Dodgers Rumors: Friedman Plans To Stick With Don Mattingly
General manager Ned Colletti was promoted to Senior Advisor to Stan Kasten and the GM spot is currently vacant. Friedman rumors began after the Dodgers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS and came with more rumors that he would bring manager Joe Maddon with him. Maddon currently has one year left on his deal with the Rays.
According to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times, the newest member of the front office could be sticking with the incumbent:
Source: Friedman's plan for now is to move forward with Mattingly as manager in 2015. #Dodgers
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 14, 2014
Mattingly was given a three-year extension after the 2013 season. This year he led the Dodgers to their second straight NL West title, but was ousted in four games in the first round of the postseason. The 53-year-old was once again questioned for his in-game decisions, although the Dodgers went into the playoffs with a questionable bullpen.
In order for Maddon to come to Los Angeles, a trade would have to occur. Friedman seems as if he will stick with Mattingly for at least one more season. A vote of confidence from the new man in charge would go a long way for Mattingly, who has heard his name mentioned for the hot seat for most of his tenure as manager.
Translate. We’ll stick with Mattingly for now so this doesn’t look like a major shake up. He’ll have an even shorter leash this time around. Tim Wallach will take over in the event of a mid-season firing. Then we’ll hire Maddon after his contract expires.
Keeping Mattingly will be a big mistake.
Bringing back Dumb Mattingly is just bringing back the same disaster he brought two years in a row with the Dodgers. We don’t need a clueless manager.
(sigh) I’m going back to being a Cubs fan… at least their failure doesn’t disappoint year after.
p.s. FIRE MATTINGLY!!!