Articles Wedge Being Fired, New Manager Hunt & More

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Got to thinking about it, and we had one with the trades, and it was mentioned long articles tend to take up space from discussions, so I wanted to try it here. I will try and copy and paste all articles from the other thread in here, I can also copy and past articles from others (with their names in the quotes) but I can't clear them over there. That will be up to them to edit.

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Indians.com

Press Release: Manager Eric Wedge & Coaching Staff will not return for 2010 season

The Cleveland Indians today announced the organization will not retain Manager ERIC WEDGE for the 2010 season. In addition, the seven members of the 2009 Major League coaching staff have been informed, as of now, they will not return next year in their current capacities.

Wedge and his coaching staff will remain in their present positions through the remaining six (6) games of the 2009 Season.

Cleveland Indians Executive Vice President MARK SHAPIRO (1:30PM) and Manager ERIC WEDGE (2:00PM) will be available today in the Progressive Field Press Interview Room.

The Indians clubhouse is open at 1:15PM ET today after a series of team meetings.

CLEVELAND -- Seven years after it began, the Eric Wedge era of Indians baseball is over.
The Indians are in the early stages of what general manager Mark Shapiro referred to as a "reloading" period, and the reload will extend to the managerial position and the coaching staff.

A 1:30 p.m. ET press conference was scheduled Wednesday at Progressive Field to announce that Wedge and his coaches have all been relieved of their duties. Wedge and his staff will stay aboard for the season's final six games, including the four-game set in Boston this weekend.

According to a team source, Wedge has known his fate for several days, while the coaches -- including pitching coach Carl Willis, hitting coach Derek Shelton, bench coach Jeff Datz, first-base coach Luis Rivera, third-base coach Joel Skinner and bullpen coach Chuck Hernandez -- were informed of the moves following Tuesday's rainout against the White Sox.

The Indians, who will be on the hook to pay Wedge in the neighborhood of $1.3 million in 2010, are in the midst of an organizational review. Team owner Larry Dolan, team president Paul Dolan, Shapiro and assistant GM Chris Antonetti have been meeting to discuss, among other things, the managerial situation. It had been speculated for weeks that ownership might push the front office to make a change in the dugout.

Once the season is over, the Indians will formally begin the search to replace Wedge. An internal hire is considered unlikely. If that's the case, then the Tribe will go outside the organization to hire its manager for the first time since John McNamara took over in 1990.

It is possible that some members of Wedge's staff will stay on, if the new manager sees fit.

With a 64-92 record entering Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox, the Indians are wrapping up their worst season since going 68-94 in 2003, which was Wedge's first year at the helm. The club is in danger of finishing in last place in an American League Central, which it had high hopes of winning coming into the season. The Indians have never finished last in the history of the Central. The last Tribe team to finish last in its division was the 1991 club that finished seventh in the AL East.

Regardless of where the Indians finish, '09 can safely be labeled one of the most disappointing seasons in club history. And the fallout of that disappointment has been a major upheaval in player personnel.

The dismissal of the 41-year-old Wedge is the first major change among the organization's higher-ups, and it serves as the Tribe's mea culpa, of sorts, to a fan base frustrated by the recent trades of star players Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez. Wedge, the 2007 AL Manager of the Year, had been a frequent target of fan criticism throughout his tenure, and that criticism became even more pointed this year.

At one time, Shapiro and Wedge were seemingly joined at the hip. Shapiro picked Wedge, a former catcher with the Red Sox and Rockies, to be the club's skipper after Wedge spent five years managing in the Tribe's farm system. Shapiro often referred to Wedge as his "partner."

That partnership, however, began to erode over the past two years, as the Indians entered the '08 and '09 seasons with high hopes, only to find themselves out of contention by the All-Star break. Slow starts, in general, have been a major knock on Wedge. His Tribe teams went a combined 73-96 in April.

Still, when the heat on Wedge was particularly scorching at midseason this year, Shapiro doused the flames by announcing that Wedge and his coaching staff would remain aboard for the second half and be evaluated at season's end.

But whereas the '08 club rebounded with a strong second half to reach the .500 mark, this year's team has floundered in September, sealing Wedge's fate. The Indians recently ended an 11-game losing streak that fell one loss shy of tying a club record.

In seven seasons, Wedge has compiled a record of 560-568, with one division title and playoff appearance in 2007, when the Indians finished one win shy of the World Series. Among the 39 full-time managers in Tribe history, Wedge ranks fifth in wins, third in losses and fourth in games managed.

When it comes to candidates to replace Wedge, former Tribe pitcher and farm director and current Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell has been a popular possibility listed by fans and the media, though he has no managerial experience at any level. But according to a recent report in FoxSports.com, Farrell has a clause in his contract that prevents him from accepting a managerial job with another team until after the 2010 season. However, a subsequent report in The Boston Globe indicated that the clause could be removed if the Red Sox received some sort of compensation.

[Hope]

yesterdays article..

Red Sox Happy to Be Holding on to Pitching Coach John Farrell

As the Red Sox prepare for the October drama that lies ahead, they can reflect on a season of trials and tribulations.

Especially on their pitching staff. This season, the Red Sox have endured inexperience, old age, injuries, language barriers and every other form of adversity known to man. Through it all, they've persevered, and they've survived with one of the top five pitching staffs in the American League. Yet you rarely hear much praise for the man who led them there.

But in this game, you never know what you've got 'til it's gone. Or at least until a few rumors get thrown around.

Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell, who's been with the team since its World Series-winning 2007 season, was one of the names thrown around last week as a candidate for the Cleveland Indians' managerial position.

With the Indians nursing one of the worst records in the American League despite a solid collection of talent, many around baseball have seen manager Eric Wedge's seat in the Cleveland dugout as a hot one. Wedge has been the Tribe's head honcho since 2003, with a record that includes a 96-win season and an ALCS run in 2007, but his tenure in Cleveland now appears to be winding down.

Enter Farrell? Apparently not. Farrell's name was a natural choice for the Indians' job -- he's the former director of player development for the club, having worked there from 2001 to '06, and with three successful years coaching for an elite major-league team under his belt, he appears ready to make the jump to the manager's desk. But luckily for the Red Sox, a contractual loophole will keep the pitching coach in Boston.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal has reported that according to major league sources, Farrell's contract states that he cannot accept an outside managerial position until after the 2010 season.

The Red Sox should breathe a sigh of relief.

Given the current state of their pitching staff, the Sox should consider themselves blessed to have the continuity that Farrell brings. They're currently in the process of developing four promising young pitchers (Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard, Michael Bowden and Junichi Tazawa) into major leaguers. They have a pair of aces (Jon Lester and Josh Beckett) hoping to stay at the top of their games.

They're working across a language barrier, with four pitchers whose native tongue is Japanese. They're working with a constantly shuffling rotation that's seen 11 pitchers make starts this season. They're juggling bullpen roles at will, moving guys from the eighth inning to the seventh to the sixth. Yet through it all, they've maintained the best relief corps in the major leagues.

It's a complicated system, and it's one that can't be picked up overnight. Farrell is the right guy for the job, and it's a job he's worked hard for.

He was a pitcher for a full decade in the American League, taking the mound for the Indians and Angels, then the Indians again, then the Tigers. He was a top-flight exec for the Indians, grooming a system that was named "Organization of the Year" by USA Today's Sports Weekly for two years running in 2003 and '04.

He groomed a Cleveland system that he knew would one day bloom into a contending team. What happened in 2007, when the Tribe nearly landed in the World Series, proved him right.

And maybe he's the right guy to manage that club someday. But just not yet.

For now, the Sox have their pitching coach securely locked in, and they like it that way. The Red Sox are a better team with John Farrell in their dugout. He may not stay there forever, but they'll sure enjoy it while it lasts.

[Hope]

BTW Italics are mine...

Yahoo! Sports: Indians fire Eric Wedge; he’ll manage last 6 games
CLEVELAND (AP)—Eric Wedge lost his job and kept his uniform.
Wedge was fired Wednesday as manager of the Cleveland Indians, who are in the final days of a terrible season that began with enormous expectations.
Despite being told he would not be back next season, Wedge will manage the last six games of his seventh year with Cleveland, which entered Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox one game out of last place in the AL Central.
“I still wanted to finish what we started this year,” said Wedge, who led the Indians to one playoff appearance since 2003 and went through two rebuilding projects with the midmarket club. “I felt it was the right thing to do. It’s been a long run here as managers go. It will be a tough day.”

General manager Mark Shapiro said he and owners Larry and Paul Dolan came to a collective decision on Wedge’s future “fairly recently” and that Cleveland’s coaches were told Tuesday night that they would not be retained for the 2010 season. Wedge is under contract for 2010.
Wedge’s firing had been rumored for weeks, and although him still being around makes for an awkward situation, he’s glad to have some resolution.
“It’s been a big elephant in the room for a while,” he said.

After leaving the interview room at Progressive Field, Wedge headed back to his office to begin preparing for his final two home games. It was a strange scene as he walked down the corridor. He was passed by several White Sox players who said hello and seemed surprised to see him still wearing his Chief Wahoo cap.

Shapiro refused to discuss any specifics about why Wedge was dismissed. The Indians were plagued by slow starts throughout the 41-year-old’s tenure and this season they couldn’t overcome some early injuries and an atrocious bullpen that blew games in April and May.
Cleveland also recently went on an 11-game losing streak and has dropped 20 of its last 25, a tailspin that likely sealed Wedge’s fate.
Shapiro said the Indians will begin their search for a new manager soon. Among names that figure to be mentioned are Boston pitching coach John Farrell, former Indians manager Mike Hargrove, former Arizona manager Buck Showalter and Torey Lovullo, who managed the Indians’ Triple-A Columbus franchise.

All-Star center fielder Grady Sizemore, who battled an elbow injury before having surgery earlier this month, said replacing Wedge will be difficult.
“Eric had all the qualities you want,” Sizemore said. “You don’t want to lose a man like Eric. He’s respected by his peers, his players, everybody in the game.”

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen expressed sympathy for Wedge.
“As a manager, you don’t want to see that happen,” Guillen said. “A lot of things went against him—players being hurt, trades. Somebody had to pay the price. It’s something you wish that never happens to you.”

Cleveland has a long history of hiring within the organization. Wedge was a three-time manager of the year in Cleveland’s system before being promoted. The last time the Indians went outside was in 1990, when they hired John McNamara.
Shapiro and Wedge enjoyed a close working relationship, and the GM said firing the AL’s 2007 manager of the year was stressful.
“This is obviously an announcement that I never envisioned having to make,” he said. “I was hopeful that this wasn’t going to come.”

Two years ago, Cleveland was one win away from a World Series trip. The Indians fell to 81-81 in 2008, but were expected to bounce back and contend this season. However, a slow start snowballed and by midseason the financially strapped club, which is projected to lose at least $16 million this season, traded defending Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and All-Star catcher Victor Martinez to begin rebuilding again.
Those moves triggered outrage among Cleveland’s fans and led to questions about why the team would deal its best players a full season before they were eligible for free agency.

Paul Dolan acknowledged that Wedge wasn’t solely responsible for the team’s slide.
“The managers often become the fall guy for what is an organizational failure, that’s the tried and true way of baseball,” he said. “We will continue to look at ourselves and look for ways to improve beyond the manager and the coaching staff. But this was the one area that we can address right now with a change.”

Dolan believes Cleveland’s next manager will be stepping into a better situation than Wedge inherited in 2003, when the club was coming off a 74-win season and was dismantled.
“We will look for somebody that has some of the strengths that Eric has,” he said. “Eric was a very good manager and will be a very good manager again someday.”

Wedge’s style was never embraced by Cleveland fans, who often criticized his strategy and nose-to-the-grindstone approach. Shapiro didn’t understand why Wedge wasn’t more popular in a working-class town.
“He’s very consistent with the values of northeast Ohio,” he said. “He’s a blue-collar worker, a hard-nosed guy, extremely honest and consistent. This is an entertainment business and maybe he wasn’t flamboyant enough. Fans want to feel the emotion and Eric, to protect the players, didn’t do that.”

As the Indians dressed for the final time at home this season, there was a mixture of relief and sadness at Wedge’s dismissal.
“I’m disappointed,” catcher Kelly Shoppach(notes) said. “He’s taking all the blame. He always has for us. He has never thrown any of us under the bus. I have nothing but respect for him.”

With six games left, Wedge has compiled a 560-568 record with the Indians. He ranks fifth all-time in club history for wins, 10 behind Hall of Famer Al Lopez.

[Hope]

Cleveland Indians fire manager Eric Wedge, staff

CLEVELAND -- Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro said "it was the right time'' to fire manager Eric Wedge.
The official announcement of his dismissal came early this afternoon. Wedge's staff also was fired. Wedge and his staff will finish the season, which includes a doubleheader against the White Sox today at Progressive Field and four games in Boston beginning Thursday.
"This is obviously an announcement I never envisioned having to make,'' Shapiro said. "This is a very difficult day for me personally and professionally because of the type of person Eric is.''

It is not clear exactly when in recent days Shapiro informed Wedge of his decision. Wedge said that he only had wanted to know his status before the Indians departed for Boston.
Wedge said "we'' -- meaning Wedge and Shapiro -- informed the coaching staff Tuesday night that Wedge and the staff will not be coming back. Shapiro spoke to the team before the clubhouse opened early this afternoon, followed by Wedge.
Wedge is in his seventh year as manager, all with Cleveland. The Indians are 64-92 and in fourth place in the AL Central. They have lost 20 of their last 25 games.
Wedge ranks fifth among Tribe managers with 560 victories but reached the playoffs just once.
"It's been a long run, as managers go,'' Wedge said. "I have a great deal of respect for the Dolans, Mark Shapiro, the city of Cleveland and Tribe fans all over the place. I'm a big believer in being accountable for what you do. I take responsibility for this.''

Wedge is the fifth-longest tenured manager with his current club in the majors, trailing only Bobby Cox of Atlanta (1990), Tony La Russa of St. Louis (1996), Mike Scioscia of the Angels (2000) and Ron Gardenhire of Minnesota (2002).
"It was not one overwhelming component that led us to this,'' Shapiro said. "It was a large number of things occurring. I think we just reached the point where it was time to make a change.''

Wedge never seemed to be embraced by the majority of Tribe fans.
"I'm guessing they will now,'' Shapiro said.

Indians outfielder/first baseman Matt LaPorta said Wedge made two main points when he spoke to the team.
"He told us that it's a privilege to put on the uniform and to always play hard,'' LaPorta said.

Among the staff members dismissed is pitching coach Carl Willis.
"It's disappointing, but this is professional sports,'' Willis said. "You can't really say it's unexpected because it's been a tough year, a tough couple of years.''

The Indians went 81-81 in 2008. Two years ago, they were one win from the World Series.
Wedge said finishing the season "was the right thing to do'' because the players come first. Willis said it was a no-brainer.
"We do this because we enjoy doing it,'' Willis said. "Every day in the big leagues is special. We're going to work hard these last five days to help the players get better.''

The Indians will begin the interview process for a new manager in the coming weeks.

