Offseason hirings & firings

[Mighty Joe Young]

I guess this, to me, is the question - how much did people even consider pitch counts back in 2003? I honestly don't remember. I know only a few years later there'd be a lot more evidence on it, but I do wonder if we're judging 2003 Baker by more current standards. In other words, would many of those managing in 2003 have proceeded differently in the same situation?

Again, this was like 12 years ago, so my memory is fuzzy. I seem to recall that I personally only became aware of "pitch counts" as a concept because of Pedro Martinez (and Grady Little), but maybe I'm remembering wrong.

 
 
Well - BP introduced the concept of Pitcher Abuse Points way back in 1998
 
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=148
 
 
IIRC they used to rag Baker mercilessly 

 

[Dim13]

They were also "likely" to hire Bud Black, so who knows? But Nats are "likely" to hire Mike Maddux as pitching coach.
 
http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2015/11/04/nationals-likely-to-hire-mike-maddux-as-pitching-coach/

 

[dcmissle]

And reportedly to become one of the highest paid PCs in MLB. This after losing their fight with the Os over MASN. Go figure.

 

[loshjott]

They did hire Maddox, and Davey Lopes as 1B coach. 

 

[Rough Carrigan]

Hey, at least Dusty won't get caught up in bullshit shows of fake hustle like Matt Williams.  I don't ever remember that being an issue with Dusty's teams.
Frankly, I know this is sabr heresy but there are a lot worse managers the Nats could hire than Dusty, especially with Mike Maddux there to maybe keep him from slagging the pitchers' arms.

 

[CoolPapaBellhorn]

I guess this, to me, is the question - how much did people even consider pitch counts back in 2003?

It was well-known enough that everyone in the world other than Grady Little knew that Pedro's pitch count was too high to let him start the 8th inning. Maybe the abuse aspect of it wasn't as widely understood, but pitch counts were tracked in game by more than enough fans and media members.

 

[Winger 03]

Plus he pounded his chest and pointed to the sky after the 7th.
 

It was well-known enough that everyone in the world other than Grady Little knew that Pedro's pitch count was too high to let him start the 8th inning. Maybe the abuse aspect of it wasn't as widely understood, but pitch counts were tracked in game by more than enough fans and media members.