Reds manager Bryan Price’s job security is “extremely tenuous,” and the organization could undergo other changes as well, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports writes. Walt Jocketty could leave the GM job, although there are indications that he will remain with the organization in some capacity, particularly since he’s close with owner Bob Castellini.
A source close to Jocketty tells Heyman that Jocketty “has yet to make up his mind” about keeping Price. As Heyman notes, though, it’s been a brutal year for Price in his second season on the job. The Reds are in last place and Price hasn’t impressed observers with his tactical ability, and he received headlines earlier this year for an obscenity-laced tirade to reporters.
Castellini said late last month that he would not make a manager change during the season. “You look at everything after the season,” he said, via John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “But that’s not something we’re going to get into now. Bryan’s our manager.”
When the season does end, though, it wouldn’t be surprising if Castellini changed his tune. The Reds organization clearly seems to be going in a new direction, having traded Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Marlon Byrd, Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon in the past year.
As Heyman notes, there have been whispers that Reds great and Hall of Famer Barry Larkin could succeed Price. Since retiring, Larkin has coached in the World Baseball Classic, worked in the Nationals front office and served as an ESPN analyst. He was a candidate for the Rays’ managerial position last offseason. This year, he’s served as a roving instructor for the Reds, although he said in May that he was not yet ready to commit to managing a big-league team.
Well no duh. He’s not fit to be an MLB manager
It depends on the quality of the team you’re managing
With all due respect to Barry Larkin, name 3 managers who were great players in their day (key word is great). Take all the time you need.
I meant, of course, successful managers.
Off the top of my head…Molitor, Mattingly, and Matheny.
Also Berra, Torre, Frank Robinson, Alou
I don’t know if I’d consider Berra a great manager…
“That guy could fall in the sewer and he’d come up with a gold watch”
He won both his managerial pennants because his team got hot and had players return from the dl at the right time.
Think about this, how good are you if you win the pennant and your fired before the start of the next year…. And not just once…. But twice.
I don’t think many people would really call Mike Matheny a great player.
You can also argue whether or not Molitor should be called a successful manager yet. Granted he’s done a good job thus far.
Teams seem more interested in bringing in former players with name recognition and whether they have managerial or even coaching experience is secondary to how much name recognition they have.
Even though Sandberg’s tenure was a disaster, at least he spent some time in the minors before he got the job…and Mattingly spent quite a few years as bench coach before becoming manager. Yes, they’re “names,” but they were qualified for their positions.
I’m not sure about the 3 managers, but I do know I don’t want Barry Larkin as Manager of the Reds. I hope they aren’t foolish enough to do that..Well, maybe they are.
Headline in the next couple weeks: “We Really Mean It This Time!”
How the f*** do the Reds benefit from them knowing Bryan Price might be fired? How do they benefit from that? I just want to know how the Reds benefit from these f****** people knowing we might not have a manager here. Can you answer that? How is that good for the Reds?
I see what you did there….. And I’m not a Reds fan.
Bryan Price was doomed from the beginning..He never stood a chance! Price hasn’t had a healthy team for two years, then Jocketty traded away our good starting pitchers. On top of that, Walt did nothing in the off season to improve the team, knowing we needed help with a struggling offense. So complain all you want about Price, but understand that he is the scapegoat for the Reds GM and owner! The blame should lie on their shoulders!