[Hope]

Indians dismiss Wedge, coaching staff
Managerial tenure in Cleveland ends after seven seasons

CLEVELAND -- Seven years after it began, the Eric Wedge era of Indians baseball is over.
The Indians are in the early stages of what general manager Mark Shapiro referred to as a "reloading" period, and the reload will extend to the managerial position and the coaching staff.
At a press conference before Wednesday's doubleheader with the White Sox, Shapiro announced that Wedge and his coaches have all been relieved of their duties. Yet Wedge and his staff will stay aboard for the season's final six games, including the four-game set in Boston this weekend.
"I felt like that was the right thing to do," Wedge said. "The only thing I asked [ownership and the front office] was I wanted to know before we went to Boston. But whether they informed me two weeks ago or whenever, I'd still want to finish what we started this year. That's the right thing to do for the players, and one thing we've always done here is put the players first."

Wedge has apparently known his fate for several days, while the coaches -- including pitching coach Carl Willis, hitting coach Derek Shelton, bench coach Jeff Datz, first-base coach Luis Rivera, third-base coach Joel Skinner and bullpen coach Chuck Hernandez -- were informed of the moves following Tuesday's rainout.
The Indians, who are still on the hook to pay Wedge somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.3 million in 2010, are in the midst of an organizational review after two incredibly disappointing seasons.
Team owner Larry Dolan, team president Paul Dolan, Shapiro and assistant GM Chris Antonetti have been meeting to discuss, among other things, the managerial situation. It had been speculated for weeks that ownership might push the front office to make a change in the dugout.

In discussing the move with reporters, Shapiro, who said he "never envisioned" having to make this announcement, offered no real insight into that process. He even sounded a bit reluctant to be making the move, though he stressed that the decision was made collectively.
"We looked at things in their entirety," Shapiro said. "I'm not going to delve into specifics. I'll just say that, again, we arrived collectively that it was the right time for a change."

Once the 2009 season is over, the Indians will officially consummate the search to replace Wedge. An internal hire is considered unlikely. If that's the case, then the Tribe will go outside the organization to hire its manager for the first time since John McNamara took over in 1990.
It is possible that some members of Wedge's staff will stay on, if the new manager sees fit.
Shapiro also declined to discuss what he'll be looking for in the next skipper. But it's obvious the Indians have room for improvement in the standings.

With a 64-92 record, entering Wednesday's play, the Indians are wrapping up their worst season since going 68-94 in 2003, which was Wedge's first year at the helm. The club is in danger of finishing in last place in an American League Central Division it had high hopes of winning coming into the year. The Indians have never finished last in the history of the Central. The last Tribe team to finish at the bottom of the division was the 1991 club, which finished seventh in the AL East.
Regardless of where the Indians finish, '09 can safely be labeled one of the more disappointing seasons in club history. And the fallout of that disappointment has been a major upheaval in player personnel.
The dismissal of the 41-year-old Wedge is the first major change among the organization's higher-ups, and it seemingly serves as the Tribe's mea culpa, of sorts, to a fan base frustrated by the recent trades of star players Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez. Wedge, the 2007 AL Manager of the Year, had been a frequent target of fan criticism throughout his tenure, and that criticism became even more pointed this year.

Did the Indians make this move to appease the fans?
"Our willingness to make unpopular moves indicates our willingness to do what we think is best for the franchise," Paul Dolan said. "Because in the end, what really matters to the fans is winning. We think this decision today will help us toward returning to a winning form."

Back in 2002, when Wedge was hired, he and Shapiro formed a partnership that was rare for a manager and general manager.
"I hired him as a Minor League manager and got a chance to see what he was all about and how special he is," Shapiro said. "He won me over in that role during the interviews, and he was everything I would have expected him to be [as a manager]. ... We live in a game and a business where seven years is a long time. I was hopeful we could avoid [this move], but we've arrived there."

The partnership began to erode over the past two years, as the Indians entered the '08 and '09 seasons with certain expectations, only to find themselves out of contention by the All-Star break. Slow starts, in general, have been a major knock on Wedge. His Tribe teams went a combined 73-96 in April.
Still, when the heat on Wedge was particularly scorching at midseason this year, Shapiro doused the flames by announcing that Wedge and his coaching staff would remain aboard for the second half and be evaluated at season's end.
But whereas the '08 club rebounded with a strong second half to reach the .500 mark, this year's team has floundered in September, sealing Wedge's fate. The Indians recently ended an 11-game losing streak that fell one loss shy of tying a club record.

In seven seasons, Wedge has compiled a record of 560-568, with one division title and playoff appearance in 2007, when the Indians finished one win shy of the World Series. Among the 39 full-time managers in Tribe history, Wedge ranks fifth in wins, third in losses and fourth in games managed.
By lasting seven years with the Tribe, Wedge was the fifth-longest tenured current manager of a club. Only the Braves' Bobby Cox (hired in 1990), the Cardinals' Tony La Russa (1996), the Angels' Mike Scioscia (2000) and the Twins' Ron Gardenhire (2002) have been with their respective clubs longer.
"Eric has been the epitome of a team player," Shapiro said. "He's demonstrated consistency, strength, a tireless work ethic and, in my mind, is an exemplary leader. It's been a privilege to work with him, and I think everyone in this organization has benefited from his impact and will continue to benefit in the years to come."

[Hope]

Wedge gracefully begins exit Departing manager sees through the final games of 2009

CLEVELAND -- Dressed in full uniform and preparing for another day of work at Progressive Field, Indians manager Eric Wedge had a little matter to attend to.
The press conference announcing his dismissal.
This was no ordinary press conference. Because here Wedge was, addressing Wednesday's news that he and his coaching staff will no longer be in charge of the Indians, while simultaneously getting ready to manage the Indians in a doubleheader against the White Sox.
But this uncommon situation, in which Wedge and his coaches will stay on board through the end of the 2009 season, served as a testament to the respect the Indians still have for Wedge and the respect Wedge has for his soon-to-be-former job.
"The right thing to do," Wedge said, "is to handle this appropriately and professionally, and then move on."

Wedge, 41, is likely to move on to another managerial job elsewhere in the Major Leagues someday. Perhaps not next season, when he will still be under contract with the Tribe for more than $1 million. But some speculate that Wedge, who had the fifth-longest tenure of any current manager with his team, will eventually find another home somewhere.
For now, Wedge, who has managed the Indians for the past seven seasons and compiled a 560-568 record, said he would remain focused on the waning days of the Tribe's highly disappointing '09 season, then spend some quality time with his wife, Kate, and their two young children.
Wedge, true to form, did not offer any parting shots despite having to contend with some difficult situations. In the past two years, the Indians have made the unprecedented move of trading away two Cy Young Award winners in CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee, as well as All-Star catcher and vocal leader Victor Martinez.

Through all the turmoil that has followed a 2007 season in which the Indians came within a win of the World Series and Wedge won the American League Manager of the Year Award, Wedge put his focus on the players on hand, not the ones who got away.
Wedge said he accepts full accountability for what has transpired the past two seasons, when the Indians entered the year with high hopes only to be out of contention by the All-Star break. The Indians went 81-81 last year and entered Wednesday with a 64-92 record, placing them in danger of finishing last in the AL Central.
"Hey, I'm the manager of the team," Wedge said. "It's my job to go out there and win ballgames. I'm a big believer in being accountable for what you do. I preach it to the players, I preach it to the people around me. I take responsibility for this, no different than other people in leadership positions in this organization do as well."

Wedge's dismissal is a result of an organizational review held by owner Larry Dolan, team president Paul Dolan, general manager Mark Shapiro and assistant GM Chris Antonetti. That foursome has been meeting for several weeks to address a wide array of topics and, at some point in the past couple weeks, the decision was made to make a change in the dugout.
It is believed that Wedge has known his fate for at least the past several days, though he would only allow that he was informed "fairly recently" that he would not be staying aboard. The dismissal of the coaching staff was considered standard operating procedure, in that the new manager will have his pick of staff.
The Indians are not only dealing with their worst season since 2003, Wedge's rookie year at the helm. They are also dealing with sagging attendance in a rough economy and a fan base that, by and large, never really welcomed Wedge with open arms.
"There are real factors that have led to this point in time," Wedge said. "I understand that, the people that are in this organization understand that, and that's enough for me."

Did the lack of fan support frustrate Wedge?
"People who know me understand what I'm all about," Wedge said. "I want fans to like me like anybody does, but I don't get caught up in that. It allows me to show up here every day and be the same guy every day for the players."

Wedge won't be showing up next season, but he had some thoughts on the situation the next skipper will inherit.
"Obviously, you're going to have a lot of young talent," Wedge said. "It's going to be inexperienced. But what we're doing this year is really going to help them. I was here back in the beginning [2003], and I understand really rebuilding. This is not that situation here in Cleveland. You've got a solid organization, solid leadership intact, a solid Minor League system, you've got a process here that works in this market. They're going to be fine."

And Wedge seemed fine with what is taking place. He spoke and acted like a man at peace with himself, his surroundings and his situation. He even made light of it.
"Joel Skinner's dad said, 'Until you've been fired, you've never managed or coached,'" Wedge said. "I told Joel to call his old man, because I'm going to be a manager and a coach now."

As the speculation mounted that his day would come, Wedge never wavered in the way he went about his business with his players, his staff and the media.
"If you're worrying about your job, you're not doing your job," he said. "You've got to just focus on today. As soon as I leave this room, my entire focus is going to be on that first pitch of that first game."
And with that, Wedge left the press interview room and went back to work.

[Hope]

Speculation begins about next Tribe skipper - Organization looking for a Wedge-like manager

CLEVELAND -- Now that manager Eric Wedge has officially been ousted, the Indians will begin considering options for his replacement.
All the Indians will reveal so far is that they'll be looking for a guy similar to Wedge.
"We will look for somebody who has some of the strengths that Eric has," team president Paul Dolan said. "Eric was a very good manager. We'd certainly do well to get somebody who has some of those same strengths."

General manager Mark Shapiro, who used to commonly refer to Wedge as his "partner," said he will be looking for a candidate with whom he can have open dialogue and reach collective conclusions -- the same kind of dialogue he had with Wedge.
"I would still hope that the next manager will be someone that I can have the same kind of open and honest relationship with," Shapiro said. "I would hope we can work hard together and that guy understands situations as well as Eric does."

By that logic, perhaps Wedge should apply.
But what Shapiro is really referring to is a manager who will understand how to guide a young, inexperienced ballclub in a challenging economic market. Some decisions will be made because of finances, and growing pains with unproven players will be par for the course in 2010.

Given those constraints, it seems reasonable to suggest that veteran retreads -- guys like Buck Showalter or Bobby Valentine -- likely won't be on the Indians' radar, let alone within their budget.
Based on a gauge of club sources, one aspect of the search that appears overwhelmingly clear is that the Indians will not hire from within. Triple-A manager Torey Lovullo, for instance, might get an interview but, barring an unforeseen change in thinking, is not expected to get the job.
Shapiro refused to get into any details, no matter how vague, regarding the managerial search and what it will entail. He said he would discuss such details with reporters in the days following Sunday's conclusion of the 2009 season.

So all that's available now is pure speculation. And truth be known, that speculation began weeks ago, when the writing was on the wall that Wedge would be dismissed.

Former Tribe pitcher and farm director and current Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell has been a popular possibility listed by fans and the media, though he has no managerial experience at any level.
According to a recent report in FOXSports.com, Farrell has a clause in his contract that prevents him from accepting a managerial job with another team until after the 2010 season. But a subsequent report in the Boston Globe indicated that the clause could be removed if the Red Sox receive some sort of compensation.
It's believed the Red Sox view the 47-year-old Farrell as a potential successor to Terry Francona. For that reason, he might be difficult to land, though his relationship and history with the Indians is a strong one.

Former Tribe manager Mike Hargrove has also been a popular name bandied about by fans. But much of that is sentimentality attached to the Tribe's 1990s glory days. It seems doubtful the Indians would go down that road again.

If the Indians, who will still be on the hook to pay Wedge more than $1 million next year, value managerial experience while also saving a few bucks, then former D-backs skipper Bob Melvin might get a look. Melvin compiled a 337-340 record with Arizona over four-plus seasons before getting relieved of his duties in May. Melvin, like Wedge, will still be paid by his former club next season.
Also like Wedge, Melvin was named Manager of the Year in his league following the 2007 season. He received credit for guiding a young D-backs club to the National League Championship Series. But this year, like Wedge, he took the blame for that same core of players not reaching expectations.
Two other former big league skippers who are readily available are Manny Acta, who was recently let go by the Nationals, and Willie Randolph, who was removed by the Mets last year and is currently a coach with the Brewers.

If the Indians value big league coaching experience and are looking to give a guy his first Major League managerial opportunity, then several names may emerge, including but not limited to: Cardinals third-base and infield coach Jose Oquendo, White Sox bench coach Joey Cora, D-backs third-base coach Chip Hale, Red Sox third-base coach DeMarlo Hale, Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills (though he is the father of Tribe prospect Beau Mills), Giants bench coach Ron Wotus and Padres hitting coach Randy Ready.

This is but a preliminary list, and a speculative one at that. Much more will be known about the Indians' managerial search when Shapiro delves deeper into the topic with reporters next week.

[Hope]

A timeline of Eric Wedge's managerial career with the Cleveland Indians organization

A timeline of Eric Wedge's managerial career with the Cleveland Indians organization.

1998: Begins his managerial career with Cleveland low-Class A affiliate Columbus, posting a 59-81 record.

1999: Leads high-Class A Kinston to a 79-58 record and a spot in the Carolina League playoffs, and is named CL Manager of the Year.

2001: Guides Class AAA Buffalo to a first-place 91-51 record and a playoff berth. Named International League Manager of the Year and minor league baseball publication Baseball America's Manager of the Year.

2002: Leads Buffalo to an 87-57 record and the International League Finals. Named by The Sporting News as the Minor League Manager of the Year.

Oct. 29, 2002: Named as the 39th manager of the Cleveland Indians, taking over a team that went 74-88 in 2002.

2003: Posts a 68-94 record in his first season as manager, as 25 major league rookies play for the Indians at some point in the season.

2004: Indians finish 80-82, a 12-game improvement over Wedge's first season.

July 25, 2005: Despite going 34-26 since May 25, stand a season-high 15 games behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central Division race, with a 51-49 record.

July 28, 2005: Defeat the Mariners, 6-5, at Seattle, beginning a run of 40 wins in 53 games through Sept. 24, boosting the Indians to a 92-63 record; 1 1/2 games behind Chicago in the Central Division and holding a 1 1/2 game lead in the wild card standings.

Oct. 2, 2005: Lose the season finale, 3-1, to the White Sox, the sixth loss in the last seven games. Finish six games behind Chicago in the Central Division and two games behind the Boston Red Sox in the wild card race. Wedge finishes second to Chicago's Ozzie Guillen in the AL Manager of the Year voting.

2006: Indians fade to a 78-84 record, finishing the season with 17 rookies on the expanded major league roster.

Aug. 22, 2007: An 11-8 win over the Tigers in Detroit boosts the Indians' record to 69-56 and their Central Division lead over second-place Detroit to 1 1/2 games. The win also begins a stretch of 26 wins in 33 games.

Sept. 23, 2007: Indians clinch the Central Division championship with a 6-2 win over the Oakland Athletics before 40,250 fans at Jacobs Field.

Sept. 30, 2007: A 4-2 win over the Royals in Kansas City gives the Indians a final 96-66 record and ties them with Boston for the most wins in the major leagues.

