I never liked him personally and we all know he was always cocky but a ring is a ring.It's all about team chemistry and he deserves a good grade.I live not far from the park and i'm glad to say i've stuck to my guns and have not been to that park in over 7 years.But good for him and the team.... but they don't get my money anymore...
I don't like Ozzie, but he's surprised me with how well he's able to work with pitchers (of course, with the arms he's been given, it's an easier task). Ozzie's problem is that he was a smallball player (Bill James proclaimed that he was the guy whose talents never ever came out in the stats, and that it always puzzled him), so he overmanages the offense, obsessed with manufacturing runs, even though their team's strengths last year were getting people on base and getting some big hits.
Ozzie has a personality, something which in sports is all too rare. He gives good quote, he speaks his mind, what's the harm? Would you rather listen to Ozzie, or to Derek "We gave it all we had today and things went our way, now we just have to go out tomorrow and do it againzzzzzzzzz..." Jeter?
Eventually all "Player's Managers" become "Poor Strategists" Example? He's in the American League..what's to manage? Good one. Though Sparky Anderson himself has said repeatedly that good managing -- in either league -- is all about writing the names of good players on the lineup card.
Sounds to me like this thread is full of cub fans. The White Sox of last year (and this year so far) have a group of players who play the game fundamentally sound. Ozzie gets the best out of his players, because he's not afraid to bench a player who isn't hustling. What about Dusty on the north side huh?? He's had the players, but his managing is suspect. Ozzie will be manager of the year again. GO SOX!!!!!
