I wish I had a dime for every article written about Tim Lincecum lately. Needless to say, Giants Nation is in full freak-out mode and we’re only one-quarter of the way through the 2012 season. Well, I’m not writing about Timmy. I’ve already made my predictions regarding Lincecum and I’m sticking to them.
But let’s take a look at Bochy. The good decisions, the questionable decisions and the guiding force that leads him through the season. The Giants manager is privy to a lot of information that none of us can ever even sniff; I think we can all give him that.
Some fans love him, while others want his formidable head on a platter. Here are some reasons Bochy deserves his job more than you do.
Experience
Bochy played the game for nearly 10 seasons. He had 802 at-bats and hit 26 home runs. He was a decent catcher, and he gets some credibility just because he laced them up.
He managed the San Diego Padres for 12 years, leading them to their first NL pennant in 14 years, as well as five postseason appearances. He won over 900 games while managing the Padres—the most in team history—and they were on a budget. He also won Manager of the Year in 1996.
He has managed the San Francisco Giants since 2006. Obviously, the outcome of 2010 has given Bochy a bit of job security.
Patience
Unlike the fanbase, Bochy knows managing takes an exorbitant amount of patience. It’s a long season, and baseball is a humbling profession. When fans go insane about Bochy placing aging veterans in the lineup, well, it’s for a reason. Bochy understands streaks and slumps. I’ve personally watched him sit right behind home plate during batting practice carefully watching his guys. He knows what’s up.
Strategy
Even I have criticized the lack of bunting, or basic small ball play by the Giants. Bochy has the tools, speed and opportunities to manufacture some runs in 2012; so he’s using them. His strategy has shifted because his team has shifted. The Giants are faster, younger and unfortunately more error-prone due to a lack of Major League experience. Bochy is trying to adjust.
Lineups
CSNBayarea joked that Bochy has resorted to pulling the lineup names out of a hat. But how brilliant was it to move Brandon Crawford to the two-hole? He sees more fastballs now, and he is hitting. He also sent a message by letting Madison Bumgarner hit eighth, and Emmanuel Burriss ninth. He does, perhaps, overemphasize the righty-lefty matchups; but that seems to be his thing. Let’s just give him that.
Politics
Bruce Bochy has to deal with Brian Sabean and the front office, not to mention the egos of overpaid ballplayers. When we are all wondering why we have to watch Aubrey Huff get second, third and forth chances to play, we need to just remember that there are other forces at work. Some folks are saving face and praying that their big investments pay off—if only a little. It certainly seems like it was a great move to keep Barry Zito in the rotation this season. However, I would have avoided Zito like the plague when the season started.
Media
Bochy loves baseball, he likes his players and he knows it is his job to win ballgames. That is his first priority. Dealing with the media—especially tedious press conferences after a loss—is just the sucky part of the job. It’s no fun trying to answer sensitive and difficult questions; and it takes a real diplomat to be able to say enough, without saying too much. Some information has to stay within the franchise, and going in front of the cameras is a tricky tightrope to walk.
Discipline
Everyone on the team is supposed to be a professional. But let’s face it, most of these guys are in their twenties and spend a lot of time on the road. That, my friends, is a recipe for questionable behavior. In many ways the manager has to be a babysitter, a parent and a counselor. He has to smooth ruffled feathers and step on some toes; and occasionally, he has to put a player in his place.
So, the next time we all want to rag on Bochy, questioning his decisions and demanding his firing, let’s stand back for a minute and remember all the responsibilities he has. Bruce Bochy is doing everything he can to help these guys win ballgames. He’s dealing with injuries, inexperienced players and a fairly tough schedule.
My plan now is to lay off a bit and see what he comes up with. Though, I might start complaining again after 80 games have been played.
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