Oct. 8, 2007: The Indians beat the New York Yankees, 6-4, in Yankee Stadium to win their AL Division Series, three games to one.

Oct. 16, 2007: A 7-3 win over Boston before 44,008 at Jacobs Field gives the Indians a 3-1 lead in the AL Championship Series, moving them within one win of the sixth World Series in Cleveland franchise history.

Oct. 21, 2007: The Indians lose Game 7 at Boston, 11-2, and the ALCS, four games to three.

Nov. 14, 2007: Becomes the first Indian named by the Baseball Writers Association of America as its AL Manager of the Year, getting 19 of 28 first-place votes.

2007: Also named AL Manager of the Year by The Sporting News and the Negro League Baseball Museum.

July 9, 2008: After beginning the season with high expectations, record bottoms out at 37-53 with an 8-6 loss at Detroit.

Sept. 28, 2008: Closes the campaign with a 3-1 loss at Chicago, but won 44 of final 72 games to finish 81-81 and build hopes for 2009.

June 14, 2009: A 3-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals ends a mini-rally of 15 wins in 25 games, making the last-place Indians 29-36 but just six games behind Detroit in the mediocre Central Division.

June 15, 2009: A 14-12 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers begins a skid of 21 losses in 28 games for a 36-57 record, taking all remaining hope from a season that began with five straight losses and never got on track.

July 31, 2009: Indians trade all-star catcher-first baseman Victor Martinez to Boston, two days after dealing 2008 Cy Young Award winning pitcher Cliff Lee to the Philadelphia Phillies. Martinez is the sixth of seven accomplished veterans traded in a five-week span in exchange for 11 youngsters, most of them minor leaguers.

Sept. 30, 2009: Fired as the Indians manager with a 64-92 record. Will manage the final six games.

[Hope]

Italics are mine

Wedge's dismissal not a shock to team - Players knew poor season could cost manager his job

CLEVELAND -- Another week, another team meeting.
But rather than gathering in the clubhouse to receive an inspirational message from manager Eric Wedge, the Indians' players were brought together Wednesday to hear the news that Wedge and the entire coaching staff will be relieved of their duties at season's end.
While this was big news delivered by general manager Mark Shapiro, it was anything but shocking. The only surprise, however slight, was the timing.
"This is a situation we've known about for a long time," reliever Jensen Lewis said. "We were all under the impression we'd find out at the end of the year. But it's part of the game. We'll take it in stride and try to finish the season strong."

The Indians certainly didn't start this season strong, which is why they're accustomed to sweeping changes. Cliff Lee, Victor Martinez, Ben Francisco, Ryan Garko, Carl Pavano and Rafael Betancourt have all been traded over the course of the year.
So this current installment of the Tribe has already had a taste of the results of poor play. Changes are made and, now, jobs are lost.
Wedge has remained popular with his players through thick and thin. And even in a stale month of September, in which they lost 11 straight games, no one accused them of a lack of effort over an extended period.
But the results spoke for themselves, which is why Wednesday's news was unsurprising.

"As a team, you don't want to be in this position," said center fielder Grady Sizemore, who is rehabbing following season-ending elbow and groin surgeries. "You hate to lose a guy like Eric, a guy who is respected by his peers and players and staff. It's tough. It's a reflection on all of us. You can't put anything on him. It's how we've played as a group over the last two years, how we've underachieved and not been able to fulfill what we need to do to be a championship team."

Sizemore is one of the few remaining members of the 2007 team that Wedge guided to an AL Central crown and a victory over the Yankees in the AL Division Series.

"I respect Eric as a manager," Sizemore said. "I like the way he goes about his job and how he treats his players. ... He was always behind his players. Guys respect that. He's an intense manager, and he likes to go to war. He gets you fired up for games. He's going to be tough to replace."

Wedge and his coaches are remaining on board through the end of the season, and Wedge said he agreed to that situation because it's what's best for the players.
But the Indians have already played amidst the potential distraction of Wedge's tenuous job security throughout the second half, so this is nothing new for them.

"It will be difficult," designated hitter Travis Hafner said. "But at the same time, you show up, play hard and try to go out on a good note."

Veteran infielder Jamey Carroll said Wedge and his coaches never let the speculation over their security get in the way of doing their jobs.
"They are true professionals," Carroll said. "They have too much respect for everyone in this clubhouse to let rumors play a part in how they prepare."

As the Indians prepare for the 2010 season, they'll have Wedge's dismissal to serve as a reminder that there are no guarantees in the big leagues.
"We're part of the reason this day has come," Lewis said. "There's got to be an adjustment on our end."

[Hope]

Wedge, coaches to see '09 slate through

CLEVELAND -- Generally speaking, an employee relieved of his or her duties wouldn't subsequently be asked to work the weekend.
But for the Indians' coaching staff, working this weekend at Fenway Park will remain a labor of love, even if it's labor that is drawing to an abrupt close come Sunday.
The Tribe flew to Boston following Wednesday's doubleheader for a season-ending, four-game visit to Fenway Park, with manager Eric Wedge and his coaches -- hitting coach Derek Shelton, pitching coach Carl Willis, bullpen coach Chuck Hernandez, first-base coach Luis Rivera and third-base coach Joel Skinner -- in tow.

When Wedge and his coaches were told on Wednesday they were being dismissed, they did not hesitate to accept the opportunity to finish what they started.
"To a man, Eric and all of the staff here, we view our jobs as working with the players," Willis said. "That's what we do. We try to help these guys and put them in the best situation to perform and give them all the knowledge and guidance we can. We do it because we enjoy doing it. It's our passion."

And the coaches are passionate enough about their jobs that they'd no doubt love to keep them, if the possibility exists. That will depend on who is hired as the Indians' next manager and what he's looking for in a support staff.
"We'll see what happens," Shelton said. "You cross that bridge when you get to it."

Wedge is still under contract for 2010. Without revealing names, team president Paul Dolan said "a couple" of the coaches are under contract, as well.
The coaches all knew these moves could come. Wedge has been on the hot seat throughout the second half. And, usually, a manager and his staff go down together.
"This is part of the competitive aspect of our position here at the Major League level," said Skinner, who was beaten out by Wedge in the bid for the managerial post after the '02 season. "You have to deal with days like this. But our focus is on the task at hand. You try to put [job speculation] in the back of your mind, because you have a game that day."

The Indians have four games left. And then it's an offseason of transition that may or may not involve these coaches staying in the organization in some capacity.
"Nobody's going to cheat any of these players," Willis said. "It's only [a few] more days, but every day in the big leagues is a special time. We'll keep working."

Indians fire manager Eric Wedge; What's next for the Tribe?

Spring training is supposed to be the best time of year for managers, coaches and players. The days end early, the weather is good and the scores don't count.
This spring training, however, probably set the stage for the Indians' firing of manager Eric Wedge and his coaching staff Wednesday. Wedge and his coaches will stay on until the season finale Sunday in Boston.
The Indians went to camp following an impressive 40-29 finish to the 2008 season. Their overall record was only 81-81, but in February firing Wedge and his staff was the furthest thing from the mind of Indians President Paul Dolan.
"Our expectations were to compete this year," said Dolan.

Surrounded by their new $72 million spring-training complex in Goodyear, Ariz., the Indians did not take well to the Arizona desert after spending 16 springs in Winter Haven, Fla.
They lost 20 exhibition games, and the losing continued in the regular season. The Indians went 8-14 in April. In Wedge's seven years as manager, he had only two winning Aprils.
"To me, it's always been about how you finish, not how you start," said Wedge. "We would have liked to get off to better starts than we did, but it didn't happen."

The losing continued, and by late June, the Indians were trading veterans for younger players to start the rebuilding process. Mark DeRosa was first to go. Then it seemed like everybody was traded at once -- Rafael Betancourt, Ryan Garko, Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco, Victor Martinez and Carl Pavano.
It was the second straight year in which the Indians traded established players headed for free agency or a year away after they dropped out of the race. They traded CC Sabathia, Casey Blake and Paul Byrd in 2008, but were still able to win.
The fire sale was so complete that the Indians became the first team to trade consecutive Cy Young winners in Sabathia and Lee the year after they won the award.

The 2009 Indians never recovered. When Wedge was fired, they had 12 rookies on the roster and had lost 20 of their past 25 games.
GM Mark Shapiro told Wedge that he was fired last weekend. Shapiro and Wedge told coaches Jeff Datz, Chuck Hernandez, Luis Rivera, Derek Shelton, Joel Skinner, Carl Willis, Dan Williams and Dave Wallace that they wouldn't be back after Tuesday night's rainout.
The players were told Wednesday at 1 p.m. before playing the Chicago White Sox in a doubleheader, the final two games at Progressive Field this year.
"When you don't win, you don't stick around," said Datz, in his eighth year on the Tribe's big-league staff.

Wedge has one year left on his contract for about $1.3 million. Willis, finishing his seventh year as pitching coach, is signed through 2010 as well.
The Indians will begin the search for a new manager after the season ends Sunday. The process is expected to last through October because they'll probably have to wait for teams to get eliminated from the postseason to get permission to interview prime candidates.
When the Indians hired Wedge on Oct. 29, 2003, it was a couple of days after Game 7 of the World Series. Shapiro wouldn't discuss the managerial search Wednesday, but he'd probably like to have his manager hired before the annual general managers meetings in early November.

The decision to fire Wedge was made by Shapiro, owner Larry Dolan, team President Paul Dolan and Chris Antonetti, assistant general manager.
Shapiro would not go into the reasons behind the firing, but Paul Dolan said: "Our inability to succeed up to our expectations the last two years was the catalyst of this decision. Slow starts were just part of the big picture."
Sagging ticket sales didn't help Wedge either.
The Indians projected attendance to be close to 2 million this year, but it will end at less than 1.8 million. Since Progressive Field opened in 1994, it's their second-lowest attendance.
"Winning drives ticket buying," said Paul Dolan. "We won't win any games this off-season no matter who we hire as manager. We hope that whoever the new manager is will pique the interest of fans. Coupled with the talent and potential we have, we hope that drives sales."

Shapiro made it clear that Wedge and his coaches were paying the price for an organizational failure.
"Accountability lies across an organization," he said. "It starts with me. . . . In this game, situations often dictate decisions. Often the blame, or the change, occurs in one place, when the reasons and accountability lie throughout an organization."

Wedge's best year was 2007 when the Indians won 96 games to win the AL Central. They beat the Yankees in the division series and took a 3-1 lead against Boston in the AL Championship Series, before losing three straight to be eliminated.

He was named AL Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America after the season. Wedge and the Indians were never able to build on that momentum.
"There are real factors that have led to this point in time," said Wedge. "I understand that. The people in this organization understand that. That's enough for me."

Wedge's seven-year record after Wednesday's doubleheader was 561-569. The 561 wins put him fifth on the Indians managerial list behind Al Lopez with 570 victories.

[Hope]

Reaction to Eric Wedges Firing..
WaitingForNextYear: "But how much of this downfall is [Eric Wedge's] doing versus the boatload of misses that have occurred through the farm system/drafts along with the cash-strapped nature of MLB in [some] markets? Only time will tell on Wedge’s future success. The Dolans, Mark Shapiro and players had nothing but glowing remarks for their soon-to-be-ex-head coach. And with Eric Wedge and his coaches out of the picture come 2010, how long does Shapiro have to turn this thing around before it is him that is having the exit interview?" » Read more

Curse of Cleveland: "And so ends the under whelming tenure of Eric Wedge. In his seven seasons, he compiled a record of 560-568 with his lone playoff appearance coming in 2007 with the AL Central Division crown, and he brought the team to the brink of their sixth World Series appearance, only to be shredded by the Red Sox in three straight games. Wedge nor his team or its fan base have truly recovered from those three games, and they may not for some time." » Read more

Indians' shakeup clouds future for players, coaches

Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner first joined the organization via trade in December 2002, less than two months after Eric Wedge was chosen as the Tribe's new manager.
Now, Hafner and the Indians, on pace to finish with their worst record since 1991, are faced with the uncertainty that comes when a team fires a skipper and his coaching staff.
"It's tough to see. It's been a disappointing last two seasons," Hafner said Wednesday after General Manager Mark Shapiro announced that manager Eric Wedge and his coaches would not return in 2010.

As one of the team's veteran players, Hafner said it's tough to see the team lose a seven-year manager who led the Tribe to the American League Championship Series in 2007 and was named Manager of the Year in the same season. Still, the team, loaded with young players and first-year Indians, must move forward with the rest of their season and look forward to 2010.
"There's been a lot of turnover here, but at the same time, you've got a lot of young talent," Hafner said. "I think the future is bright here."

Although players agreed the move was not entirely unforeseen after a disappointing year, some were confused by the decision to announce the news with six games left in the season, including a four-game series in Boston. Indians rookie Matt LaPorta said although he was surprised to get the news Wednesday, he thought the organization and coaching staff handled it well.
"It's a tough situation," he said. "It shows something that they're finishing the season. It would have been easy to walk away and let somebody else take care of it."

Catcher Kelly Shoppach said he wasn't surprised at the news, but he would take the remaining games to learn from Wedge and the coaches and enjoy being around the staff he's known since being traded to the Indians in 2006.
"This will be my first manager change since I've been playing, so I'm not exactly sure, it's a little bit of uncharted territory for me," Shoppach said. "Since I've been here they've all been here, it's the same staff I've had for four years in Cleveland, so obviously I'll miss them as well because basically I've grown up with them."

Reliever Jensen Lewis has been in the Indians organization since being drafted in 2005. He played his first season in the big leagues during the team's magical 2007 season. He said that although the news was difficult to take, it's just part of the business of baseball, and the team will make adjustments accordingly.
"Next year, we'll have a new manager and a new staff, and we'll understand where our organization wants to go from there," he said. "I don't think it matters how old you are or how many times you've been through it, it's always a difficult situation, and you try to move on."

For the coaches, many of whom have been part of the Indians organization for several years, moving on won't be so easy. Third base coach Joel Skinner is a former Indians player who began his coaching career at Class A Kinston, N.C., in 1997. He's coached at every level for the Indians, from Kinston to an interim stint with the big leagues in 2002 after the dismissal of Charlie Manuel before Wedge was named to the position.
"This is just the reality of baseball," Skinner said. "This is a very competitive industry we're in, and this is something you never shy away from. This is part of the gig, and you're always trying to move forward."

Pitching coach Carl Willis joined the coaching staff during spring training in 2003, Wedge's first year as manager, and he has been responsible for developing Cy Young Award winners CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee -- who were both traded and now pitch for postseason contenders. Despite his success with the Indians, Willis said he wasn't surprised to be included in the group who won't be asked to return in 2010.
"It's disappointing, but this is professional sports," he said. "You can't really say it's unexpected because it's been a tough year. It's been a tough couple of years."

For now, Indians players must finish out the season and look forward to next year without the ease that comes with knowing who will be at the helm.
"Obviously, we've got to find a guy who fits right for this team and believes he can take this team to the next level," said center fielder Grady Sizemore, who has been out since Sept. 4 with injuries. "I think where you go from here, I don't know."

