Written by: jflynt 10/30/2008 11:47 AM
Getting ready for the Milwaukee Brewers press conference where they'll name former Oakland A's skipper Ken Macha their new manager.Macha actually turned down this job back in 2002, when GM Doug Melvin offered it to him. Then he got hired by A's GM Billy Beane. Macha had a falling out with both Beane and his players at the end of his tenure in Oakland. Which, as the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Anthony Witrado points out, was the major issue with Ned Yost at the end. Maybe old habits die hard...then again...****Now that the Brewers locked up GM Doug Melvin with a contract and announce the hiring of Macha as the manager...the attention now goes to bringing back ace CC Sabathia (look no dots). Sabathia, who may want to return home to a California team (see Dodgers), will get a better offer most likely from the Dodgers or Yankees. The Crew will do their best to make a solid offer. Benefits for CC to stay in Milwaukee would be the tremendous fan support, small-town feel and knows they will try to become a playoff contender more than once a generation. However, others could offer more money and a more solid chance at winning a World Series.That said, I'd be surprised if CC stayed. I think there are too many more tempting offers from other clubs. It was nice having him and all Brewers fans I know will miss him.****Now pitching coach Mike Maddux, a UTEP graduate, is in an interesting situation. Per the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt, Maddux's contract is up Friday and there's no guarantee he'll return as a member of Macha's staff. GM Doug Melvin wanted former interim manager Dale Sveum to stick around and work with the new manager...but Sveum isn't having that. I can't blame him...since I wasn't good enough to get the job, why would I want to work for someone else.Maddux has done an outstanding job working with the spare parts normally associated with Brewers pitching. He's prepared the young arms who've made their way to the big club and will be a fine addition anywhere he goes.Haudricourt does say there's a connection in Texas. The Rangers recently named Jackie Moore as their bench coach. Moore worked with Maddux when they were both at AAA Round Rock before Maddux joined the Brewers. Much like Sveum, I expect him gone and returning to the Lone Star State.
Copyright ©2008 Jeff Flynt