Is St. Louis Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo a good candidate to move up?
Two years ago, St. Louis Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo was a hot managerial candidate, securing interviews for jobs in San Diego and Seattle that went to others. Since then, his name seemed to drop out of the news.
For example, in an article at SI.com entitled “Assessing managerial carousel,” Jon Heyman called out a wide variety of current skipper candidates for the numerous available openings. Heyman cited 29 names to be exact, from Tim Bogar to Tim Wallach, but not once did Oquendo’s name appear.
This article out of Seattle includes a pining for Tony La Russa in the M’s head job along with a well-organized list of known candidates for the six open spots across MLB. With new management in Seattle since his 2008 interview, Jose is not included this time, nor is his name linked with any of the other openings.
The dry spell may have changed earlier this week when Pittsburgh-focused writer John Perrotto mentioned in a Baseball Prospectus article that he expected Oquendo would receive an interview with the Pirates. I have yet to see any confirmation elsewhere, however.
Perhaps the reason “Secret Weapon’s” name hasn’t appeared in conjunction with other jobs is the assumption that he is the heir apparent to eventually replace La Russa with the Cardinals.
Another possibility is that La Russa is a mold-breaker and as such, maybe one of his closest disciples just isn’t what others want. Despite all the winning, the manager clearly has his detractors as well.
Oquendo recently received a great compliment from Marlins interim manager Edwin Rodriguez. His long-time friend and countryman achieved a milestone that Oquendo had hoped to experience himself – becoming MLB’s first manager to have been born in Puerto Rico.
“Oquendo is in Puerto Rico for Winter Ball, so I’d talk with him a lot,” Rodriguez told MLB.com. “He’s always giving me pretty good insights on how Tony would handle situations. Not only the in-game situations, but how he handled preparation, and how he handles the staff.”
So, as long as a La Russa-style strategist is wanted, Oquendo is your man. No Dave Duncan clone would be included in the deal, however.
In a two-part piece last year, I researched La Russa’s coaching staffs since his early days in Chicago and found surprisingly few that worked under Tony later became skippers in their own right.
Even the thought of Oquendo succeeding La Russa is far from a sure thing. The rumor mill has the Cardinals preferring to hire an experienced man – whenever the time to address the need arises, of course.
Speaking of which, I wonder why some are surprised that La Russa is perceived to be taking his time to tell the Cards whether or not he will accept their offer to return in 2011. For me the reason is simple – he wants to see if there is a better deal out there. After all, any contact during the season would have been considered tampering.
One year ago, La Russa announced his return on October 26. It was 16 days after St. Louis was swept by the Dodgers in the National League Division Series, though that time may have been elongated due to the controversial hiring of Mark McGwire as hitting coach, announced on the same day. It also marked La Russa’s first-ever one year contract with the Cardinals – done at the manager’s request. He is currently at 11 days and counting since the disappointing 2010 season concluded.
With Tony at age 66, less than two seasons away from reaching second on the all-time managerial wins list and being able to enjoy at least one more summer of Albert Pujols, it would all seem to signal a continuation of the marriage for a 16th year.
In the meantime, Oquendo waits for his chance, whether here or there.
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Mo has said he wants a decision from TLR swiftly, because this will enable Mo to interview available candidates from outside the organization. This should be done. However, doing so would not preclude considering internal candidates too, Oquendo or the managers at Memphis and Springfield.
It is plausible TLR waits until October, when no longer under contract, to have exploratory conversations about external job possibiliities. TLR is a lawyer and would want to be in free agency status to consider alternative jobs. When Mo gives TLR a deadline for deciding, it seems implicitly acknowledged that TLR may elect not to return for 2011.
Now is also a time period of maximum leverage in relation to asking for things from the Cardinals. He may tell Mo his top needs for a 2011 squad and see if he can extract commitments that they be met.
Cox got his first taste of facing actual MLB prospects and went 0-5 with 4 Ks. Hopefully he adjusts quickly.
TLR marches to his own drum beat. He bolstered the role of closer. And batting pitchers 8th, given certain conditions. At the P-D, it is mentioned Tony has tweeted support for a ballot initiative in Missouri about dog trainers, even though he cannot tell Mo yet if he will be back in 2011. I like dogs, am not fond of cats, so cannot begin to imagine why TLR would allow his picture to be taken between a pair of cats. But it is consistent with Tony to do his thing and what makes sense to him, regardless of what others may think. Immigration laws are a contentious issue, but TLR was not too scared to weigh-in. Glenn Beck is not everyone’s cup of tea, even if the toast of tea partiers, but TLR went to Beck’s rally. Mark McGwire was outcast in the Wilderness, TLR brought him back into the fellowship of the Game. TLR is not namby-pamby or unwilling to take difficult positions. Good for him.