[Hope]

Cleveland Indians morning news roundup: Reaction to the firing of manager Eric Wedge

Wednesday, the Cleveland Indians made one of the most dramatic moves a baseball franchise can make: They fired their manager.
Now that it's fact that Eric Wedge's seven-year stint as the Tribe's manager will be over when the final out is made in Sunday's game against the Red Sox in Boston, the logical topic becomes, "What's next?," as Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes writes:
The Indians will begin the search for a new manager after the season ends Sunday. The process is expected to last through October because they'll probably have to wait for teams to get eliminated from the postseason to get permission to interview prime candidates.

Hoynes includes former Indians player and manager Mike Hargrove, former Indians player and coach Buddy Bell, former Indians players John Farrell and Dave Clark as among potential candidates, along with Brad Mills, Jim Riggleman, Ron Wotus, Ron Roenicke, DeMarlo Hale and Jose Oquendo.

Wedge pays the price: The Indians front office seems to acknowledge that the team's failings go beyond Wedge, yet he was the guy ultimately held responsible. Patrick McManamon of the Akron Beacon Journal writes that Wedge was the "fall guy."
''The manager oftentimes becomes the fall guy for what is organizational failure,'' Indians President Paul Dolan said. ''That's just the tried and true way of baseball.''
Tried and true can be tough to take, and clearly this was the case for General Manager Mark Shapiro, who has said many times that he was as responsible as anyone for this most disappointing of Indians seasons.
Dolan said he agreed with Shapiro that the Indians' failings went beyond Wedge.
Asked, though, if any thought was given to replacing Shapiro, Dolan simply said: ''No.''
Wedge filled one of the manager's roles — take the hit when things go south.

Worked together: Relative to other managers, Wedge probably scores an "A," or close to it, in his ability to get along with his players. Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal writes:
Wedge talked to the players Wednesday after being informed of his dismissal Tuesday. He told them he would complete the schedule.
''He said it was important for him to finish out the season,'' Travis Hafner said. ''He's always been the same guy, a pretty stable figure. We came into the organization the same year, so this is tough to see. He's always been great to me. I learned a lot about life and baseball from him.''

Check it: Other Plain Dealer Indians coverage, besides Paul Hoynes' main story, includes: Hoynes' "Four things I think" about the firing, and his video and podcast; a column by Terry Pluto and a column by Bill Livingston about Wedge's dismissal; Pluto's "Four things I think" about the move; Dennis Manoloff's report on the Indians doubleheader split against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, and his Indians Chatter and "On deck: Indians at Boston Red Sox"; Britt Braudo's report on what the firing means for players and the dismissed coaches; and, from Starting Blocks, a fans poll on the firing, a timeline of Wedge's managerial career with the Indians organization, and a flashback to his hiring as Indians manager on Oct. 29, 2002.
[POSTERS NOTE: all the bolded are part of the link for "Check it" there was just to many links to post]

The right time: There's a lot of good to say about Eric Wedge, but as happens eventually with most managers, the time had come for him to move on, writes Jim Ingraham for the News Herald and Lorain Morning Journal:
Wedge is an honorable man, a good person and a solid professional. But this wasn't working. It hasn't been working since the Indians were up, 3-1, in the 2007 American League Championship Series, but couldn't finish off the Red Sox.
When CC Sabathia took the mound that night for the pivotal Game 5, the Indians to that point, counting the postseason, had a record of 102-68.
That's 34 games over .500.
Since then, they are 31 games under .500 (145-176), not counting the results of Wednesday night's doubleheader with Chicago, two of the most meaningless regular-season games in Indians history.
Yes, it was time for a change.

He's okay: The Indians will pay Wedge about $1.3 million for the year left on his contract. Todd Porter comments for the Canton Repository that the manager shouldn't mind leaving Cleveland, too.
Writes Porter:
Wedge is the one getting off the easiest here. He gets a one-way ticket away from the poison that is Cleveland pro sports. As much as fans want to blame Wedge — everyone needs a scapegoat — they’ll miss him one day.
It should surprise no one that Wedge wanted to stay on for the final six games of the season. The way Wedge handled himself — class, character and dignity come to mind — was exemplary. So his Tribe career ends, really, where the expectations started, in Fenway Park, probably closing out another series with a loss.
Wedge, or any other manager in Cleveland, is being asked to coach and perform magic. In order for the Indians to play for a World Series, everything has to come together at once, and on the cheap, because class and dignity don’t pay the bills.

Had to: The Indians were right to fire Wedge, claims the blog "Let's Go Tribe." ESPN.com's Rob Neyer cites "Let's Go Tribe," and writes on his Sweet Spot blog:
The Indians were supposed to win in 2006, but instead went 78-84.
The Indians were supposed to win in 2008, but instead went 81-81.
The Indians were supposed to win in 2009, but instead went 64-92 (so far).
Eventually the losing becomes a force of its own, not necessarily tied to any specific complaints. Could Eric Wedge have convinced Jeremy Sowers and Fausto Carmona to throw more strikes? Seems like a tall order. But losing in Cleveland seems to have become habitual, and that's reason enough.

Maybe Mike?: Mike Hargrove is a member of the Indians Hall of Fame, thanks to his solid performance as a Tribe first baseman from 1979-85 and his success (five division championships, two American League pennants) as the Indians manager from 1991-99.
Hargrove wants to manage again, Jon Paul Morosi reported several days ago for FoxSports.com. Morosi wrote:
Now, he's simply looking for a chance to manage in the majors again.
"I'd like to get back in," he said Thursday in a telephone interview. "My preference is I'd like to manage one more time. I really would.
"If I'm not managing, I don't know the extent that I would want to get back in it. But at some level, I want to get back in."
And:
He hasn't had a winning record over a full season since that last campaign in Cleveland. He left his job with the Seattle Mariners after 78 games in the 2007 season, saying his passion for the game had begun to fade. He had some disagreements with superstar outfielder Ichiro Suzuki during his time in Seattle.
However, he has proven he can win in the majors. He reached the World Series with the Indians twice in the 1990s. And the Mariners did show signs of progress before his resignation two seasons ago.
Hargrove's enthusiasm for baseball seems to have been revived through managing the Liberal (Kan.) Bee Jays, a collegiate summer team, in 2008 and 2009.
"It was really a lot of fun — and a lot of work," said Hargrove, who is from Texas but resides in Richfield, Ohio. "We had a good bunch of kids. And the biggest satisfaction is that the kids were better when they left than when they came to us."

[Hope]

Fired Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge has the support of his Fort Wayne, Ind. hometown

Eric Wedge has conducted himself with dignity during his seven seasons as the Cleveland Indians manager.
His character apparently has earned him the respect of his hometown of Fort Wayne, Ind.
The Indians fired Wedge on Wednesday. Today, he's getting support from the people back home, even though his offseason residence is in the Akron suburb of Richfield.
Reggie Hayes comments for the The News-Sentinel in Fort Wayne that he's been rooting for Wedge. Writes Hayes:
For one thing, he's a hometown guy, born and raised in Fort Wayne. We always root for our own. It gives us that “We know him personally” pride.
But my other reason weighs heavier. Wedge, who was fired on Wednesday, remains one of the good guys in sports. You can attach the words “integrity” and “class” to him without worrying whether you'll regret it later. That's way too rare in sports.
When Wedge won the 2007 American League Manager of the Year award, it was a feel-good moment for him, of course, but also for those of us watching and rooting from a distance.

More kudos: Steve Warden reported for The Journal Gazette that Wedge's old friends are confident he'll do well somewhere else. Fort Wayne has lots of Chicago baseball fans.
Warden writes:
Caleb Kimmel, who helps Wedge with the Eric Wedge Baseball Camps during the winter, agrees that Wedge will successfully land on his feet.
“With his leadership skills that he brings to the table, he’s going to be an asset anywhere he goes,” Kimmel said.
“He also has a good business sense to him, so he’s positioned well within the game of baseball, in the business side and relational side.”
Added (Wedge's former baseball coach Chris) Stavreti: “Maybe at some point in time he’ll be manager of the Cubs.”

[Hope]

Wedge wants another shot at managing - Tribe skipper hasn't given much thought to his future in MLB

BOSTON -- Eric Wedge said he hasn't given much thought to his future in the big leagues. But one thing is clear.
"All I do know is I do, at some point, want to manage again," Wedge said Thursday.

Other than that, Wedge, who will be relieved of his duties at season's end, went into the weekend series at Fenway Park focused on the Indians' final four games.
The handling of Wedge's dismissal raised eyebrows around the league. It's not standard practice for a manager and his coaching staff to be dismissed before the end of the season and then finish what they started.

But Wedge is handling the potentially awkward situation remarkably well. His 15-minute press conference Wednesday at Progressive Field was a clinic in how to deal with such disappointment publicly. Wedge accepted full accountability for the Indians' struggles while also firmly expressing his beliefs in respecting the game and being equal parts candid, philosophical and even a little bit funny. It was not the typical Wedge fans are accustomed to hearing in his often colorless postgame sessions with the media.
As one member of the Indians' traveling party said, "When he applies for his next job, he should just send a tape of that interview and say, 'This is the guy you're getting.'"
Who's going to get Wedge? That remains to be seen. Some national reports have suggested he could land on his feet as soon as next year, when the Indians will still be paying him more than $1 million.

Wedge said he's not considering any potential options yet.
"You're not going to believe this," he said, "but I really haven't thought a great deal about it at this point."

Wedge, 41, said explaining the situation to his wife, Kate, wasn't difficult.
"She's known for a little while," he said. "She handled everything appropriately. But we've had two children in Cleveland, we live there and we've spent a lot of quality time there. In that respect, it's tough."
Wedge is still planning on living in his Richfield, Ohio, home at season's end, and he'll evaluate his options from there.

As for the bizarre day in which he attended the press conference announcing his dismissal, then managed the Indians in a doubleheader split with the White Sox, Wedge admitted it was a long one. But Wedge, who was informed of his fate at least several days before it was announced, went out the way he wanted.
"I felt it was important to do it in Cleveland, so everybody [in the media] could have proper access," Wedge said. "I wanted to know [my fate] before going to Boston, and [the front office] accommodated me with that. And out of respect to the city of Cleveland and you guys [in the media], I felt it was important to do it in Cleveland."

[Hope]

Castro's Blog:

That was, without question, a bizarre press conference that took place at Progressive Field yesterday. It's not often you see a guy discuss getting dismissed while wearing the uniform of the organization that dismissed him. When it was over, Wedge walked through the hallway that leads from the press interview room to the Indians' clubhouse and passed a few White Sox players. They all had a look on their face that read, "What is he still doing here?"

I've had several fans tell me they've never seen Eric Wedge quite like they saw him in yesterday's press conference. They were impressed with his demeanor, his grace under pressure and his overall respect for the game. It made me wonder if fans would have been so vehemently against Wedge if he had showed this side of his personality more often. Most fans' only view of Wedge was borne out of what they saw from him in his bland postgame pressers.

Regarding the fans' general distaste for Wedge, here is what Mark Shapiro had to say: "I don't know why. I thought they would [like him] when we hired him. He's very consistent with the values of Northeast Ohio. He's a blue-collar worker, a hard-nosed guy, extremely honest and extremely consistent. In the end, this is an entertainment business. Maybe he wasn't flamboyant enough and kept his feelings internal at times. Maybe fans want to feel the frustration and emotion. Eric, to protect the players, didn't always do that. But believe me, those emotions were there."

CC Sabathia had this to say about Wedge (and why do I feel like I'm writing an obit as I type this?): "He was big. He was a tough guy. He was a tough guy to please. He always seemed to find something wrong with what I did. It made me a lot tougher, him not being satisfied. He made sure that I was working hard and trying to get better every day."

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Wedge is one of just seven Major League managers to guide a single team to at least two 90-win seasons and at least two 90-loss seasons. The others are Bruce Bochy (Padres), Bill Carrigan (Red Sox), Bobby Cox (Braves), Bucky Harris (Senators), Tom Kelly (Twins) and Connie Mack (Athletics).

[TribefanstuckinMA]

Castro's Blog:

(and why do I feel like I'm writing an obit as I type this?)
When I was listening to the press conference yesterday I was thinking "It must be weird for Wedge. Like being at your own funeral while you're still alive."

[Hope]

Cleveland Indians insider: Eric Wedge managed to keep secret of his firing

BOSTON -- Eric Wedge knows how to keep a secret.

GM Mark Shapiro told Wedge that he would not be back as manager on Friday, while the Indians were riding an 11-game losing streak. The decision to fire Wedge and his staff was reached by Shapiro, owner Larry Dolan, Indians President Paul Dolan and Chris Antonetti, assistant general manager a few hours before Wedge was informed.

Wedge told Shapiro he'd like to know his fate before the Indians traveled to Boston for a season-ending four-game series.

That means Wedge knew he was gone for five days before the team formally announced Wednesday that he and his coaching staff would not be retained for the 2010 season. Wedge and Shapiro told the coaches after Tuesday night's rainout and the players at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Shapiro originally said nothing would be announced until after the season, but that changed.
"I think it was the right way to do it," said Wedge. "I felt it was important to do it in Cleveland so everybody could have proper access to what was happening. We didn't want to hide from it.
"I wanted to know before we got to Boston, and they accommodated me. It was important for the staff and players to know, as well."

Wedge called Wednesday "exhausting."

After talking to players and reporters, Wedge managed a doubleheader against Chicago. The Indians won the first game, 5-0, and lost the second, 1-0.

A lot of people would have preferred to be fired in the shadows.
"I just thought this was the right way to finish things off," said Wedge.

Wedge, who wants to manage again, will return to Cleveland after the season ends Sunday, and see what the offseason offers.

He lives in Richfield with his wife, Kate, and children, Ava and Dalton.
"Kate handles everything with class," said Wedge. "We've had two children in Cleveland. We spent a lot of quality time there both on and off the field. In that respect, it's tough."

No sighting: Boston pitching coach John Farrell, a candidate to replace Wedge, made himself scarce in the clubhouse before Thursday's game.
Farrell has a clause in his contract that prevents him from managing until after the 2010 season. He had a chance to interview for the Pirates job in November 2007, but declined.
It's possible that the Indians could offer Boston compensation to hire Farrell, but it's likely they'll interview as many as eight to 10 candidates before making a decision.
Farrell, who lives in Cleveland, is the Tribe's former farm director. He also pitched for the Indians.

[Hope]

Farrell shoots down manager talk Sox's pitching coach concentrating on playoffs, not opening

BOSTON -- As the Indians finish out the 2009 season with lame-duck manager Eric Wedge in their dugout at Fenway Park, their next skipper very well may be sitting in the dugout across the field.
On the lips of fans and in the words of scribes, Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell's name has been bandied about as a potential candidate for the Tribe's managerial job for months -- long before the Indians made the ousting of Wedge and his coaches official.

The reasons to suggest Farrell, 47, as a candidate for the job are obvious. For one, he has a history with the Indians as a pitcher from 1987-90 and again in '95 and as the club's farm director from November 2001 to the end of '06. But he's also had enough success outside the organization in his current role to give him credibility and suggest that he could lend a fresh perspective to an organization that is obviously in need of one.

Trouble is, Farrell still has work to do. And when asked about the Indians' managerial opportunity Friday, he didn't bite.
"I'm committed to the Red Sox, and my whole focus right now is to prepare for the postseason," Farrell said. "We've got three games left, and from [a] pitching standpoint, we have to get some things in order, to make sure that guys come out of those games healthy. The whole focus right now is on our pitchers and getting prepared for the playoffs."

