In a surprise to no one:
The Washington Nationals are preparing to tell Frank Robinson that he will not be asked back as manager next season, sources said yesterday...Robinson...said before last night's game against the Philadelphia Phillies that he had not met with either Kasten or Bowden about his future, though he has wanted a meeting for several weeks...That increasing lack of communication, in part, has led to a growing feeling among members of the team, coaching staff, front office and, to a degree, even Robinson himself that a decision has been made. But officials are wrestling with how to best tell Robinson...
Don't you think the refusal to meet with Robinson gave him his answer weeks ago? So how could they be "wrestling with how best to tell" him? That's just lame posturing. When push comes to shove, they'll push and shove him right out the door- with class, of course.
One source cautioned that a decision on the precise timing of telling Robinson hadn't been made. Another source, however, said Robinson had been assured in a brief meeting earlier this summer that he would not be forced to travel back to his offseason home of Los Angeles without knowing his fate.
Don't you think he knows his fate now? Everyone knows it, since it's in the Sports section of the Washington Post today. Well, everyone knew it weeks and even months ago; but it's a little more official now. This was handled very badly. I feel sorry for the guy.
He was a notable absence from the 40/40 Club party last Thursday, considering that most everyone else was there, even Jim Bowden. Not that I could really see FRobby jammin' it up at a club, but it's not about the club scene- it's about going out to celebrate your player/teammate/whatever. But I won't fault him for that one. It's not like he's a favorite in the clubhouse anyway; I seem to recall a conversation or two that alluded to that. Still, he's not there to be everyone's friend.
So who could be the new manager?
Atlanta Braves third base coach Fredi Gonzalez is also considered a hot managerial candidate who could be coveted by the Florida Marlins, who are expected to fire Manager Joe Girardi. Former major league manager Lou Piniella managed for Bowden in Cincinnati. Davey Johnson, who also managed for Bowden in Cincinnati and did consulting work for the Nationals this summer, is not expected to be a candidate.
I'm just glad that Davey Johnson is not expected to be a candidate. Hope it stays that way. Now, when can we get a new GM?
Also in the Post today (in KidsPost):
Poor Teddy Roosevelt. Politically, he was a winner, both as governor of New York and president of the United States. But as a larger-than-life, foam-headed mascot for the Washington Nationals, he is a total loser. Going into last night's home game, Teddy was winless in 32 footraces against three other presidential giants...Teddy has come close to winning a few times. He had an early lead in one August race "before stopping and twirling around" for no reason, Nats' spokesman Mark Rogoff told KidsPost.
Maybe Teddy should give up the racing and go into ballet? Seriously, I have "He's The Greatest Dancer" stuck in my head now. Damn.