Memphis reached the PCL playoffs again, but placed no players on a Top 20 prospects list for the league from Baseball America. Lance Lynn was said to be in the running for consideration. Also mentioned was Clay Mortensen, another supplemental first round Cards draftee, included in the Holliday trade. Morty has a nice sinker, but is called a back of the rotation candidate and missed inclusion in the Top 20 list. No mention at all of Brandon Dickson, who had a fine PCL rookie season, another sinkerballer. No mention of Descalso, another PCL rookie who performed solidly. Dickson was not a bonus baby, so tends not to attract repertorial interest.
It was said Jon Jay did not have the speed to defend CF, so is viewed as a good hitting 4th OF, no surprise. Allen Craig has power, but does not fit well of the field in terms of defense, also no surprise. (I imagine Craig offers better defensive fit than Stavinoha, but they share a similar problem.)
Zach Cox will probably spend 2011 and 2012 in the minors. If all were to go well the next two years, without injury setbacks, he might develop into a candidate for St Louis in 2013.
While hoping TLR returns i am now starting to wonder if he is wavering on returning.
As for Zack Cox i will worry when he plays poorly for a whole season or so.
No way TLR leaves…….don’t worry BW….he’ll be at the helm in 2011 and 2012. Mixing and matching…..working his magic.
As Alfred E. Newman famously said, “What? Me worry?”
Like many others, including TLR himself it seems, I wonder if the relationship has become stale. There are mixed thoughts everywhere. There is no assurance that life after TLR will be better, yet one three-and-out over the last four years despite the players on the roster makes one wonder if the grass could be greener…
Bottom line though, I think you may be proven to be right, RC. Though he never talks about it, I bet TLR wants those 126 wins to pass McGraw and StL is the best place to get it and be done.
Sweet Lou worked in MLB for decades and decades, then this summer it finally hit him, can’t stand watching the Cubs, need to go assist Mom. Lou reached a clear decision, no hemming and hawing, couldn’t even wait for the season to end, had to go. Now. Or, maybe the Cubs wanted to give another manager a few months trial run.
Bobby Cox made a deliberate decision well in advance that 2010 would be his swan song.
TLR likes to be prepared, but right now, we do not know for sure how TLR’s exit will unfold. Will it be spur of the moment and inglorious like his Tampa buddy Lou? Or telegraphed long in advance like Bobby?
I believe TLR is real big on the history of the game and such so no way he retires without that solid second place finish in wins by a manager.
That second place mark for all time managerial wins would probably be there a long while….maybe forever as it just seems like in todays world that managers may not hack it out for the time needed to accumulate that many victories.
He is this close…in my mind there is no reason not to go ahead and drag himself into position number two on the all time wins list
Its like climbing Mt. Everest….as you get closer and closer to the top of the mountain….you definately slow the pace because you are worn out both mentally and physically, but you don’t quit the climb when you are within sight of the summit.
Connie Mack is securely parked on top of Mt. Everest. TLR is laboring to knock John McGraw off K2.
And with the wins Connie Mack put up….2 is the new 1………
No way TLR leaves. More’s the pity. I hear Ted Simmons is looking for a manager job. Ted Simmons instead of TLR? In my dreams. Terry Pendleton instead of McGwire? Anybody know Mo’s number?
I hope Oquendo gets an interview with the Pirates. Jose would make a fine manager.
I wouldn’t wish managerial duties for the Pirates on my worst enemy…
At first blush, I understand where you are coming from, Nutlaw. On the other hand, for a guy trying for years to break in, any job is a good one.
Think about Fredi Gonzalez. The well-thought of Braves organization man was given a chance in Florida, where ownership clearly has issues. Even though he was fired, Fredi now had managerial experience which had to be a plus when the Braves hired him to replace Bobby Cox.
I don’t like cats either, too chewy.
It will take Tony two seasons to overtake McGraw whether he manages in St. Louis or somewhere else. He would want to avoid a handfull of the perenial flatliners that might not win 125 in two years.
bb, that is why I found the Seattle-based longing so amusing.
Most are aware of how turmoil/conflict appear when caused by management. Few would recognize their signs when expressed from the inside.
Tony would be the key to luring AP to the Met’s new stadium. Wilpon knows that. Tony knows that. Lozano knows that. DeWitt knows that. The Mets dance to a different drummer. They way over pay for everything. They’re ownership is outside the collusion group. Tony is watching that situation, although probably not that seriously. He wouldn’t be hired there unless it was for that very reason. He is playing the Cardinals right now, trying to see what they intend doing. DeWitt has made a bet and Tony is freezing him, trying to get a read. He is in no hurry because to be honest, he has sh-t for cards. Pujols has the hand now, and as always, Tony and Albert are sharing chips when the playing is done.
I would say that Colby will be a topic in the market place, RC. Thanks to Tony/Albert via Mo/DeWitt. I’m sure assurances have been made. Wouldn’t take much stock in them…………………….watch Utley’s hands…….they slide up and down on the read (already pressed). Its just a few inches either way………..but it sure makes a difference on the swing plane. He is no victim of ML pitching. He still has plenty of power from there. Colby will not survive his current approach. Someone fixes him…………..that’s likely to be part of his sticker price. I would claim some of that value for him if I were you.
