Obviously,BoMel is a great manager

by hotclaws on Sep 29, 2007 8:51 AM EDT

What he must have is that intangible something that gets players to go out and play their hearts out for him. I still think he makes so weird choices; the ever switching line-up and taking out pitchers too late,but some guys are just good gameday managers and some do it in the preceding days in the clubhouse.Okay Melvin,I tip my hat to you,you've made a believer of me.

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I can't wait

to hear the chorus weigh in on this one.

by andrewinnewyork on Sep 29, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

I can't wait

to hear Ben and cj weigh in on this one.

Come on, Sandy Baby, loosen up. You're too tight.

by DbacksSkins on Sep 29, 2007 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

He's smart

and he will win MOTY because of his thinking of pushing Webby another day... But I think he's a bit overrated. But we'll see with time.

Let's just hope that BoNEHEADMel won't show in the playoffs

"very cunning Mr. *VIII*" -- Jim

by Mr. Philosophical on Sep 29, 2007 2:40 PM EDT reply actions

Melvin is alright

I know, that's pretty weak praise... but it's quite a different tune from my comments before the season.

I still think Melvin is a poor in game manager. It's hard to pull up every instance, but last night immediately comes to mind. Putting in Clark as a defensive replacement for Jackson in the 7th is asinine considering:
1) Jackson is just as good a defensive player as Clark at this stage in their careers.
and
2) Webb would be departing the game soon and, with a slim 2 run lead you could use Clark to PH for Webb (Clark being a major upgrade over who he used: Cirillo).

Not to mention the fact that Jackson was 1-2 with a HR and two walks in the game. Clearly he was seeing the ball well.

Onto pitcher management: it's well documented Melvin has a tendency to keep pitchers in 5 innings, no matter what, just so they can have a chance at the W. This strange (but not uncommon) quirk is always irksome. Melvin tends to leave his set-up pitchers (Pena especially) in a little bit too long, and he has a tendency to underwork Slaten, treating him like a true lefty specialist, when he has shown the ability to pitch to both righty and lefty batters.

Onto lineup construction. I actually like how much Melvin moved hitters around, especially on a team like this. My only gripe is that CY should have never been hitting in the 1 hole. Other than that, there's not too much to complain about.

Onto the good: it seems clear over the course of the season that Melvin has a remarkably steady hand when it comes to managing the personalities on a team. And there are definitely some very large personalities on this team that could have caused tension: Valverde, Byrnes, Hudson, RJ, CY.

Melvin seems to do a good job of creating a loose atmosphere where the guys can operate while also instilling a basic level of respect and hustle into his players. That's a hard combination, but I think he's managed it well.

Melvin will win the MOTY and I will certainly not begrudge him it. He's done very well. I just hope he can continue to develop as an in game manager.