News from Around the Hemisphere
Paul DePodesta was fired as general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. This might add yet another name to the Phillies’ list; although based on Monty’s letter yesterday, it seems as if the Phils are already into the second stage of their search – the list of potentials is set. DePodesta, earned his stripes under the tutelage of Billy Beane in Oakland and would certainly bring a new perspective – a Moneyball one – to the Phils. However, a major criticism of his has been his lack of emphasis on team chemsity. Sure stats matter, but trading fan favorite and clubhouse leader Paul LoDuca at midseason was an obvious mistake. Nonetheless, he was a huge asset for LA and Dodger fans are sad to see him go. We’ll throw him on our list of probables but it is unlikey he will garner an interview.
Check back here later tomorrow for an in-depth profile on the man who will (and should) receive serious consideration: frontrunner Gerry Hunsicker.
In international news, the Uggie Bugieman finally turned himself in this past week to the Attorney General in Caracas. In response to allegations of burning and machetteing several of his farm hands, our setup man replied, “What I can say is that I have nothing to do with that and I came here to face my responsibilities.†This is certainly a pickle for our boy, but thankfully Venezuela is one of the most corrupt countries in the world
. He and his MLB salary should be able to either settle the claims with the workers or settle his freedom with local authorities. I hope he’s still with the team next year, I’m interested to see how far away the rest of pitchers will sit when he’s in the bullpen.