According to published reports, Sam Perlozzo has just earned the unenviable distinction of being the first major league manager to be fired this year. He lasted less than two seasons on the job, posting a 122-164 record after taking over for Lee Mazzilli late in the 2005 season. Things have gone especially bad this season, with the Orioles riding an eight-game losing streak into sole possession of last place in the AL East. Needless to say, it's not like people didn't see this coming.So who takes over? For the time being, it's bullpen coach Dave Trembley, who lacks any big-league managing experience but was a long-time skipper in the minor leagues. He'll wear the "interim" tag for the time being -- perhaps until former Marlins manager and current Yankees broadcaster Joe Girardi, considered the top name on the O's short list, accepts the job. Making Perlozzo the fall guy wasn't the only change in Baltimore: well-traveled exec Andy MacPhail was also named the team's new COO. Good decision? Tough call. As Baseball Musings points out:
During MacPhail's twelve seasons running the Cubs (1995-2006), Chicago's record was 916-1011, a .475 winning percentage, 22nd in the majors. Twenty third were the Orioles at 911-1014, .473. If they're going to hire someone new, shouldn't it be someone with a track record that's different from your team's own history?Time will tell, though it's not like there are very many great baseball minds out there currently unemployed.
(Hat-tip: Baseball Musings)
