Molitor and History

Conventional wisdom tells us that great players make lousy managers while average players make fantastic managers. The reason: The game came easily to those gifted enough to play it well. Average players had to KNOW the game inside and out to make it themselves or to have even a remote chance of success. They are the ones who knew what NEEDED to happen to change ball clubs around.

In the case of the Twins, we've had two average players in charge for more than 25 years. Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire had some very good years. but eventually ALL managers fail, that's why you need new ones.

So what about Paul Molitor? As far as I can tell, in the history of baseball, there have only been TWO other managers who became managers AFTER they were elected to the Hall of fame. Ted Williams was simply awful as a manager for the Washington Senators. The other, Ryne Sandberg, is currently having a terrible time of it in Phildelphia with his year-and-a-half with the Phillies.

There have been some great managers who were good players, though. Lou Pinella and Joe Torre come to mind, but they were GOOD players, not great.  Don Baylor is another recent example of a good player becoming a manager, yet in  9 years of managing he still is below a .500 winning percentage.

In the early days of baseball, great players were often made into player/managers so that the owners could pay them more money, so it's hard to separate their wins as managers versus their great play on the field contributing to the wins.

For the most part conventional wisdom appears to be right. Paul Molitor may break the mold and become great as a manager as well.

Something tells me his starting rotation will have a lot to with his success, though.

If the Twins had THAT the last five years, Gardy would still be managing.

Vikings Win

Most of the first half was difficult to watch, but the Vikings got a touchdown just before the half to make it a close 10-7 game.

The third quarter looked like the 'Skins were starting to take control.

That fourth quarter, though, was an absolute surprise. The defense, which despite the final 26-29 score, was making big plays all afternoon. They looked great as Bridgewater and the Vikings offense suddenly came alive.

Bridgewater, who looked timid and off most of the game suddenly looked confident and poised. He ended up with NO interceptions and 268 yards passing.

And the win.

4-5 is a respectable record at this point. The defense is SECOND in the league in sacks. And this young team is sparkling at times. I was surprised that RGIII made it through the game with all the tough hits he was taking.

I'm not optimistic yet about what comes next, but I'm no longer pessimistic either. There is talent on the field this year. You can see it on nearly every play. And it's young and hungry. It's also inexperienced. They have the possibility of accomplishing great things. That in itself will keep me watching for awhile longer.

It's a bye-week this week so I'll savor this win for a couple of weeks.

Wild Win!

I figured I mentioned the other Minnesota sports teams this morning, so I should at least mention the one that is doing fairly well. Right now they sit tied atop the central with a 4-1 win over Dallas last night. They are averaging 3.5 goals a game so far this season, which for hockey is a lot.

Still haven't seen more than a few moments of any game. I accidently see them when I check for the Wolves game, but that's about it. Still planning on watching more if they keep winning and scoring.

Go Wild!

That would make a good T-shirt.

RG III Set to Return

The Vikings will get to face a rested QB today. It's a bye-week next weekend, so whatever happens today we will have to live with for two weeks. I should be able to watch most of the game today.

IF RGIII is a little rusty and IF the Viking defense stays strong, and IF Bridgwater has a good game, and...

...well, you get the idea.

Go Minnesota.!

Twins

Though not announced officially, the Twins appear to have made their decision on a new manager, Paul Molitor. The real announcement should come soon.

Hope he can manage as good as he could play...

,,,and he can get some pitching.

Wolves Lose

They swished a 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds left to take the lead.

Then fouled the shooter with .2 seconds left.

He sank two and us.

sigh

Wolves Sign Rubio to 4-Year Extension

He's the face of the team, now. And they're good. They are currently tied with the Cavs for one of the best records in the NBA.