Another well-documented matter that might prevent Farrell from moving to another organization is his contract. It's become common knowledge that he has a clause in that contract stating that he may not leave the Red Sox for a managerial post elsewhere until after the 2010 season. But it's believed that clause can be negotiated away.

Farrell, who still resides in the Cleveland suburb of Westlake in the offseason, was reminded that he's a very popular man among Tribe fans right now.
"Out of respect for the entire Indians organization -- which is a tremendous amount of respect for them -- and a lot of friends on that [current] staff, that's all I have to say," Farrell said. "I'm committed here, and the focus is where it is."

Farrell, who is finishing up his third season as the Red Sox's pitching coach, has zero managerial experience at any level. His only other coaching experience came after he retired as a pitcher, when he spent five seasons from 1997-2001 as the assistant coach/pitching and recruiting coordinator at Oklahoma State University.

It came as a bit of a surprise when Farrell left the Indians' farm director's post to join manager Terry Francona's staff in Boston, as some viewed Farrell as a potential general manager-in-waiting. But the line on Farrell at the time was that he could succeed in either the front office or the dugout, and he's lived up to that potential so far.
"There's such a broad scope in being involved with running a farm system," Farrell said. "[As a pitching coach], it's a much more concentrated scope that is not any less volume. You're just dealing with a smaller number of players, and you're becoming more involved on a personal level, as far as the players and what their current needs are and how they're dealing with the challenges and the stress of not only the city they're playing in, but also the Major League level and just trying to get the most consistent performance you can."

[Hope]

Castro's Blog

Martinez, meanwhile, addressed the dismissals of Eric Wedge and his coaches and took a couple shots at the Indians' ownership. "It's pretty sad how everything ended up. It's not their fault, man. It's way easier to blame one guy than 25. What else can they do? The owners give whatever they give to them, and you just go out and compete, and you know how it is. If you want to really compete in the big leagues, you've got to put a really good team together. The team we had, they didn't want to keep it together. That's their thinking. That's their own stuff."

Martinez still seems genuinely upset over the way that 2007 team dissipated over the last two years. But he's also genuinely happy to be in Boston and in the playoff race. "I was leaving my house," he said. "I didn't know what to expect. I never get tired of saying, these guys [on the Red Sox] made everything a lot easier for me. They're great teammates, a great coaching staff and training staff. Everybody. They made me feel like I've been playing here for a couple years, and I really appreciate that."

Martinez paid Wedge and his coaches a visit late last night, after the game. They ended up sitting in Wedge's office talking for a couple hours. Wedge said it was a great, reflective conversation.

Here's what Martinez had to say about playing for Wedge: "He made me a better player. Not only myself. He was a manager that made sure he got everybody ready to play the game. That's big. He lets the players take care of things in the clubhouse. That's something that's great, too. Sometimes it's hard to hear the truth, but he was a guy that's going to tell you the truth. You've got to be a man to play this game, and he really helped me a lot."

Cleveland.com: Victor Martinez saddened by fate of Cleveland Indians, Eric Wedge

Boston -- For the last two seasons, Victor Martinez watched the Indians dismantle themselves until he was finally one of the pieces cast aside.
Now he's in Boston, headed for the postseason, and he can only shake his head at what has happened to the organization he once said he never wanted to leave.
"It's pretty sad," said Martinez before Friday night's game. "It's pretty sad the way things ended up."

On Wednesday, the Indians announced that manager Eric Wedge and his coaching staff were fired, but would finish the season. After Boston's 3-0 victory Thursday night, Martinez visited the Tribe's clubhouse and spent a couple of hours talking to Wedge and his old coaches.
"Like I say," said Martinez, "it's not their fault. It's a lot easier to blame one guy instead of 25 guys."

Martinez believes the Indians were good enough to win the AL Central for the last couple of years, but owner Larry Dolan decided he couldn't keep the team together.
"The owners give whatever they give to them [the manager and coaches] and they have to go out and compete," said Martinez. "If you want to really compete in the big leagues, you have to put a good team together. A team like we got [in Cleveland].
"They didn't want to keep it together. That's their thinking. That's their own stuff."

Martinez said the Indians, Wedge and his fired coaches made him a better player.
"All I can say is 'thanks' to Wedgie, the coaching staff and the Cleveland Indians," said Martinez.

In Boston, Martinez already is being called a leader on the Red Sox. Some reporters feel he's their most valuable player.
"Wedgie got on me a lot," said Martinez. "It was just for me to get better. I appreciate that a lot. I appreciate all the things he did for me.
"I used to lob the ball to third base after a strikeout. He told me: "Throw the ball. Those little things are going to help you get better." He made me a better player, but not only myself.
"He was a manager who made sure he got everybody ready to play the game. That's big. He lets the players take care of the things in the clubhouse. When he needed to talk, he talked.
"Sometimes it's hard to hear the truth. But he's a guy who is going to tell you the truth. It's on you if you're going to take it or not."

The Indians traded Martinez to Boston on July 31 for Justin Masterson and minor-league pitchers Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price.
Martinez went into Friday's game hitting .335 (68-for-203) with 12 doubles, seven homers and 36 RBI since the trade. He's hitting .302 (175-for-580) with 33 doubles, 22 homers and 103 RBI overall.

[Hope]

Martinez appreciates Wedge's guidance

BOSTON -- Eric Wedge and his coaches were getting ready to leave Fenway Park following Thursday night's loss to the Red Sox when a familiar face -- and a not-so-familiar foe -- showed up in Wedge's office.
Victor Martinez stopped by to say hello to his old bosses, and what followed deep into the Boston night was a conversation that spanned a couple hours.
"It was," Wedge said, "pretty special stuff."

Martinez, as Tribe fans know well, is a pretty special player, and he was the heart and soul of the Indians for years. So to see him in a Red Sox uniform, playing against the Tribe, as he is this weekend, is a bit jarring to the senses.
Such is life in professional sports, of course. But when talking to reporters Friday about the many changes in the Indians' clubhouse, including the recent announcement that Wedge and his coaches will be dismissed at season's end, Martinez still sounded rather wistful.
"It's pretty sad how everything ended up," Martinez said. "It's not [the coaches'] fault, man. It's way easier to blame one guy than 25. What else can they do?"

Before he was traded to the Red Sox on July 31 for Justin Masterson and prospects Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price, Martinez made it clear to the Tribe that he wanted to retire with the Indians. But looking to cut costs and initiate a "reloading" period that will include younger faces at catcher and first base, the Indians couldn't afford V-Mart.
Martinez was emotional on the day of the trade, but a welcoming Red Sox clubhouse and the thrill of the playoff race has invigorated him. He entered the weekend with a .335 average and a .902 OPS for his new club.
"I was leaving my house," he said. "I didn't know what to expect. I never get tired of saying these guys [on the Red Sox] made everything a lot easier for me. They're great teammates, a great coaching staff and training staff. Everybody. They made me feel like I've been playing here for a couple years, and I really appreciate that."

Still, this is an emotional weekend for Martinez, particularly against the backdrop of Wedge's dismissal. Martinez had glowing things to say about playing for Wedge. He remembered a time early in his career when Wedge told him not to lob the ball to third base after a strikeout, but rather to throw it hard and use the moment as an opportunity to further build up arm strength.
That conversation came up when the two spoke Thursday night.
"I appreciate that now, a lot, all the things he did for me," Martinez said. "He made me a better player. Not only myself. He was a manager that made sure he got everybody ready to play the game. That's big. He lets the players take care of things in the clubhouse. That's something that's great, too. Sometimes it's hard to hear the truth, but he was a guy that's going to tell you the truth. You've got to be a man to play this game, and he really helped me a lot."

Martinez has new coaches to play for now, and a renewed possibility of reaching his ultimate goal -- a World Series title.
"Now that I'm here, I'm really happy," he said. "I'm playing for a team that's always been in the race. It's a really tough team to play against, and now I'm going to be a part of this. I'm pretty excited and honored to wear this uniform. A lot of baseball players, it's their dream to come here and play in Boston."

[Hope]

Sources: Farrell not interested in Indians BY: Buster Olney

John Farrell, the pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox, has removed himself from consideration for Cleveland's managerial opening, according to sources.

The Indians fired Eric Wedge on Thursday, and because of Farrell's past work history with the Indians, he was expected to be among those considered for the Cleveland job. But Farrell has indicated to the Indians that he will not be a candidate. Farrell, 47, is nearing the end of what is his third season as Boston's pitching coach.

The Indians are in the early stages of their search, which they are expected to resolve by the end of October. Torey Lovullo is among the internal candidates that might be considered, and the Indians also are expected to interview ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine.

[TribefanstuckinMA]

The Indians are in the early stages of their search, which they are expected to resolve by the end of October. Torey Lovullo is among the internal candidates that might be considered, and the Indians also are expected to interview ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine.

I'd hire him based on this one sentence from that article: Valentine is ejected by home plate umpire Randy Marsh for arguing the call, and returns to the dugout an inning later in a disguise. How crazy is that! BTW, checked out his restaurant's website (after all, it's a mere 120 miles from our house!) and it said if you see a guy in mustache and sunglasses be nice to him - cuz Bobby just might buy you your drink!

[Hope]

Shapiro's timetable has manager hired by the end of World Series: Indians Insider

Boston -- General Manager Mark Shapiro wants to have the Indians' new manager hired by the end of the World Series. Game 7 is scheduled for Nov. 5.
Shapiro has spent the past two days doing background checks on a list of candidates the Indians have compiled. It includes a couple of candidates from inside the organization, but Eric Wedge's replacement is expected to come from outside the organization.

The interview process will start soon.
"I've been calling players, current front office people, former front office people and some national analyst to see if there's anyone we've overlooked," said Shapiro.

Shapiro has been talking to teams who have hired managers in the past few years to explore how they went through the process and who their candidates were.

What kind of manager does Shapiro want?
Will he be a veteran such as Mike Hargrove, Larry Bowa, Clint Hurdle, Bob Melvin or Jim Riggleman? Or will he be a bench coach like Boston's Brad Mills or Chicago's Joey Cora, coaches who have plenty of big-league experience but have never managed in the big leagues?

Boston pitching coach John Farrellremains a possibility. As does Torey Lovullo, the Tribe's longtime Class AAA manager, who is expected to be interviewed.
"We're not going to limit ourselves in any way," Shapiro said. "We want to open it up."

Any big-league managerial search triggers "name-game" speculation by the media. Said Shapiro: "I'm not going to be naming names. But when we get down to the final three or five guys, I'm not only going to announce them, I'm going to put them in front of the media."
Shapiro hired Wedge shortly after the 2002 World Series, but he came from inside the organization. This search is going to be wider in scope.
The Indians' coaching staff was fired along with Wedge on Wednesday. Shapiro said he did it to give the new manager a voice in selecting his staff.
But Shapiro will make suggestions as well. He should use those suggestions to pick a diversified group of coaches. Wedge's staff did a good job and worked hard, but there were too many former catchers on it.

Outside of pitching coach Carl Willis, bullpen coach Chuck Hernandez and first base coach Luis Rivera, Jeff Datz, Derek Shelton and Joel Skinner were former catchers. Not to mention Wedge and bullpen catchers Dave Wallace and Dan Williams.
Hiring a manager from outside the organization, along with coaches from other organizations with skills sets besides catching, could help the Indians.

"When tomorrow comes and goes, we'll move onto the next chapter."
When asked if he felt as if he'd been hung out to dry by the organization, Wedge said: "No, not at all. I understand the job. I understand what goes along with that. There are certain things that led us to this point."

The fact that everyone in the Indians organization stayed except Wedge and his coaches did not perturb him.
"That's the way it works," he said.

When told that Shapiro and Indians President Paul Dolan said they would like for the new Indians manager to have a lot of the same qualities Wedge has, he laughed and said, "I don't know what to tell you."

Adios: It seems like most of the Indians will miss Wedge. That includes third baseman Jhonny Peralta, who butted heads with his manager early in his career over concentration and hustle issues.
"I feel bad because I've been here a long time with him," Peraltas said. "It's tough. But I knew something was going to happen.
"We had some bad times, but we were always able to talk. But I think he's a good manager. Sometimes he's a little tough, but I really never saw him have a problem with other players."

Survivor: Dave Wallace, one of the Indians' bullpen catchers, was not included in the firing of manager Eric Wedge's coaching staff Wednesday. Depending on who the new manager is, Wallace could be back with the big-league club or go to the minors to manage next year.

"I've been assured I'll be in the organization," Wallace said. "Still, these are not happy times."

Albert Belle calls in advice: don't trade your stars, By Paul Hoynes

First they lost. Then they traded everybody. Finally, they fired everybody.
So what else could be missing from this fine Indians season that ends today? What about a phone call from former Tribe slugger Albert Belle to tie all the loose ends together?

For the third time in the past two years, Belle punched my cellphone number from his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. As I walked down the dank visitor's tunnel at Fenway Park in Boston on Friday, I answered his call. There was no mistaking the voice on the other end of the line.

"Tell Larry Dolan I won't be interviewing for the manager's job," said one of the most feared and ill-tempered hitters in Indians history. "How can you manage when you've got no players?"

Manager Eric Wedge and his coaching staff were fired Wednesday by General Manager Mark Shapiro.
"This season isn't the manager's fault," Belle said. "They traded away all his players. You can't win when you trade two Cy Young winners in CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee.

"Dolan is getting what he paid for."

Over the past two years, the Indians have traded Sabathia, Casey Blake, Paul Byrd, Lee, Ben Francisco, Mark DeRosa, Rafael Betancourt, Ryan Garko, Victor Martinez and Carl Pavano in salary dumps.
"Every time I watch a game in Cleveland, there's nobody in the stands," Belle said. "I said, 'Damn, it's worse than the old place [Cleveland Municipal Stadium] where we played.'
"What do they call that park now, Progressive Field? They should call it Regressive Field."
Belle chuckled an evil chuckle after saying "Regressive Field."
"I've got buddies in Cleveland who had free tickets to games this season," Belle said. "They told me, 'We're not going. Who are you going to watch?' "

Belle played eight years (1989-1996) for the Indians. He ranks second all-time in homers with 242 and slugging percentage at .580. In 1995, when the Indians reached the World Series for the first time in 41 years, he had one of the greatest seasons in club history.
Belle hit .317 and led the AL with 52 doubles, 50 homers, 126 RBI and a .690 slugging percentage. His OPS was 1.091.
He did not win the AL MVP award, mostly because of his sparkling personality and frequent suspensions.

It should be mentioned that I disliked Belle more than any player I've covered. He was a bully, uncooperative and a constant pain in the neck. I know the feeling was mutual.
I have no idea why he calls me, but Belle was and always will be entertaining.
"I might have to put a coaching staff of Kenny Lofton, Eddie Murray and Wayne Kirby together," Belle said. "Charles Nagy could be our pitching coach. Then I'd go to Dolan and apply for the job as manager.
"I could bring back all those guys. Maybe that would help."

Belle was laughing when he said that. He did not sound serious.
A bad left hip forced Belle to retire in 2000. If he had played a little longer, it would have been hard to keep him out of the Hall of Fame. Even now his numbers are elite -- .295, 389 doubles, 381 homers, 1,239 RBI, 974 runs, .396 on-base percentage and a .564 slugging percentage.
'Belle spends most of his time playing golf, but baseball and the Indians still pull at him.

