RKMeibalane
09-28-2002, 11:45 PM
The 2002 season ends tomorrow. What that in mind, it is necessary to review and analyse the performance of Jerry Manuel as the manager of the Chicago White Sox.
STRENGTHS: Manuel has been successful in helping to develop young players, as several have flourished under his guidance. Since his arrival in 1998, Manuel has assisted in the development of Carlos Lee, Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Dan Wright, and most recently, Joe Crede. Although these young men have a long way to go before their development is complete, Manuel has given them an excellent start by allowing them to play everyday.
Manuel has also done an excellent job conducting himself in the face of enormous pressure from management, most notably, Ken Williams. Most men would have resigned their position long ago, but Manuel has remained determined to fullfill his obligation to the Chicago White Sox organization, in spite of the terrible job the current administration has done.
This season, Manuel was optimistic about the Sox chances of contending in the American League Central. The Sox were a dissapointment, but several positives have manifested themselves in the past six weeks, thanks in part to Manuel's willingness to gamble with young players, as well as showing confidence in veterans. For example, it looks as though Manuel's patience with Frank Thomas is beginning to pay off. That is bad news for the rest of the American League. Beware in 2003.
WEAKNESS: Jerry Manuel's faults may be summed up in one phrase: "Tinker, tinker, tinker." Manuel's tinkering obsession manifested itself earlier in the season, after the Sox were demolished during a three game set in Anaheim. He decided to move Thomas, Ordonez, and Konerko to different spots in the batting order, and the rest is history. Not a day goes by where the Sox players are left wondering who will play, as well as where they will play, in that evening's game.
It has been argued that Manuel's unwillingness to establish a set lineup disrupted the Sox offense. This arguement is valid, and certainly deserves consideration. However, Jerry has continued altering the lineup as the season has progressed, and the Sox have been able to improve offensively. The problems the offense faced in June are a distant memory.
There are also the issues of Thomas-Konerko and Royce Clayton to consider. When Konerko criticized Thomas for arriving late to a workout, Manuel did nothing to diffuse the situation. Rather, he allowed Ken Williams to interfere in the dispute, thereby giving the Chicago media more than enough material to write numerous stories about the demise of the Big Hurt.
Royce Clayton is another matter. It is though that Clayton received playing time for two reasons: 1. Williams demanded that his accquistion be given a starting position; 2. Manuel did not realize Clayton's lack of offense was hurting the team. Either way, most people were not sorry when Clayton was released earlier this month.
During the All Star Break, an article in the Sun Times refered to Clayton, saying he was "marching to the beat of his own drum." When Manuel opted to bench the shortstop in early June, Clayton complained. He was back in the lineup a few days later. Manuel has often shown that he does not stand by his decisions. This coincides with his tinkerng problem. Anything he says must be "taken with a grain of salt."
CONCLUSION: Manuel should remain with the White Sox. Although his tinkering will probably continue next season, it is clear that the Sox have benefitted from playing for a laid-back mananger. After all, anything is better than being subjected to the tirades of an incompetent general manger or an uncaring owner.
Many have said that Manue's tinkering alone is reason enough to fire him. I disagree. His constant tinkering has been frustrating at times, but he is no worse than anyone Williams would hire if given the opportunity.
STRENGTHS: Manuel has been successful in helping to develop young players, as several have flourished under his guidance. Since his arrival in 1998, Manuel has assisted in the development of Carlos Lee, Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Dan Wright, and most recently, Joe Crede. Although these young men have a long way to go before their development is complete, Manuel has given them an excellent start by allowing them to play everyday.
Manuel has also done an excellent job conducting himself in the face of enormous pressure from management, most notably, Ken Williams. Most men would have resigned their position long ago, but Manuel has remained determined to fullfill his obligation to the Chicago White Sox organization, in spite of the terrible job the current administration has done.
This season, Manuel was optimistic about the Sox chances of contending in the American League Central. The Sox were a dissapointment, but several positives have manifested themselves in the past six weeks, thanks in part to Manuel's willingness to gamble with young players, as well as showing confidence in veterans. For example, it looks as though Manuel's patience with Frank Thomas is beginning to pay off. That is bad news for the rest of the American League. Beware in 2003.
WEAKNESS: Jerry Manuel's faults may be summed up in one phrase: "Tinker, tinker, tinker." Manuel's tinkering obsession manifested itself earlier in the season, after the Sox were demolished during a three game set in Anaheim. He decided to move Thomas, Ordonez, and Konerko to different spots in the batting order, and the rest is history. Not a day goes by where the Sox players are left wondering who will play, as well as where they will play, in that evening's game.
It has been argued that Manuel's unwillingness to establish a set lineup disrupted the Sox offense. This arguement is valid, and certainly deserves consideration. However, Jerry has continued altering the lineup as the season has progressed, and the Sox have been able to improve offensively. The problems the offense faced in June are a distant memory.
There are also the issues of Thomas-Konerko and Royce Clayton to consider. When Konerko criticized Thomas for arriving late to a workout, Manuel did nothing to diffuse the situation. Rather, he allowed Ken Williams to interfere in the dispute, thereby giving the Chicago media more than enough material to write numerous stories about the demise of the Big Hurt.
Royce Clayton is another matter. It is though that Clayton received playing time for two reasons: 1. Williams demanded that his accquistion be given a starting position; 2. Manuel did not realize Clayton's lack of offense was hurting the team. Either way, most people were not sorry when Clayton was released earlier this month.
During the All Star Break, an article in the Sun Times refered to Clayton, saying he was "marching to the beat of his own drum." When Manuel opted to bench the shortstop in early June, Clayton complained. He was back in the lineup a few days later. Manuel has often shown that he does not stand by his decisions. This coincides with his tinkerng problem. Anything he says must be "taken with a grain of salt."
CONCLUSION: Manuel should remain with the White Sox. Although his tinkering will probably continue next season, it is clear that the Sox have benefitted from playing for a laid-back mananger. After all, anything is better than being subjected to the tirades of an incompetent general manger or an uncaring owner.
Many have said that Manue's tinkering alone is reason enough to fire him. I disagree. His constant tinkering has been frustrating at times, but he is no worse than anyone Williams would hire if given the opportunity.