Question: You presented an interesting rundown of potential O’s managers. Could you flesh that out your views on the intangibles that appear to determine a successful MLB manager? Big league playing experience obviously is no guarantee of success. What is the balance between baseball knowledge and people/player skills? From: Stephen Cohen
Answer: Steve, I would think any serious contender would have excellent baseball knowledge, and I think just about any major league manager does.
Since I don’t know who Mike Elias is considering, though he said that Tony Mansolino is a “real candidate,” I’ll evaluate him.
Like his predecessors Buck Showalter and Brandon Hyde, Mansolino didn’t play in the major leagues. His career topped out at Double-A.
In his 4 ½ months as interim manager, Mansolino impressed me with his ability to explain complex baseball situations well.
His people skills are outstanding. He majored in Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt, and I think what he learned there has helped him deal with players, coaches and outsiders well.
In today’s game, I think dealing with people is what separates a good manager from the rest. It also helps to have good talent, of course.
Mansolino’s ability to deal with star players as well as those on the periphery is strong.
If someone other than Mansolino is selected, it could be someone I don’t know, and it will take some time to get to know them.
Dealing with those who cover the team is an important, though underrated part of the job. We talk to the manager twice every game day, and it’s important they understand us and we understand them.
Question: Just read where Don Mattingly’s name has been mentioned. Could he be in the mix? What do you think of him? From: Ron Somers
Answer: Ron, I haven’t heard Mattingly’s name come up, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t. He’s the bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays after spending 12 seasons managing the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins.
I’ve met him several times and enjoyed talking with him, but am not an expert on him. I think he would be a good managerial candidate in Baltimore or elsewhere.
Mattingly had a terrific playing career with the New York Yankees, and it’s great that at 64, he’s going to the World Series for the first time.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.