The Phillies named Joe Girardi their new manager, and in Philadelphia, Scott Lauber writes Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton in his search for a new manager wanted an "injection of structure" in the clubhouse, plus a "leader who is literate in analytics but unafraid to push back against the deluge of data." He also wanted "more experience in the manager's office." Girardi "checks all of those boxes" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 10/25). Phillies President Andy MacPhail has said that the manager-GM relationship is the "most important in baseball." In Philadelphia, Bob Brookover writes if that is the case, it will be "fascinating to watch Girardi's interactions" with VP & GM Matt Klentak. It is "sure to be different" from the Gabe Kapler-Klentak relationship (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 10/25).
IN WITH THE NEW? The Padres hired Jayce Tingler as manager, and in San Diego, Kevin Acee notes team management had "placed an emphasis on experience" in the search. But Exec VP & GM A.J. Preller "downplayed experience as any sort of overriding factor, and several people in the organization indicated other traits would play a role." Team officials noted that "eight of the 10 managers in the postseason this year were in their first jobs." Preller "feels so strongly" about Tingler that he "essentially is staking his own job on the hiring" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 10/25). In San Diego, Bryce Miller writes under the header, "Padres Gamble By Not Making Splash With Tingler's Hiring" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 10/25).
TAKING CHARGE: In Pittsburgh, Joe Starkey wonders if new Pirates President Travis Williams will have the "freedom" to "identify the right person to run the sports side of the business and let that person do his job." He will "undoubtedly have more power than his previous two stops" with the Penguins and Islanders. Part of his job will be "running interference" for Owner Bob Nutting. It is "hard to believe Williams would have taken the job without the authority to change GMs." Starkey writes "prudent move" would be to "hire a new GM as soon as possible" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 10/25).