Asked who he felt would win the World Series, Belle said: "It looks like the Yankees. They've got [Derek] Jeter, [Alex Rodriguez], [Mark] Teixeira and now they've got all that pitching.
"Joe Girardi is going to probably win Manager of the Year. I could manage the Yankees from home. I'd just call in the lineup every day from the golf course."

Belle, 43, said he liked watching Prince Fielder and the Brewers perform a recent choreographed routine after a walkoff homer. Fielder jumped on the plate and all his teammates fell down. The rest of baseball did not approve.
"I would love to do that," said Belle. "We were the first team to start all that in Cleveland when we were hitting all those walkoff homers."

That was a long time ago for the Indians and Belle.

[Hope]

The Hunt is on...

Indians.com: Indians commence search for skipper - GM Shapiro looking to finalize selection by end of month

CLEVELAND -- In the week since the Indians announced that manager Eric Wedge had been relieved of his duties, general manager Mark Shapiro and assistant GM Chris Antonetti have been in touch with their contacts throughout the game to put together a preliminary list of managerial candidates.
"We've got the phone bills to prove it," Shapiro said Wednesday.

The Indians have entered this process with a firm idea of what sort of attributes they'd like their next skipper to possess, but an open mind about who that guy might be.
Money, Shapiro said, is not an issue. That might come as a surprise, given the Indians' recent and drastic cost-cutting measures, and the fact that they are still on the hook to pay Wedge around $1.3 million next year.
"I can't foresee a scenario where we won't have the resources to get the right guy," Shapiro said.

Major League managerial experience -- or lack thereof -- also doesn't appear to be an issue, provided the candidate fits the Indians' framework for a firm fit.
"Obviously, [the candidate must be] a good communicator, internally and externally," Shapiro said. "Somebody who can effectively demonstrate good awareness and the ability to communicate across a broad spectrum of players, cultures and personalities. And then being an effective communicator to our market, as well."

The Indians also want to find a candidate who has a good idea of the type of coaching staff he'll need to be successful. One knock on Wedge was that he had a staff dominated by ex-catchers. Shapiro said he'd like to find "somebody who has the ability to build a diverse staff -- and by that I mean a different set of backgrounds, complementary backgrounds with different skill sets and talents."
In surveying the Major League landscape for a candidate who fits those traits, Shapiro and Antonetti have compiled an initial list of about 30 possibilities. That list will be whittled down next week, when the Indians' front office conducts player evaluation meetings in Goodyear, Ariz., and Shapiro and Antonetti initiate phone interviews with eight to 10 candidates.

Shapiro's plan, as laid out to reporters, is to use the phone interviews to narrow that list of eight to 10 candidates down to a list of three to five guys who will be invited to Progressive Field for a more formal, in-person interview. And the interview will extend to the local media, as Shapiro plans to make each of those final candidates available to the press.
"It's an opportunity for us to observe," Shapiro said, "which is a positive and a plus."

Shapiro's goal is to select the Indians' next manager by the end of the month, with an official announcement following the conclusion of the World Series. Teams are discouraged from making major news announcements during the Fall Classic.
While the interview process will eventually be made public, it is, for now, shrouded in secrecy. Shapiro said he will neither confirm nor deny any names who have been bandied about as possibilities for the position.

For now, all Shapiro would reveal is that one of the eight to 10 candidates is an internal one. It's believed that Triple-A Columbus manager Torey Lovullo will get an interview, but that's not confirmed. It also remains doubtful that the Indians will fill this vacancy from within.
As far as outside candidates are concerned, ESPN.com reported over the weekend that Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell -- a popular choice among fans and the media -- has pulled himself out of the running for the job. That report, however, has not been confirmed, and it could be that Farrell is merely trying to avoid any further public discussion about his future while the Red Sox are in the playoffs.

Shapiro said the Indians are considering several candidates whose teams are in the postseason. That could obviously affect the timetable he discussed with reporters, but he said it's a flexible outlook.
"We'll either go to them [on an off-day during the playoffs] or work around that and delay it five days," Shapiro said. "There's no business we have to do that says, 'We have to have the guy in here by this time.'"

Shapiro said he pulled out a job description for Major League manager that he and former GM John Hart drew up in the early 2000s, and he's applied the Indians' current situation to it. The Tribe's situation now places a heavy emphasis on bringing in a leader who knows how to develop young, emerging talent and also a manager who is adept at handling a bullpen (given the Tribe's struggles in that area in three out of the past four years) and selecting a pitching coach.
"I would certainly like that manager to have some defined thoughts about managing the bullpen," Shapiro said. "What's most important is he has his job description for that pitching coach and what he thinks describes and outlines an impact pitching coach, and he has candidates in mind to fill that position."

As Shapiro said at the time of Wedge's dismissal, the new guy might share some similarities with the old guy. The Indians aren't looking to make drastic changes in the way they do their business.
"It's a leadership position," Shapiro said. "Our philosophies as an organization are the same. Because it's a leadership position, some of the attributes will be identical [to Wedge], some will be complementary. But every single individual is going to have his own set of strengths and his own set of limitations."

And while Wedge's popularity among fans was at a low point and his dismissal was viewed by many as an olive branch offered to a frustrated fan base, Shapiro said he's not looking to bring in a candidate strictly because of his popularity.
"I'm not looking for short-term popularity," Shapiro said. "I'm looking for a guy to come in here and lead this organization effectively and maximize our chance of winning ballgames. I've said it before. A popular decision in December or January is very often your downfall in July or August."

Cleveland.com: Cleveland Indians GM Mark Shapiro talks about manager search, but not about candidates

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro sat down with the media this afternoon at Progressive Field to give an update on the team's search for a new manager to replace the fired Eric Wedge. Shapiro shared many of the organizations thoughts and philosophies, but would not discuss any potential candidates by name and refused to confirm or deny and names he was asked about.
Here are some of the points from the briefing:

1. The GM said the Indians are down to "8-to-10" candidates to replace Eric Wedge as Tribe manager. The team plans to conduct phone interviews next week with the candidates. The Tribe brass will be in Goodyear, Ariz. for organizational meetings.

2. From the list of 8-10 candidates, the Indians want to reduce that to a list of 3-5 candidates. That group will be brought to Cleveland for interviews, and they will also meet with the media.

3. No announcement will be made about the new manager until after the World Series.

4. If a candidate is on the coaching staff of a playoff team, they might meet with the candidate during an off-day in a city where the games are being played.

5. They have not asked permission to interview anyone who is currently under contract with another team.

6. There is one internal candidate, believed to be Class AAA Columbus manager Torey Lovullo.

7. Among the attributes the team is seeking: A) A good communicator with players of different cultures and personalities. B) Can build a diverse coaching staff. C) Know how to best use the coaching staff. D) Be smart, tough and passionate. E) Manage the game, and especially be skilled in managing the bullpen.

8. A big point is to "understand the uniqueness of our situation and how essential young players are to us." This means that the new manager must be strong in player development, especially helping move from the minors to the Majors as fast as possible -- and then helping the players deal with trials and challenges of staying and improving in the Majors.

9. Experience of being a big league manager is "helpful, but not a necessity."

10. The Indians will have "no pre-conceptions" when it comes to experience, but it will take "a special guy to be considered without Major League experience as a coach and/or manager."

11. The Indians also believe they will have the financial resources to hire the candidate of their choice. They say that money should not prevent them from finding the manager they want.

12. They started with a list of about 30 names, and that included "3-4" candidates that were not on their original list -- but were added when suggested by others. That list is now down to 8-10.

13. To check out candidates, the Indians have been talking to players who played for them. Also, to men who have coached with them, and managed the candidate when he was a player. They also have talked to trainers, clubhouse attendants and men who managed against the candidates. "We are tracking the fingerprints of his career."

14. "This is not a short-term popularity (selection)," said Shapiro. "We are looking for the right guy to win games. It's all about hiring the right guy."

15. A real emphasis will be place on handling and developing the bullpen. The Indians are open to new ways of doing it, given their struggles with the bullpen in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Yahoo! Sports: Indians narrowing list of potential managers

CLEVELAND (AP)—General manager Mark Shapiro already is narrowing his search for the next Cleveland Indians manager.
Shapiro said Wednesday he is getting closer to a list of “eight to 10” candidates to replace Eric Wedge, who was fired last week. He hopes to have a new manager by the end of the World Series, but that timetable could be delayed if a leading candidate is on a team currently in the playoffs.
Boston pitching coach John Farrell, who served as Indians farm director before taking the Red Sox job after the 2006 season, is among names mentioned as a possible successor.
“We have made no calls to any teams for permission to talk (to their employees),” Shapiro said. “We have made calls to specific guys, but are not limited just to them. Previous experience is helpful, but not a necessity, though it would take a very special guy to be considered without major-league experience.”

Farrell, a former Indians pitcher, has never managed at any level.
Shapiro said the selection process will be challenging.
“The perfect guy probably is already doing it somewhere else right now,” Shapiro said. “But certain things make good leaders and we have a list of criteria.”

He stressed that good communication skills—with the team and the public— along with the ability to build a diverse staff and use it are at the top of his list.
“There’s always the usual leadership points—being smart, tough, professional and passionate,” Shapiro said. “The new man will also have to understand our situation, be able to develop young players and make good utilization of the bullpen.”

Cleveland won the AL Central in 2007, but poor relief pitching was a big reason for a .500 record in 2008. After being touted as a contender this year, the Indians faltered due to injuries and more bullpen woes. The club ultimately traded several of its stars for prospects and finished 67-95—the Indians’ worst record in 18 years.
Shapiro and assistant general manager Chris Antonetti have had numerous phone talks with current and past players, coaches and managers, front office personnel from other clubs as well as media members to get background on candidates. Shapiro said his initial list was closer to 30 names and others may be added as discussions widen.
“There are three or four guys who were not on our radar screen that we will now talk to,” Shapiro said.

Though financial constraints have hampered Cleveland from signing certain free-agent players, Shapiro said money likely would not be an issue. Former managers such as Bobby Valentine, Buck Showalter or Bob Brenly likely would demand more lucrative contracts than inexperienced candidates.
Shapiro said at least one manager from the Indians’ minor-league system is on his cutdown list. It could be Torey Lovullo of their Triple-A team at Columbus; Mike Sarbaugh, who guided Double-A affiliate Akron to an Eastern League title; or former Cleveland third baseman Travis Fryman, who led Mahoning Valley the past two years.

Fans calling Cleveland radio shows say former Indians catcher Sandy Alomar Jr., now a New York Mets coach, would be a good choice. Others say bring back shortstop Omar Vizquel as player-coach—pointing out that the only time Cleveland has won the World Series, they were led by a Hall of Famer in such a role. Tris Speaker did it in 1920 and Lou Boudreau in 1948.
Still others are talking up Mike Hargrove, who managed Cleveland to five straight AL Central titles in 1995-99 and two trips to the World Series.
Being a popular former Indians player or manager doesn’t carry additional weight with Shapiro.
“We’re not looking for short-term popularity, but for a guy who can come in here and win,” Shapiro said. “We’re looking to have the right guy in place.”

[Hope]

Cleveland Indians set end of World Series as deadline for naming a new manager

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- GM Mark Shapiro and his assistant, Chris Antonetti, have culled their original list of 30 names down to "eight to 10" candidates to replace fired manager Eric Wedge.
Shapiro, in a meeting with reporters Wednesday, said he and Antonetti will conduct phone interviews with the remaining candidates next week during their organizational meetings at their spring-training site in Goodyear, Ariz.

From that list Shapiro said the top three to five candidates will be picked and brought to Cleveland for interviews. Shapiro wants to have a new manager in place at the end of the World Series.
The search is being conducted by Shapiro and Antonetti. They haven't asked permission to speak to candidates under contract to other teams, but will be doing so in the next several days.

Shapiro said at least one candidate will come from within the organization. It's believed to be Torey Lovullo, who has spent eight years managing in the Tribe's minor-league system, the last four at Class AAA. If Lovullo doesn't get the manager's job, there's a chance he could be added to the big-league staff as an infield coach.

Robby Thompson, a former Gold Glove second baseman with the Giants, is another interesting internal option. Thompson, a special assistant in the baseball operations department, is highly thought of in the organization, but family obligations will probably keep him out of serious consideration for the manager's job or a spot on the staff.

The Indians' new manager, however, is probably going to come from outside the organization.
Here are some names possibly under consideration.
• Mike Hargrove: Former Tribe manager who ranks second in franchise history in wins.
• Ned Yost: Former Milwaukee manager and longtime coach for Bobby Cox in Atlanta.
• Brad Mills: Boston's bench coach.
• John Farrell: If Farrell, Boston's pitching coach, is still in the picture, he'll be a strong candidate. ESPN.com reported that he removed himself from consideration. If he did, it's news to the Indians.
• Ron Wotus: San Francisco's bench coach.
• Ron Roenicke: Angels bench coach.
• Dave Clark: Former Indian ended this season as Houston's interim manager. He'll interview for the Astros job.

Shapiro said money will not be a problem in hiring a new manager, even though the Indians are paying Wedge an estimated $1.3 million for next season. That could make former Mets and Rangers manager Bobby Valentine an option. Valentine just signed a multiyear deal with ESPN after managing six years in Japan.
While many feel Valentine would do a good job developing the Indians' young roster, others feel if he returns to the big leagues he'd want a bigger stage and a team that is ready to win now.

Buddy Bell, former Tribe third baseman and bench coach, is another familiar name. Bell is the director of player personnel for the White Sox and loves to work with young players. Bell, however, had a tough time turning around rebuilding teams in Detroit, Colorado and Kansas City.

Here's what Shapiro is looking for in a manager:
• Good communicator with the organization and players;
• Someone who has the ability to form a coaching staff of different talents and utilize those talents to get the most out of young players;
• Skilled game manager, particularly when it comes to using the bullpen; and
• Someone who understands the limitations of the Indians' market when it comes to payroll and the importance of getting young players to the big leagues and playing at peak form as soon as possible.

Finally: The Indians will have the fifth overall pick in next year's amateur draft behind Washington, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Kansas City.

Chris Antonetti is not a candidate for the GM vacancy in San Diego.

[Wahoo1324]

Hargrove or Farrel.

We could use some of that extra money to make Boston get out the eraser and get rid of that clause on Farrel's contract to prevent him from coaching next year.

Hargrove is an old Cleveland guys who the fans would love and knows how to work with younger guys.

I'm leaning toward Grover. It would be so cool to see him in Cleveland as well as his many managerial pluses.

[Hope]

A look at the major league playing and managing careers of some Cleveland Indians managerial candidates .. By The Cleveland.com Starting Block

Plain Dealer Cleveland Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes wrote Thursday that the Indians front office says it has "eight to 10" candidates to replace fired manager Eric Wedge.

Hoynes mentions these potential candidates: Torey Lovullo, Robby Thompson, Mike Hargrove, Ned Yost, Brad Mills, John Farrell, Ron Wotus, Ron Roenicke, Dave Clark, Bobby Valentine and Buddy Bell.

Here's a look at the major league playing and managerial careers of the potential candidates, with links to their careers from baseball-reference.com.

