From the Columbus Dispatch
As it stands, John Stearns won’t be back as Clippers manager next season.
The parent Washington Nationals have asked the former New York Mets catcher to manage the team’s double-A Harrisburg franchise, supposedly because there are going to be more prospects at that level and they think he can better serve the big club by developing them.
They knew Stearns wouldn’t be happy with the decision, so they’ve tried to sweeten it with a raise, but Stearns knows that a move down wouldn’t look good on his resume, and he might look for other employment.
From a player development point of view, this is certainly not good news. The Nationals need to maintain some consistency in their minor league management. They already have lost Harrisburg manager Scott Little and Hagerstown manager Tommy Herr this off-season. As important as drafting & signing the right players is to the future of the Nationals, maintaining a consistent foundation of instruction is equally as important.
From a personal perspective, it would be a shame for the Nationals to lose such an intelligent and honest voice in their system. Stearns is quite knowledgeable and was always willing to openly discuss the players he was developing.
Louis J. | 26-Oct-07 at 3:42 pm | Permalink
BIG, BIG lost if Stearns leaves!!!
Suns Fan | 26-Oct-07 at 4:15 pm | Permalink
I agree big loss, but maybe he got a shot at the Majors somewhere. He’d certainly deserve it, and I wish the best for him.
Tommy Herr leaving is another story. He was never a good fit for the organization or the level Sally League) he was at.
The Nats have some solid coaches (Gerry Browne, Paul Menhart) that deserve their own chance at managing. So, while it looks bad, there may be more continuity than it appears.
When are the managers for next season announced? I’m pulling for Browne to manage in Hagerstown.
Tom | 28-Oct-07 at 5:07 pm | Permalink
Brian, I thought Randy Knorr was going to move up with his players like he did last year. That will give the players the stability.
By the way what is the status of Steve McCatty? He has done an outstanding job grooming the pitchers for their final step up to the Nationals.
Jane | 07-Nov-07 at 11:40 am | Permalink
Where is Bob Henley in the “managerial mess” in the Nationals farm system? Bob should be a manager “somewhere”, instead of the catching coordinator!!!!
Has Tom Phelps been considered as a pitching coach in the Nationals farm system?