know (for those who didn't watch all 162 regular season games along with the playoffs) Grady's mismanagement lead to at least 10 regular season losses. He also has stated he doesn't believe in stats but in his heart and what he feels best. Which is why Embree only faced Giambi once in the series when there were I believe 2 other games he should have been used against him since Giambi is like 0 for fucking 12 against Embree. While the players loved him in one way they disliked him in another, which isn't being reported outside of Mass for some reason. Players said at times they wished the manager got fired up a bit...stood up and tried to light a fire under them, but instead Sling-Grade just sat there and stared off into space. The team did underachieve with the amount of talent it had. Game 7 of the ALCS was the straw that broke the camel's back Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Then fire his @ss. The fine people of Boston deserve exactly what they get... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 I'm willing to bet that the brass wasn't going to bring him back anyway, unless they won the whole thing. During the regular season, the general opinion among the fans was that if Grady got them to the postseason, he'd get an extension. That didn't happen. Then we thought he would if they got to the ALCS. Didn't happen. They treated him like shit, lauding him for his great ability, but clamming up when asked about his contract. Again I ask, who the hell will they get now? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Joe Torre, if the Yankees let him go. Mike Hargrove. Eddie Murray. There are a lot of good baseball men looking for jobs right now who would probably love a chance to manage the Red Sox. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Then fire his @ss. The fine people of Boston deserve exactly what they get... Why so much hate for Boston? I've noticed you don't tend to like the Boston sports teams Again I ask, who the hell will they get now? there's a shitload of names being tossed around as his succesor, so only time will tell Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 (edited) The fine people of Boston deserve exactly what they get... Why so much hate for Boston? I've noticed you don't tend to like the Boston sports teams Really? I wouldn't say I "hate" Boston sports teams. I just don't really care what happens to them. Some of my all-time favorite players come from Boston teams -- Orr, Bourque, Fisk. I think most of my venom is saved for the dumb fans of that area -- they always seem to get on national talk-radio shows, and they make me laugh quite a bit. My opinion on this issue is that the area is overreacting to Little. I'd take a manager that goes with his instinct than some chart filled with stats and figures, but that's just me. Continue blaming Little because he didn't make a batting change at some point in the series even though the replacement player had a better batting average by .003 points against the opposing pitcher... Edited October 28, 2003 by kkktookmybabyaway Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Continue blaming Little because he didn't make a batting change even though the replacement player had a better batting average by .003 points against the opposing pitcher... No, continue blaming him because he didn't have the stones to take an obviously tired Pedro Martinez out of the crucual game 7 of the ALCS. He let Pedro talk him into staying in the game. That's inexcusable. He's the manager of the team, and he should be assertive enough to get his ace off the mound when it's apparent he's running out of gas. But he let Pedro talk him out of using the best bullpen in the postseason, and that bloody well SHOULD be his undoing. No team needs a coward for a manger. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Its not stat stuff like that. Its like with the Giambi thing where the man obviously can't hit Embree but they keep in the other pitcher who gives up a hit. Or his love of pinch running Manny by using Damian Jackson when there were two outs in the inning and it was headed to extras...so now Manny's bat is gone for the rest of the game. Its really alot of different things Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Run him out of town, and I can't wait to see what happens to this team next year... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 But he let Pedro talk him out of using the best bullpen in the postseason, and that bloody well SHOULD be his undoing. No team needs a coward for a manger. And if Embree came in and gave up a 3 run jack on the next pitch, Grady would get hammered for taking out "one of the best pitchers in baseball who was mowing the Yankees down all night." It's lose-lose. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MikeSC Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Run him out of town, and I can't wait to see what happens to this team next year... Heck, the Sox will not sniff the WS next season. They dumped a guy who did a magnificent job with a team full of egomaniacs because he dared to ask the BEST PITCHER IN THE PLANET if he was still good to go. And, as has been pointed out, if Embree has gotten shelled (and having seen his work in Atlanta, it's not exactly a stretch), Grady would have been shelled for taking out Pedro for the "crappy bullpen". Boston will get what it deserves. But, then again, the fans LIVE to see the team not succeed, so they'll be happier this way. -=Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JHawk 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 This is the same team that fired Jimy Williams in the middle of a pennant race and were surprised when they immediately went to shit after that. The bottom line for you Red Sox fans is you went from being a mediocre team to being one hit away from the World Series in two years with Grady Little at the helm. Need I remind you that the Indians did the same thing to Mike Hargrove after 1999, and look where they were at two years later. Never take anything for granted, Sox fans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted October 27, 2003 This is the same team that fired Jimy Williams in the middle of a pennant race and were surprised when they immediately went to shit after that. The bottom line for you Red Sox fans is you went from being a mediocre team to being one hit away from the World Series in two years with Grady Little at the helm. Need I remind you that the Indians did the same thing to Mike Hargrove after 1999, and look where they were at two years later. Never take anything for granted, Sox fans. That was the old regime that fired Jimy in the middle, and fans thought they were stupid too Why isn't our GM getting credit for bringing together the best offense in the league? If Grady brought in Embree and Embree gave up a 3-run Jack well it least they won on our best option, and the thing with Embree isn't from Game 7 of the ALCS The Indians are where they're at because ownership wanted to cut costs and rebuild after being sold. Not because Hargrove was tossed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 I think Little is a shoe in now to be the new O's Manager. They've been interviewing a lot of people, and yeah, some people in Baltimore could be pissed that Murray doesn't get it, but I think you go with the manager that has more experience as a manager. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Just once I'd like to see a press conference where the questions are answered and not circled around. God save us all if I ever get a chance to own a franchise Reporter: "Why did you fire Joe-Bob?" Me: "He sucked doz nutz, next?" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 I think Little is a shoe in now to be the new O's Manager. I seriously fucking hope not. They've been interviewing a lot of people, and yeah, some people in Baltimore could be pissed that Murray doesn't get it... I, for one, will be pissed if Murray doesn't get it. He's a solid baseball man with a good mind for the game, and he has a local connection that no one else but Cal Ripken could boast of. If Murray gets tossed by the wayside for a coward like Grady Little, that will just be one more chink in my Orioles fandom armor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 They dumped a guy who did a magnificent job with a team full of egomaniacs because he dared to ask the BEST PITCHER IN THE PLANET if he was still good to go. No, they dumped a coward who couldn't pull that obviously-tiring pitcher out of the game because he's Pedro Martinez. BTW, Mike, Pedro isn't exactly the best pitcher on the planet these days. His velocity was down this year, especially late in the season, and it was obvious he was out of gas in Game 7. Little should have gone out there and taken the ball from him, but he let Pedro, far from the humblest of men, rest on his laurels and reputation, and it cost the Sox the World Series. Pedro's a gamer, sure, and what pitcher ISN'T going to want to stay in at that point. Logic dictates you take him out, though: he was clearly tired, and the Sox had the best bullpen in the postseason. And, as has been pointed out, if Embree has gotten shelled (and having seen his work in Atlanta, it's not exactly a stretch), Grady would have been shelled for taking out Pedro for the "crappy bullpen". The bullpen had been the best in the preseason. Taking Pedro out in that spot woud have been easy to defend, considering how obvious it was that he was running on fumes. Whoever comes in from the 'pen might not have the talent Pedro does, but a fresh, rested reliever is better than a tired starter, no matter how good the starter's reputation is. Little was a coward, plain and simple, and cowards should be fired from managerial positions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Wildbomb 4:20 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 And the Grady Little era is over in Beantown. Personally, I think he did a fantastic job here in the city. It's true that we harped on him for the non-Pedro pull. But shit happens. Game over. Waiting till next year. Least we've got the Yankees to make fun of this time too. Crazy idea: BH Kim and NOMAH~! for Gonzalez and Beckett. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Here's a REAL GOOD story on ESPN.com First of all this team did NOT underacheive by any means. They severely OVERacheived. You think Bill Mueller will ever have a season like this one? How botu Millar? Ortiz? Walker? Please. To win, you need the pitching, and that means more than a declining Pedro Martinez, and a decent starter in Lowe. Wakefield performed masterfully in the playoffs with exeption to game 7 ALCS, but he is not a dominant starting pitcher. People rag on Grady and the Bullpen all year when the real major problem was starting pitching. Now they talk of Kim being in the rotation next year, maybe a minor upgrade from Burkett as a #5 starter. Then what? Arroyo? Lyon? Yea right. This team was already going to have to struggle to get back to the playoffs next year, not that Grady is gone they DEFINITELY will not even sniff the playoffs. Stupid Boston Fans. Stupid Boston Organization. Any team that lets it's fans and local media determine what should be done on the field is doomed from the beginning anyways. I will always root for, and watch, my Red Sox in the summertime, but I will never agree with the moronic tendencies of ownership and management to listen to what the "fans" have to say, and especially to what the retarded Boston Media has to say. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mik 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Yeah, the Marlins are going to trade Beckett... If you storm the front office with stormtroopers and take them hostage, maybe....EVEN for Nomar. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Winter Of My Discontent Report post Posted October 27, 2003 Give me a break. How lame is this organization? They DESERVE to lose for another 80+ years for being a bunch of idiots. He made this team good, he made them work together, and he made them winners. He makes one puny mistake, and what happens? Fucking ignorant pukes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 27, 2003 I think this whole thing is way overblown. Grady Little's contract was up, and they decided not to bring him back. They want a more stats oriented manager. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Embrace Theo's Sabermetric Revolution. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 I think this whole thing is way overblown. Grady Little's contract was up, and they decided not to bring him back. They want a more stats oriented manager. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Embrace Theo's Sabermetric Revolution. Theo's? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Yes. He's the one who brought the revolution to Boston. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Oh I thought you were saying in general...nevermind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
