So Long Jim Tracy

So the Dodgers let go of Jim Tracy last night. This was a sure thing as far as most people were concerned. We finished 71-91 this year. 20 games under .500. One of the worst seasons the Dodgers have had in a long long time. Was this Jim Tracy's fault? No it wasn't. Whose fault is it? I don't know. Dan Evans, Frank McCourt, Depodesta, Tommy Lasorda? I don't know. It is what it is. A series of things over the last 5 years or more have lead to this.

So what do we do now? Jim Tracy's 5 years added some stability. Compared to before him. The Dodgers had only 2 managers for 42 years. Walt Alston and Tommy Lasorda from 1954-1996. The Bill Russell took over. Former Dodger Shortstop who had been groomed to take over for Tommy. It didn't work out. I don't know why. He had just one full season. In 1999 it was time to pick a new manager. Mike Scioscia was available. He was an "up and coming" talent. Dodger Legacy, fan favorite, understanding of what Dodger Baseball is all about. But the FOX people thought it wasn't a splashy enough move. They wanted a big name. All they could do was dig out Davey Johnson. He had won the world series with the Mets a mere 13 years earlier. Johnson was hired. A year later Scioscia was hired by the out of town rival Angels. Johnson was fired after two years. Fox decided then that it was time to get an "up and coming" manager in Jim Tracy. Scioscia won the World Series with Anaheim a year later.

Where are we now? Back to square 1. Hire a big name, hire a Dodger Legacy. I don't know. Tracy was fired for not fitting with Depodesta's philosophy. So whoever we hire, that will be a main focus. What is Depo's philosophy? Win as cheaply as possible? That is what we are lead to believe. And in the abscence of any real leadership from the McCourts, I guess that is what I am inclined to believe. I guess we will see. This offseason may be one of the most important ones ever.

-T