Torey Lovullo: Has been a manager in the Indians minor league system the last eight years. Played all or part of eight major league seasons as a utility infielder, including six games with the Indians in 1998.

Robby Thompson: A special assistant in the Indians baseball operations department, he played all 11 of his major league seasons (1986-96) as a second baseman with San Francisco. Made two all-star teams, won one Gold Glove Award and one Silver Slugger Award.

Mike Hargrove: No doubt the most familiar name to Indians fans of ages of 12, maybe, and older. A first baseman for 12 major league seasons, including his last 6 1/2 with the Indians, he had a career batting average of .290. Was the American League Rookie of the Year with the Texas Rangers in 1974, made one All-Star team and twice led the AL in walks as the "Human Rain Delay" - so named for his lengthy batter's box routine getting ready for the next pitch. Also led the AL in on-base percentage once. Took over a bad Indians team midway through the 1991 season. Led the Indians to AL Central Division pennants in his last five years (1995-99) as manager, and to the World Series in 1995 and 1997, losing to the Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins, respectively. Also managed Baltimore and Seattle, and has a 16-year major league managerial record of 1,188-1,173.

Ned Yost: Lengthy experience as a Milwaukee manager and Atlanta Braves coach, had a 457-502 record in six seasons (2003-08) leading the Brewers. Was a backup major league catcher for six seasons.

Brad Mills: The Red Sox bench coach, he is profiled here by MLB.com. Has not managed in the big leagues and did not make it there as a player, too. Some Hall of Fame managers, such as Joe McCarthy and Earl Weaver, never played in the big leagues, while others had limited major league time, such as Walter Alston (one at bat), Sparky Anderson (one season) and Tommy LaSorda (26 games).

John Farrell: Boston's pitching coach was a key figure in the Indians organization for several years, first as a minor league pitching instructor and later as their director of player development. Pitched in all or parts of eight major league seasons, including five with the Indians (1987-90, 1995). Was a combined 19-11 in his first two seasons, but then encountered arm problems.

Ron Wotus: San Francisco's bench coach, he was an infielder who played in 32 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1983-84.

Ron Roenicke: The Angels bench coach was a reserve outfielder in his eight major league seasons.

Dave Clark: Ended this season as Houston's interim manager, and could be hired for that job. A reserve outfielder and respected pinch-hitter, he played the first four of his 13 major league seasons (1986-89) with the Indians.

Bobby Valentine: After managing the last six years in Japan, he's signed a multiyear contract with ESPN. Has an 1,117-1,072 record in 15 seasons as a major league manager. A versatile player, he was projected as a major league star but early-career injuries reduced him to a bench player in an 11-year career that ended in 1979.

Buddy Bell: The director of player personnel for the White Sox, he is a former Indians bench coach and was a fan favorite as an outfielder in his rookie year (1972) and standout third baseman the next six seasons for the Indians. Went on to a standout 18-season career that included five All-Star Games - including 1973 with the Indians - six Gold Glove Awards and a Silver Slugger Award. Has a 519-724 record in nine seasons as a major league manager, having three-year stints each with Detroit, Colorado and Kansas City teams that generally had poor playing personnel.

...In the organization: The Indians organization has a well-respected minor league system. Jacob Rosen details for the blog, WaitingForNextYear, four men in the system that may now, or some time soon, be major league managers. Rosen sees Torey Lovullo as a primary candidate to win the Indians' job, and Travis Fryman, Mike Sarbaugh and Jon Nunnally as potential big league skippers.

Travis Fryman: Managed the Indians' Class A Mahoning Valley Scrappers to the short-season New York-Penn League championship this season. Had a superb 13-year major league career, the last five seasons (1998-2002) with the Indians, driving in at least 91 runs seven times. Won a Silver Slugger Award and made the all-star team as a shortstop with Detroit; was an all-star shortstop-third baseman another year with the Tigers; and made three more all-star teams as a third baseman, including with the Indians in 2000, when he won a Gold Glove Award.

Mike Sarbaugh: In 2009, his 20th season with the Indians organization - including as a minor league player - he managed the Class AA Akron Aeros to the Eastern League championship. Sarbaugh is included on AkronAeros.com.

Jon Nunnally: The hitting coach for the Indians' Class AAA Columbus Clippers, he was a reserve outfielder for all or parts of six major league seasons (1995-2000), including two 14-homer seasons in limited at bats.


Wedge managed the Indians to a 561-573 record the last seven seasons, and played parts of four seasons (1991-94) as a major league catcher, with injuries sidetracking his chances for an extended career.

[Hope]

Red Sox grant permission for Cleveland Indians to talk with pitching coach John Farrell about managerial opening

CLEVELAND -- The Indians have been granted permission to talk to Boston pitching coach John Farrell for their vacant manager's job, but the final decision will be up to Farrell.

The Red Sox were eliminated from the AL Division Series on Sunday in a three-game sweep by the Los Angeles Angels.

Boston GM Theo Epstein told the Associated Press that Farrell would be allowed to interview with the Indians if he wanted. Epstein added that Farrell said he would like to stay in Boston.

Farrell pitched for the Indians and was their farm director from 2001 through 2006 before taking the pitching coach's job with Boston. The Red Sox won the World Series in Farrell's first season with the team in 2007, defeating the Indians in the AL Championship Series.

Farrell pitched for eight seasons in the major leagues, going 14-10 in 1988 with Cleveland. He finished with a 36-46 record before going into the front office.

YAHOO Sport! Rumor: Valentine and Fryman on Cleveland's managerial list

Bobby Valentine hasn't managed in the big leagues since 2002 but he's been over in Japan leading the Chiba Lotte Marines since 2004 and now that he's returning to the U.S., some teams are certainly interested in bringing him onboard.

One of those teams is apparently the Cleveland Indians, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. The team supposedly has Valentine on its short list of candidates to take over for the fired Eric Wedge next season.

When Wedge got hired for the spot in 2003, it was a simple move up from the team's Triple-A franchise but that doesn't appear to be what the Indians will do this time. The team is apparently casting a wide net for candidates. Another person on the list is believed to be Travis Fryman, who once played third base for the Indians and manages the team's Single-A team, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

You gotta believe Valentine's chances are better than Fryman's.

[Hope]

John Farrell says he's not interested in being Cleveland Indians manager

CLEVELAND -- The next manager of the Indians will not be Boston pitching coach John Farrell.
Farrell, former Indians pitcher and farm director, has withdrawn his name from consideration. He told GM Mark Shapiro this morning.

"It's an honor to be considered for the job," Farrell to The Plain Dealer. "Especially for a team that I played for, my father played for and where there are so many people I know and respect. All those things considered, my desire is to fulfill the commitment between Boston and myself.

"There's no denying there is an intent to manager at sometime. But I have a mutual commitment with Boston that I feel I should fulfill."

Farrell pitched for the Indians from 1987 through 1990 and again in 1995. He was their farm director from 2001 through 2006 before taking leave to become the Red Sox's pitching coach.
Tom Farrell, John's father, pitched in the Indians minor league system. He was teammates with Herb Score and Rocky Colavito at Class AA Reading.

Shapiro and Chris Antonetti, assistant general manager, are conducting phone interviews with "eight to 10" candidates to replace Eric Wedge, who was fired with six games left in the just completed season. The interviews are being conducted from their spring training headquarters in Goodyear, Ariz., as the Indians go through their organizational meetings.

The top three to five candidates will be brought to Cleveland later this month for further interviews.

[Wahoo1324]

I'd invite:

Ned Yost: No experience but was under Bobby Cox

Ron Roenicke: No experience but was under Scioscia

Mike Hargrove: Experience, great career, hometown fave, knows how to work with young guys.

Preferably Mike.

It will be so interesting to see what happens.

[TribefanstuckinMA]

I'm just looking forward to the upcoming show!

[Sara Tonyn]

I'm just looking forward to the upcoming show!

Yeah, me too! I'm lovin' the anticipation and suspense right now though.

And don't forget there's still the off season addition or two that could be exciting. No big name$ will be added of cour$e, but it's always interesting when you get a new player. Even retreads are fun to discuss. Look at how Pavano proved most of us wrong!

I think we all pretty much agree on who won't be re-signed, but we don't know who, if anyone, might be traded away or who we'll get in return. It's even possible we may see a familiar face or two back in a Tribe uni. (Too bad it won't be Lee... )

[Hope]

A cloudy day for Tribe: John Farrell pulls out of manager search

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Boston pitching coach John Farrell isn't coming, Farrell, former Indians pitcher and farm director, told GM Mark Shapiro on Wednesday morning that he was withdrawing his name for consideration to replace fired manager Eric Wedge.

"It's an honor to be considered for the job," said Farrell. "Especially for a team that I played for, my father played for and where I have so many people I know and respect. All those things considered, my desire is to fulfill the commitment between Boston and myself.
"There's no denying there is an intent to manage at some time. But I have a mutual commitment with Boston that I feel I should fulfill."

Farrell would not go into his contract with Boston, but there is a clause that says he cannot manage outside the Red Sox organization until after the 2010 season. Farrell pitched for the Indians from 1987-90 and again in 1995. He was their farm director from 2001-06 before joining Boston's coaching staff.

Tom Farrell, John's father, pitched in the Indians' minor-league system. He was teammates with Herb Score and Rocky Colavito at Class AA Reading.

Shapiro and Chris Antonetti, assistant general manager, are conducting phone interviews with up to 10 managerial candidates. The interviews are being conducted from the team's spring training headquarters in Goodyear, Ariz.

When asked to comment on Farrell's decision, Shapiro said he'd wait until next week when he returns to Cleveland.

So NEXT!!!!! Ummm....

Ex-Nationals manager Manny Acta among the Indians' candidates to replace Wedge

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta is one of the candidates to replace Eric Wedge as manager of the Indians.
Acta told The Plain Dealer Wednesday evening that he already went through a phone interview with General Manager Mark Shapiro earlier this week.

Acta also will interview with Houston on Friday for their managerial opening.
"I'm excited and honored to be part of this process," Acta said. "This team was only one game away from the World Series two years ago. They have lost some pieces, but I think things are going to be very exciting in Cleveland very soon. We are still very early in the process and I have to respect that process."

Acta managed the Nationals for three seasons before being fired in July.

[TribefanstuckinMA]

Do they really want to take a chance on Acta? I suppose a lot of his record has to do with the players on the Nationals, but his coaching record boasts a staggering .385 winning percentage. I think I'd take a pass this time around and see how he would do with another team...NOT named The Indians.

[Hope]

Possible candidates keeping mum about Cleveland Indians managerial search

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Bobby Valentine and Clint Hurdle, two men who guided teams to the World Series, gave no comments over the last two days when asked if they'd been interviewed by the Indians for the team's vacant manager's job.

Valentine, who spent the last six years managing in Japan, told The Plain Dealer in an e-mail this morning, "Cleveland is in the middle of a search for a new manager and out of respect for that process, I do not think it's appropriate for me to comment at this time."

In 2000 Valentine took the Mets to the World Series where they lost to the Yankees.

Hurdle, fired as Colorado's manager on May 29, said "no comment' when asked Thursday if he'd talked to the Indians about being their new manager. Hurdle, who managed the Rockies from 2002 until his firing this year, took them to the World Series in 2007 where they lost to Boston.

The Indians interest in Valentine has been speculated on over the last few weeks. Hurdle, who has told associates that he would like to manage again, but only in the right situation, has not been mentioned much in connection with the Indians.

Mike Hargrove, who took the Indians to the World Series in 1995 and 1997 only to lose to Atlanta and Florida, has made it clear that he'd like a chance to manage the Indians again. Hargrove, with the second most victories in Indians history, managed them from 1991 through 1999.

"I talked to Mark (Shapiro) once this week and we'll see where it goes," said Hargrove.

Hargrove would not classify the conversation as an interview.

GM Mark Shapiro on Thursday night said the interview process to replace Eric Wedge was still going on. Wedge and his staff were fired with six games left in the season, but finished the year.

So far this week, the Indians managerial search has resulted in Boston pitching coach John Farrell withdrawing from consideration, while former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta told The Plain Dealer on Tuesday that he'd been interviewed for the job. Acta will interview today for Houston's vacant managerial job.

It's believed Indians minor league managers Torey Lovullo (Class AAA Columbus) and Travis Fryman (Class A Mahoning Valley) have been interviewed, but they could not be reached for comment.

Another former manager looking for work is Ned Yost, fired as Milwaukee's manager late in the 2008 season. Yost, who helped rebuild the Brewers into a contender, interviewed for Houston's job on Thursday, but it's unclear if he's on the Indians list of candidates.

Unlike the Astros, who released their list of candidates to the media, the Indians are not identifying the "eight to 10' men they've been interviewing this week by phone from their spring training headquarters in Goodyear, Ariz. Shapiro said the final "three to five" candidates will be brought to Cleveland starting next week and be made available to reporters.

Valentine, 59, managed the Texas Rangers from 1985 through 1992. He managed the Mets from 1996 through 2002. He has a career record of 1,117-1,072. In Japan, he managed the Chiba Lotte Marines in 1995 and again from 2004 through 2009. He took the Marines to the Japan Series in 2005.

Hurdle, 52, compiled a 534-625 record with the Rockies. He managed six years in the Mets minor league system before replacing Buddy Bell as Rockies manager in 2002. He was the Rockies hitting coach for five-plus years before becoming their manager.

Hargrove, 59, managed the Indians, Orioles and Marines. He has a 1,188-1,173 record in 16 years in the big leagues.

[Hope]

Veteran manager Bobby Valentine a finalist for Cleveland Indians' vacancy

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Bobby Valentine, whose New York Mets reached the World Series in 2000, is one of the finalists for the vacant Indians manager's job.

Valentine, 59, it has been learned, will come to Cleveland this week for a second interview. He is expected to be one of "three to five" finalists to interview with GM Mark Shapiro and assistant GM Chris Antonetti.

Shapiro and Antonetti last week conducted phone interviews with eight to 10 candidates during the Indians' organizational meetings in Goodyear, Ariz., their spring training headquarters.

Valentine has managed 15 years in the big leagues. His last year was 2002 with the Mets. He spent the last six years managing the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan. He also managed them in 1995.

The Marines would not renew Valentine's contract, despite fan protest, at the end of the 2009 season. They said they could no longer afford his salary. Valentine made almost $4 million as the Marines' manager this year.

Valentine managed the Texas Rangers from 1985-92. He managed the Mets from 1996-2002. He has a career record of 1,117-1,072.

In Texas, Valentine had four winning seasons and finished with 581-605 record. In New York, he had five winning seasons for a 536-467 record. The Mets' World Series season of 2000, in which they lost to the Yankees, was his only postseason appearance.

Valentine played parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues from 1969-79 with the Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Mets and Mariners.

Manny Acta, fired as Washington's manager in July, and former Indians third baseman Travis Fryman, the Tribe's Class A Mahoning Valley manager for the last two years, are believed to be two of the other finalists.

It's also believed the Indians have contacted Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly, but it's unclear if they'd have to wait until the Los Angeles is finished with the postseason to formally interview him.

Shapiro said he'd like to have a manager in place by the end of the World Series. The Indians fired manager Eric Wedge with six games left this year. The Indians went 65-97, their worst finish since 1991.

[Sara Tonyn]

Valentine is still in the hunt? Wicked kewl!

