Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
July 01, 2007
Hargrove Resigning?

According to Geoff Baker's blog at the Seattle Times, Hargrove is resigning. That's hard to believe. It makes me think their is some serious illness involved here. The team is doing great right now; you don't step down unless you or someone you love is dying or you're going to jail.

Update: Baker credits Larry Stone with the scoop.

Update: Looks like MLB TV is covering the press conference. You should be able to find the link here. Click on the picture of Jeff Weaver in the main news box in the upper left corner, then on the Mariner's press conference link.

Update: Here's the story at MLB.com.

In a prepared statement released by the organization, Hargrove said he was stepping aside because his "passion has begun to fade" and it would not be "fair to myself or the team" to continue.

That's the worst reason I've ever heard. John McLaren takes over for the rest of the season.

Update: Here's the official press relase. The full quote from Hargrove:

"Over the past several weeks, I have come to the realization that to be fair to myself and the team, I can not continue to do this job if my passion has begun to fade. I want to stress how much I respect, and love, the players in the clubhouse, and the coaches and staff that we have in place here, and I can not stress enough what a tremendous place this is to work because of the people who work above me. I am very proud of the work we've done to turn this club around in three years, and I have high expectations for the team this season."

Update: This is an old story, but people are speculating that Hargrove leaving opens up the chance to sign Ichiro to an extension:

Hargrove and Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi deny a rift exists between the manager and the right fielder, but Ichiro's complaints to Japanese media about the atmosphere around the team reflect his frustration with Hargrove's leadership.

Several people with knowledge of the situation say there are philosophical differences between Ichiro and Hargrove and that Ichiro perceives Hargrove to be too laid-back, which creates an undisciplined environment. Those people say the relationship, from Ichiro's perspective, is "untenable" and "potentially irreconcilable."

Update: By the way, Hargrove will manage today.


Posted by David Pinto at 01:54 PM | Management | TrackBack (0)
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