tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post5528908758621082186..comments2023-10-20T04:28:04.547-04:00Comments on Nats320 -- A Washington Nationals Blog: More Mike Rizzo Comments After The PresserScreech's Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-23030160139785538082009-07-14T17:16:17.549-04:002009-07-14T17:16:17.549-04:00NOT reduce himself to the level of the clowns all ...NOT reduce himself to the level of the clowns all around. Typo correctedSenatorNathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10049860385485455410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-64277840578718272272009-07-14T16:36:52.000-04:002009-07-14T16:36:52.000-04:00Stan Kasten and Mike Rizzo are forming a solid tea...Stan Kasten and Mike Rizzo are forming a solid team, and I think that they are bringing a mature demeanor to the franchise and imposing some long overdue accountability. Manny may have been highly regarded by this tandem but the club's actions dating back to the end of last year indicate that his true ability to lead was in question. They imposed three new coaches on him, and six weeks ago, a new pitching coach; and in the meantime, there was absolutely no broaching of an extension. Manny, conversely, was attuned to these moves, and was following the "How to Succeed by Getting the Managerial Job of Your Dreams after being Fired" Manual - the handwriting on the dugout should have read: "Dead Manager Walking; but note MLB, an implacable and resolute and putting on a face at all times designed to show his prospective employer that he would reduce himself to the level of the clowns all around him." <br /><br />Neither the Lerners nor Manny are being straight with their publics: Manny, more so by saying that he had no regrets - that he had learned a lot, etc. No regrets? You don't regret losing 61 games with a team hitting .264 for the first half, plus, of a season? Glad that you learned a lot, at the expense of those who might have wanted to believe that you were passionate about the Nationals and their success! <br /><br />And, speaking of passion, could Mr. Lerner and his two sons-in-law who hold his check-book in trust for the family empire show any less color, passion, spirit; or just plain show themselves? Every move made thus far and those anticipated (trading Johnson and Guzman) have or will actually SAVE payroll and/or overhead.<br /><br />The first and perhaps only explanation that the Kasten-Rizzo tandem is required to make to the triumverate in actual charge is that the move does not cost money, and may save costs. Then, I presume, they are directed to appear as the leaders of the franchise and execute it. (Replace a pitching coach - bring in one already on the payroll. Same with the manager and even the new bench coach.)<br /><br />Even the new General Manager must await the old one's salary year to end before his title and compensation arrive - and the new manager, while interim for now, is a shoe-in for a two year extension if he can play .400, since he will work for what they would have paid Manny for same stint, or a bit less!! Bidwell East...<br /><br />Stan and Mike may spend upwards of $20 million to sign Strasburg, but only after they show the Lerner empire good faith by dumping Johnson and Guzman's salaries for 2010 to go with the other dumpings (Young; Belliard) already on the schedule. And, then, milk the notion of first, "we are building a starting 5" for another season as the principal justification for not signing expensive free agent position players "before the time is right. We are not convinced that signing players for a lot of money who may not fit the scheme is actually advantageous within our Plan - we will spend the money to fit the Plan - witness our spending twice as much as anyone to date has ever spent to sign a Number One draft pick."<br /><br />While Kasten-Rizzo may be a class act, and believe that they can succeed, the owner of the nightclub shall continue to make it very difficult for them to keep the patrons happy at this Cabaret, eh?<br /><br />Trust in the Yankee Dollar. But, don't follow the Yankee Way. You deserve a Nationals' Deception. Divine Decandence - Not.SenatorNathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10049860385485455410noreply@blogger.com