Now wild about Acta, though he has some experience. Dunno enough about the Nats to say how much of their lousy records has to do with him, but I can't say I've heard anyone praise him...

I think Fryman will be a good manager...someday. Not sure if he's ready for the Big Show though.

In any case, it looks like we'll know who the new skipper is soon!

[Hope]

The article I posted above was from Cleveland.com, This one is from Indians.com

Tribe narrows managerial search Valentine, Acta and Fryman reportedly finalists for job

Bobby Valentine, Manny Acta and Travis Fryman are among the finalists to be the next Indians manager, according to a report Monday in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Valentine will get a second interview this week in Cleveland, according to the newspaper. Valentine managed in the big leagues for 15 years and has a combined 1,117-1,072 record with the Rangers and Mets. His best season was in 2000, when he guided the Mets to the World Series.

Acta managed the Nationals for two-plus seasons and compiled a 158-252 record. He was relieved of his duties in July of this year. Acta was interviewed by general manager Mark Shapiro and assistant general manager Chris Antonetti over the phone last week.
"[The process with the Indians] has been handled in a very professional manner," Acta wrote in an e-mail to MLB.com last week. "It is a very attractive situation, because they already have a good, young nucleus of players on the team and a very strong farm system. I believe that an exciting time is coming again to Cleveland."

Fryman managed Class A Mahoning Valley the past two years and played third base for the Indians from 1998 to 2002.

[TribefanstuckinMA]

Acta---NO! In fact, my eyes played a trick on me when I was reading his quote, turning it into "they already have a good, young clueless of players". Was my Freudian slip showing?

Personally, I'd pick Sara to manage this team before I would want Acta doing it....

[Dnthateonthepronk]

yeah im not really intrigued by any of the canidates.....well at least valentine would be fun to watch i guess

[Hope]

Former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta a finalist for Cleveland Indians manager job

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Manny Acta will come to Cleveland on Tuesday for his second interview to be the Indians next manager.

Acta, fired as manager of the Washington Nationals on July 13, interviewed Friday to be the Astros manager. The Indians interviewed Acta by phone last week during their organizational meetings in Goodyear, Ariz.

The Dominican Republic native managed the Nationals from 2007 until he was fired on July 13. The Nationals were 158-252 under him.

Before managing the Nationals, Acta was third base coach for the Expos and Mets from 2002 through 2006.

Acta, 40, will meet with Cleveland reporters Tuesday after interviewing with GM Mark Shapiro and others with the Indians.

Following his interview Friday in Houston, Acta did not hide from his tenure as Washington's manager.

"I learned that rebuilding is tough, rebuilding is cruel and can be grueling, but those are the types of jobs that go to people like me," Acta told the Houston Chronicle. "Obviously, you’re not going to take one of those big-time managers to do some of those jobs, but we have to get our foot in the door. We did it and it was a tremendous experience and we can use that moving forward."

The Nationals, it was generally regarded, had some of the worst talent in the big leagues. The Indians aren't in a full-scale rebuilding mode, but they are young after going through fire sales the last two seasons that have stripped the club of most of its veteran players.

The Indians were 65-97 this year under Eric Wedge, who was fired with six games left in the season.

Acta played six seasons in Houston's minor league system as an infielder. He did not play in the big leagues. After retiring as a player following the 1991 season, he managed eight seasons in Houston's minor league system.

He also managed winter ball in Venezuela (one year) and the Dominican (three seasons). In 2006, Acta managed the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic.

Acta told Houston reporters, "I bring positive energy and I also bring the ability to relate to these guys ... The wins and losses, whoever doesn’t know what rebuilding is all about could probably put that against me, but the baseball world knows what it's is all about.

"Rebuilding is about getting your head put in the ground a few times. What we did was learn from the situation. We paid our dues by doing that and I think we’re capable of handling any kind of situation moving forward."

Acta owns dual citizenship in the Dominican and United States.

Former Mets manager Bobby Valentine is expected to interview this week. Former Indians third baseman Travis Fryman interviewed with the Indians last week in Goodyear, Ariz., but when reached by The Plain Dealer today he said he did not know if he'd be coming to Cleveland for an interview this week.

The Indians interviewed "eight to 10 candidates' last week.

Acta to interview for managerial spot
Former Nats skipper, Fryman and Valentine among finalists

ANAHEIM -- An Indians managerial search that has been shrouded in secrecy thus far will begin to go public Tuesday, as former Nationals manager Manny Acta will be in Cleveland for a formal afternoon interview with the Tribe, followed by a press conference with the local media.

Acta was one of eight to 10 candidates to have a phone interview with general manager Mark Shapiro and assistant general manager Chris Antonetti last week. That list is getting pared down to three to five candidates, all of whom will go to Progressive Field in the coming days.

The Indians hope to announce their next manager, who will replace the dismissed Eric Wedge, after the conclusion of the World Series, though it's possible a decision will be made before that point.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that former Rangers and Mets manager Bobby Valentine and former Tribe and Tigers third baseman Travis Fryman are also finalists for the job, though that has not yet been confirmed by the club.

Acta, 40, also interviewed for the Astros' managerial vacancy on Friday. That job might be more near and dear to his heart, as he spent 16 years in Houston's Minor League system as a player and coach. But in an e-mail to MLB.com last week, he expressed excitement over the Indians' situation, as well.
"It is a very attractive situation," he wrote, "because they already have a good, young nucleus of players on the team and a very strong farm system. I believe that an exciting time is coming again to Cleveland."

Acta, who will meet with the Indians at 1 p.m. ET Tuesday and meet with the media at 3 p.m., managed the Nationals for two-plus seasons and compiled a 158-252 record. He was relieved of his duties in July of this year, with the Nats holding a 26-61 record.

Acta is well-regarded in the industry for his application of sabermetrics, and his Dominican Republic roots and bilingual abilities help him in communicating with Latin players.

Valentine is, by far, the most experienced of the known finalists. He played parts of 10 seasons with the Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Mets and Mariners, and he managed 15 seasons in the big leagues before spending the past six years managing the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan.

Shapiro has said that the Indians, despite being on the hook to pay Wedge around $1.3 million next year, have the financial resources to bring in any manager they wish. They'll need those resources if they're serious about Valentine, who made about $4 million last year with Chiba Lotte.

Valentine has a career record of 1,117-1,072, including a World Series appearance with the Mets in 2000. That was his lone postseason appearance.

The Indians did not go into this process expecting to hire from within, so Fryman's late inclusion in the process is a surprise. He's spent the past two seasons managing the Tribe's short-season Class A Mahoning Valley affiliate.

Fryman, 40, played 13 seasons in the big leagues. He was a five-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner.

[WaitTillNextYear]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's Acta. He'd be a terrible hire, but he's a sabermetrics manager so Shapiro is probably drooling all over him. He also has experience rebuilding, which is completely what we are doing.

He was OK in Washington in 2007, but he didn't manage the team well at all in 2008, and 2009 was a disaster.

They were 26-61 this year when he got fired. They then finished 33-42 without him.

I'm hoping I'm wrong, but that's the way I see it going.

[InsaneJedi]

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't have too much of a problem with Acta. I know his record in Washington was downright aweful, but he seems like he might do a good job here, given a few better players. Bobby Valentine doesn't excite me, and his contract would be very expensive for a cash-strapped team. Fryman would be interesting, and would certainly give a sense of nostalgia to the Tribe similar to what Kenny did in '07 (I was actually supporting Omar as manager; but he wants to keep playing).

The much bigger issue here, in my opinion, is the coaching staff. Which members of the former staff are worth keeping? Who will be the bench coach, hitting coach, pitching coach? I think that at least Luis Rivera should be kept from the former staff; as for pitching coach, Scott Radinsky seems a likely candidate, especially with all the young pitchers we will have. But the new manager will be important as much for his decisions on the coaching staff as for his actual managerial credentials.

[Sara Tonyn]

My preference is still Valentine but that's primarily because I've actually seen him manage. I've never seen Acta or Fryman in action.

2010 will be a start-from-scratch learning experience for everybody -- players, coaches and the manager -- so we may have to wait until 2011 to get a good idea of how the new manager fits.

Gonna be interesting though!

[TribefanstuckinMA]

Former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta a finalist for Cleveland Indians manager job
Acta played six seasons in Houston's minor league system as an infielder. He did not play in the big leagues.

Even WEDGE has 100 plate appearances in the majors over four seasons. *sheesh* I know Fryman doesn't have any ML managing experience either, but at least he has personal experience with the Tribe, having played for them for 5 years. You're probably right, Wait, it'll be Acta.

[Hope]

Finalists for Cleveland Indians manager job include Acta, Valentine, Lovullo, Mattingly;
Fryman, Hargrove are out

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It was Manny Acta's turn today to interview for the Indians vacant manager's job.
Bobby Valentine, Torey Lovullo and Don Mattingly are on deck. Lovullo, the Indians Class AAA manager for the last four years, is scheduled to interview with the GM Mark Shapiro on Friday.
Shapiro wasn't sure when Valentine, who has spent the last six years managing in Japan, would come to Cleveland for his interview because he has to work around his obligations to ESPN.

Mattingly, bench coach for the Dodgers, is currently busy in the NLCS. But the Dodgers trail Philadelphia, 3-1, in the best-of-seven series that resumes Wednesday.

Shapiro added that he's considering interviewing two other unnamed candidates. He's also collecting names to fill out a coaching staff.

Acta, 40, started his interview at 8 a.m. He met with the media at about 3:20 p.m. During the day, the former manager of the Washington Nationals met with Indians President Paul Dolan, Shapiro, assistant GM Chris Antonetti and other members of the front office.
Shapiro and Antonetti interviewed Acta, Valentine, Lovullo, Mattingly and others last week during the Indians organizational meetings in Goodyear, Ariz.
"We talked to nine or 10 candidates," said Shapiro.

He wanted to cut the field to "three to five' for the second round of interviews with the hopes of hiring the 40th manager in Indians history by the end of the World Series. Game 7 of the series is scheduled for Nov. 5.

Travis Fryman, the Indians manager at Class A Mahoning Valley, interviewed last week, but didn't make the final cut.
"Travis Fryman was an atypical candidate for us with only two short seasons managing in A ball," said Shapiro. "Based on our respect for who he is as a man and what he brings as a leader, we did spend an afternoon talking to him.
"I came away, as I always do when talking to Travis, impressed. Impressed by his passion for his players and leadership vision. The more he worked into it, the more it was clear he has a desire to do it and will do it in an impactful way at some point.
"I still think where he is in his life and where we are, managing some more games will make him a better candidate down the road."

Concerning Mike Hargrove, who made it clear he would like to manage the Indians once again, Shapiro said, "Mike and I talked a couple of times. He's a guy I have an immense level of respect for and an appreciation of. I made the decision at this time, that it just wasn't the right fit for a variety of reasons.
"One thing I wasn't sure of going in, and it became completely clear to me -- Mike has a passion and a desire to manage again."

Acta managed the Nationals from 2007 through July 13. He feels the Indians are in a much better place than the team that fired him.
"The team is faraway more advanced," said Acta. "The Indians have a lot more pieces in place."
He described himself as a "common sense' type manager, who believes communicating with players is the biggest part of his job.
"There's not that many geniuses in this game when it comes to X's and O's," said Acta, a native of the Dominican Republic. "The media and the 35,000 people in the seats know when a bunt is in order."
Acta interviewed Friday to be Houston's manager. The Astros interviewed nine other candidates.

Mattingly, known as Donnie Baseball when he played first base for the Yankees, is also being considered to manage Washington.
"Washington seems willing to wait until after the World Series," Mattingly told the Associated Press. "Cleveland is on a different time table."
Mattingly says he's ready to manage.
"I've wanted to manage for a long time," he said. "When the opportunity knocks, you've got to kick down the door."

In an e-mail to The Plain Dealer, Valentine said, "I'm very interested in meeting these guys.

[Sara Tonyn]

If it's really down to just these four -- Acta, Valentine, Lovullo, Mattingly -- I think Acta has to be the favorite to get the nod from Shapiro, no?

Lovullo has no ML manager experience and I think Shapiro himself said he wanted the new manager to have prior experience, didn't he? Which makes me wonder why Lovullo is still in the running but...

Mattingly has no ML manager experience either and Shapiro's time frame for announcing the managerial selection seems to work against him. Of course the time table can be modified... (and I think he'd be a good choice)

Valentine has plenty of experience in every important category but he's probably too expensive and too opinionated for Shapiro's liking. Mark probably wants another cheap soul mate who'll stick to uttering mindless cliches and the same old annoying keywords to the media instead of actually saying something original, interesting or of substance. Plus, Valentine actually shows emotion so... I mean, he'd throw pies right along with the players!

So I guess Acta has the edge, no? (not Wedge, edge!)

If so, I'm 50-50 on the pick. I just don't know much about him.

[Hope]

CASTRO's Turf: A quick look at the known finalists for the Indians' managerial job:

MANNY ACTA
Age: 40
Experience: Former Nationals manager

Hire him: His open-mindedness toward sabermetrics might mesh well with the Indians' front office, his Dominican roots allow for an easy rapport with Latin players and he could be primed to succeed after learning from his experiences with the Nats.

Stay away: Yes, the Nats were an awful ballclub, so it's best not to put too much stock into Acta's managerial record, but the team was 26-61 with Acta this season and 33-42 after he was dismissed, so they showed improvement without him.

TOREY LOVULLO
Age: 44
Experience: Triple-A Columbus manager

Hire him: As the Indians retool with their young talent, who better to take over that young talent than the guy who helped mold those players at the Triple-A level? Lovullo is smart, confident and a good communicator.

Stay away: Hiring Lovullo, who has no Major League coaching experience, would reek of the "same old, same old" atmosphere the Indians are trying to avoid. Fans might view him as a Wedge clone.

DON MATTINGLY
Age: 48
Experience: Current Dodgers hitting coach and former Yankees first baseman

Hire him: His credentials as a player would earn him instant respect with his players. He's studied under Joe Torre and is even said to be in line to be Torre's successor, if he doesn't leave first. "Donnie Baseball" has been very successful as a hitting coach.

Stay away: The Yankees didn't name him Torre's successor in 2007 for a variety of reasons, including his mild-mannered nature, what they deem to be his unpreparedness for a big-league managing job and the simple reason that they felt he was too much like Torre. If Wedge didn't appeal to fans, would the soft-spoken Mattingly have a better fate?


BOBBY VALENTINE
Age: 59
Experience: Current ESPN analyst, former Mets, Rangers and Chiba Lotte Marines (Japanese Pacific League) manager

Hire him: He is, by far, the most experienced of the remaining candidates, and his career managerial record in 15 big-league seasons is 1,117-1,072, including a World Series appearance with the Mets in 2000. He would bring a welcomed new opinion to an organization that has struggled with the evaluation of its own talent. And his personality might be a hit with fans.

Stay away: At this stage in his career, is Valentine a good fit for a team that figures to come out on the short side quite often next season and will be geared more toward player development? And considering he made about $4 million managing in Japan last year, is Valentine affordable for the cash-strapped Tribe?

[Wahoo1324]

Still upset that they threw out Grovers name, how is this not a good situation for him to coach???

I don't want Acta.

Frankly, I would be fine with the other three, my preference is Valentine, then Mattingly, than Lovullo.