Don't Call Me Skipper
Welcome to Warning Track Power, an independent newsletter of baseball stories and analysis grounded in front office and scouting experiences and the personalities encountered along the way.
It was Bud Black’s first day in uniform as a Major League manager. Pitchers and catchers were reporting to Spring Training.
The sun was rising in the Sonoran desert when I crossed paths with the rookie.
“Good morning, Skipper,” I said.
Bud Black is a peaceful man. I’m grateful for that. Perhaps a moodier manager wouldn’t have replied as gently. Perhaps a quick-tempered individual would have delivered the message more forcefully.
Of course, his ability to communicate calmly and clearly is part of why Black has led a big league team for 16 of the last 17 seasons.
Very directly, without any chance of being misunderstood, he gave me acceptable options of what I could call him: Bud, Buddy, Blackie, and Harry were all in play. Skipper was not.
I never again called him Skipper. In fact, not wanting to relive the moment, I never asked why. There again, to manage in the big leagues for as long as Black has, his words must be respected.
During his time as manager — nine years leading the Padres and seven with the Rockies — Black’s teams have finished above .500 only four times. He led Colorado to playoff appearances in his first two seasons. Since then, it’s gone from bad to worse.
Before last year’s 103-loss campaign began, the Rox extended him through the 2024 season.
On the surface, a manager who posts a winning season only 25% of the time wouldn’t sound like a keeper. I would argue, though, that — given his resources in particular — he’s a good manager. He deserves to be in the dugout.
I think a lot (probably too much) about ways to measure the impact and success of a Major League manager. Part of what makes both the job and evaluating the man in the job so challenging are the myriad skills required. That’s for a different day and different story.
For now, let’s make sense of some current baseball events.
Last time you heard from me, we were crowning Corbin Carroll the WTP Player of the Year. He represents a movement, I wrote. Well, maybe Hal Steinbrenner was reading along.
During a recent press conference over Zoom, the Yankees owner mentioned that his team didn’t bunt often enough. Steinbrenner referred to manager Aaron Boone, who apparently said that bunting is becoming a bigger part of the game again. Obviously — or, at least, I hope it’s obvious — the situation has to require it. Still, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Aaron Judge showing bunt in Spring Training because there’s a daily quota imposed from above.
As Diamondbacks scout and coach Jeff Gardner recently told me, “There’s going to come a time in the game when that’s called for.” The new extra-inning rules alone should encourage teams to prioritize manufacturing a run.
Can you hear it? It’s no longer a whisper: The game is coming back. The revolution will be televised, as long as the issues around local broadcasting rights are ironed out in time. Players on the front lines will be squaring. They’ll be shortening up and dragging one down the first base line. Bunting — it’s no longer just a decorative flag.
Meanwhile, Angels owner Arte Moreno found himself a new manager. It’s old manager Ron Washington! The game is coming back.
Washington led the Rangers for eight seasons, beginning in 2007. His teams made back-to-back appearances in the World Series. In 2010, his Rangers lost to Bruce Bochy’s Giants. Now, he and Bochy are division rivals. The game is coming back.
Washington will turn 72 during the first month of next season. The Angels found merit in experience. Similarly, San Francisco took Bob Melvin off San Diego’s hands last month. Melvin will begin his 21st year in the dugout this spring; the Giants will be the fifth team he’s managed.
The Astros, Brewers, and Padres are still in the market for a leader. While experience is once again becoming fashionable, I wouldn’t be surprised to see all three of those clubs go with a first-time field general — and for good reason.
Still, make no mistake, the game is coming back.
Happy Birthday, Gunslinger
Today would be the 62nd birthday of the person who gave me my opportunity in the game. I’ve written about Kevin Towers on multiple occasions in this space. He was my friend and my mentor, and I miss him daily.
The general manager’s meetings took place this week in Paradise Valley, Ariz. It ended one day earlier than scheduled because of a stomach virus that took down a significant portion of the industry. I’m sure KT would have given reporters some great quotes. A few, probably, would not have been fit to print. He knew how to keep life in perspective.
On his birthday, he’s not only on my mind but in the thoughts of many who had the pleasure of getting to know him. In case you missed it last year, here’s a fun story of the night he brought together the three managers he worked with.
Finally, thank you to all of the veterans who have stepped forward to serve, protect, and fight for our freedoms.
WTP offers free and paid subscriptions. Sign up now and never miss a word.
Always fun reading KT wine stories. Worked with KT for many Padre years and the wine stories are great and plentiful. Great times with KT and others during our Padre days. Cherish them always. RIP KT