If Tony’s last weeks were about something…..(and they were) pay attention. Also Westbrooke is going to show you the mood of the Cardinals front office. His agent will leak numbers.
Exactly right about Tony and the Mets Westy. Alderson would not hire Tony except for a very good reason. Very good. He sees what Mo goes through with Tony and he knows all too well. Been there, done that. Never again. That is why he hired Art Howe when Tony bolted. A man who understood that he was not the boss. But, as you point out, there is a very, very good reason.
Tony is doing the equivalent of dogging it down the first base line with the guy who signs your million dollar paycheck watching from the box.
Here’s something bandied about in the Atlanta Journal today. Article speculates on Braves trading Jurrjens to beef up outfield.
“(I’ll leave you with this: Columbus, Ga., native and St. Louis center field Colby Rasmus clashed this season with manager Tony LaRussa and requested a trade two months ago. Would you be willing to part with Jurrjens if he was part of a Rasmus trade, or do you think the Braves can do better than Rasmus? And yes: I’m just throwing this against the wall.”
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/10/14/will-braves-trade-jurrjens-to-strengthen-outfield/?cxntfid=blogs_jeff_schultz_blog
The downside with Jurrgens is he is a Boras client. Hopefully, that alone will prevent Mo from foolishly trading hitting for back of rotation, again.
Heading out to the watering hole to hoist one in honor of Steve Bartman on the seventh anniversary of his service to mankind. I think I have mentioned before that I once wrote to the Cardinals proposing a Steve Bertman day at the park when the Cubs come to town. It was rejected of course, they know nothing about marketing.
I think of the billy goat curse as the longer term issue for the Cubs. In this 2006 article, I show how it and Bartman are linked.
Enjoyed the goat article, thanks for the link.
The Duncan article in the post today has some stuf worth thinking about. Tony in contact with Bill and Mo about personel and direction. Vuch reaching out to DD, and the suggestion (I think) that DD’s earlier issues were part of the Luhnow downsize. DD wanting to go three more years, in the same place. Hell, go ahead and sign him up Mo, do a little tweaking of your own.
There is again the suggestion that Alderson is a Tony admirer. As I understand, Alderson prefers a more ‘manageable’ manager. But still, the Mets would go after Tony for other reasons.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/article_46e683e7-08af-51d8-8f20-a1c5a58cbbd5.html
Perrotto’s latest update on the Pirates’ managerial search does not mention Oquendo at all. With the Bucs’ first choice, Eric Wedge, going to Seattle, Perrotto thinks they may open up the search.
Double edged sword BB…………….. DD also just announced in the same breath that “the crew” would be willing to do a 3 year deal………..the minimum for any serious attempt at turning the Mets……….
Tony/AP are attempting to create a market in front of the announced “late season” market for the AP negotiation……….. Tony/Dave may be saying they’re just trying to help Alderson get in the door in NY……not really serious about leaving…………but should the domino’s begin to fall…………… BD would be forced to begin talks with AP before his market value is established by December/January FA market………
Its a power play……….probably the first of many. If BD/Mo push back, that just enhances the view that the Met’s may have a chance at pulling off a major heist…………. AP…………..by offering Tony/Dave a sweet deal…………….. Albert may hate NY…….but with Tony there to guaranteeing his “trotting privileges. He takes 6/180 with a couple of option years………………..or forces BD to commit to the same……………… Tony cuts Alderson’s throat if he commits to soon……..and likely seriously hinders Lozano’s aspirations.
A similar play was used in Aug/Sept in the Colby ambush. Tony’s crew say they’re attempting to shock young Rasmus up, or at least away from his Hr swinging funk by putting him on the grill for the trade requests. All Mo could do was watch his prized baby roast. And of course we now see in hindsight the two edges on that skewer………………the game is at hand.
Or . . . . everybody could be playing nice.
Mo’s week to ten days seems to have become two weeks to twenty days. Weak.
Good luck to Jose.
I understand Tony is under contract thru the end of this month. So does that mean other teams cannot talk to him about a job? Of course, Alderson is just an unemployed guy, so I guess they can play ‘what if’.
3 days max and Tony will be re-upped at the helm of the cardinals…..
bb, good point in terms of the letter of the law. Then again what is to keep a manager or his agents from picking up the phone anytime? Alderson is employed by MLB, assigned to try to clean up the problems in the Dominican. No wonder he is looking for a new job. Even leading the Mets would be more fun than that.
Oqueno at least gets some “buzz” for the Mets job. Can’t believe this came out of nowhere.
Let’s see how far it goes.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/11984/oquendo-a-managerial-option
Just actually read that bio. I know it’s not a resume but it fails to mention his records coaching in the Puerto Rican Winter Leagues or such things as being a 3B coach on a World Championship team. The average (NY) fan is going to read that and knowing nothing else about Oquendo are going to think Alderson is crazy.