MLB officials insist the Washington Nationals will be sold in two weeks, most likely to former Mariners owner Jeff Smulyan for at least $400 million. ... Union chief Don Fehr is telling agents to persuade their players to consider playing in the World Baseball Classic next year, saying there will be a huge financial windfall. ... Royals first baseman Mike Sweeney cleared waivers, but trade talks with the Angels were minimal, leaving little chance that Sweeney and his $11 million contract would be dumped. ... The Twins claimed Rangers second baseman Alfonso Soriano on waivers, but got no further in trade talks. ... Royals owner David Glass is telling friends that GM Allard Baird will return for the final year of his contract in 2006. ... The Giants and Nationals blocked the most players on the waiver wire. ... Padres bullpen catcher Mark Merila awaits the start of radiation treatments for a brain tumor. ... Orioles DH/first baseman Rafael Palmeiro cleared waivers. ... A.J. Burnett, Matt Morris, Jeff Weaver, Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn are considered by scouts as the top free agent pitchers on the market. ... The Marlins are telling managerial candidates that manager Jack McKeon will be replaced this winter. Davey Johnson, named field manager for the minor league professional team that will represent the United States at the 2005 International Baseball Federation World Cup, is considered the front-runner.

 

By Bob Nightengale

 

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/columni...ghtengale_x.htm

damn.

 

 

i'm good.

I hate these talk in the middle of the playoff run.

 

I really hope, Jack told the FO that this is his last year.

Yeah, the only way I want to see McKeon replaced is if he retires (in other words, not fired).

FreshFish, it's Bob Nightengale, what else would you expect?

:wow ....pls say it isn't so..*pukes*....DAVEY JOHNSON

Padres bullpen catcher Mark Merila awaits the start of radiation treatments for a brain tumor

 

My god, I hope everything goes well for him and best of luck to him.

This is probably both him wanting to retire and Beinfest not wanting him to come back.

A majority of the coaching staff will be retooled most likely, right? New manager, new 3B coach, new hitting coach, Wiley can stay and I hope he does. Still say Tony Pena is the right choice for manager.

The major problem with this is identified above....not if a pennant race. Even if true, identifying the status of the manager at this stage of the year is fruitless and could cause more disharmony (if there is any) in the clubhouse.

 

If a change was going to be made, it should have been at mid-season. The Marlins did not take this route so Beinfest, etal should keep their mouths shut to the media (if in fact this happened). The discussion about McKeon returning has been well documented whereby the consensus is that he will not return as manager of the Marlins in 2006.

Let's see what the rest of the season brings. We have plenty of time to debate this in the off-season.

Let's see what the rest of the season brings. We have plenty of time to debate this in the off-season.

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I agree. I also agree (believe it or not) with Dogfish about if a change was to be done, it should have been done at the 1/2 way point. Right now, it is a waste of time to discuss a managerial change. I say just ride it out and hope for the best. Let the Marlins use the offseason to take their time to make a correct decision this time with the entire staff.

 

As for Davey Johnson, what the hell are they thinking? I'm tired of seeeing these old dinosaurs be brought back. He's another wait for the 3-run homer manager. If you want an old guy, let's look at Leyland or even Whitey Herzog. Their styles of baseball work better in Dolphins Stadium than those long ball advocates. However, my preferences are Tony Pena or Davey Lopes typed. They're younger and aggressive. We need to think long-term, not just for a couple of seasons. Look, we let Ozzie Guillen get away as well as Willie Randolph. Both are doing better jobs with what they have.

 

I will say this, alot of people don't like hearing the possibility of McKeon being fired, but I wonder what those people are going to do when it happens. Are they all going to jump into Biscayne Bay? I wonder if these same guys were angry when Torborg was fired?

 

Speaking of Torborg; it kind of felt like he was managing today when Vargas was in trouble with the bases loaded and the score was 7-1. After 85 pitches and pitching a complete game in his previous start, why was he left in the game for 2 more batters?

 

Any way, that was my tidbit.

 

Good luck everyone with the hurricane recovery.