Peralta on Wedge: “Something Needs to Happen”
Written By: Scott | Category: Cleveland Indians | Comments: 7
As the Indians wrap up the 2009 season in roaring fashion (fifth straight loss last night in Oakland), the speculation around the future of Eric Wedge rages on. While many feel that a decision will be made shortly following the final game of the season on October 4th, Paul Hoynes’ latest piece hints that there may be more to the puzzle.
The biggest part is that the Indians have Wedge under contract through 2010. Firing him would not rid them of the responsibility to pay him through next year, so a financially strapped team may just “grind” out another season – one that would likely not see much competition within the division regardless of who will be coaching.
Along those same lines, however, if we are officially rebuilding, why keep Wedge here for one more season? Other thought is that a rebuilding team may just want to usher in their manager of the future sooner than later. The Michael Brantleys and Matt LaPortas of the world would be better served with the guy that will be here for the longer term, not a manager that is simply finishing up his tour of duty.
Recent quotes by players seem to show that they are behind their current skipper given the tough times. However, while third baseman Jhonny Peralta tried to show support, he also said something that may be a bit telling of his true sentiment.
“He tries . . . he tries so hard. I don’t pay a lot of attention to what the manager or general manager do. I try to do my work. But I think something needs to happen because nothing is going good right now.”
I’m sure that we could jump all over the “I don’t pay a lot of attention” line, but does that surprise anyone. Peralta has reportedly been unhappy for the duration of the season for how the team handled his transition to third base. First, the signing of Mark DeRosa – who could have also played second – coupled with the mid-season shuffle and his slow start, Peralta would likely be looking for “change” more than any other player.
Needless to say, we will be finding out about Wedge’s fate sooner than later. Then again, can October 4th come soon enough?
Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 1701 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
Sure the Indians would have to pay him for next year, but I think they stand to lose more money by bringing him back. People don’t come out to the ballpark to see a manager, but they’ll sure stay away if they can’t stand the current one. So now you’re losing more money from already shrinking ticket revenue on top of paying Eric Wedge.
At least if you bring in someone new next year, it adds to the feeling of the beginning of a new era.
If Wedge is allowed to call out Jhonny in the media for underachieving, why can’t Jhonny do the same?
I repeat, Wedge is GONE. Please go back and read what Shapiro and Paul Dolan have already said in hanging this guy out to dry. Book it, it’s over-no need to even speculate.
I may have missed it but I don’t see anywhere what Wedge is slated to make next year anyways?
I think the amount he makes has to factor into the decision and as billlegarm said; it may be worth it just to pay him out and get someone new in.
http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/cleveland-indians_20.html
Normally this site has EVERYTHING on contracts, but it can be a bit sketchy on GM/Manager deals.
While it doesn’t list what Wedge is making this year (or next), it does list his 2007 salary as $1.025 million…so it’s safe to say he’s probably making more than that. I’m going to guess somewhere between $1.25-$1.5M?
Also, if you want to get depressed, scroll just a little farther down and look at Hafner’s contract…
I highly doubt that Wedge’s salary will play into the decision. Again, for all his faults Shairo seems to understand the idea of “sunk cost.” Dellucci and Kobayashi both made far more than Wedge is slated to make, and that didn’t stop the Indians from jettisoning both of them. Plus, it could be argued that firing Wedge might appease the fan base and possibly save a little money that way.
I’m sure it has happened, but even bad teams very rarely hang on to a low-profile manager for salary considerations. Whatever one thinks about the Dolans, I see no reason to think that they’d buck that trend.
I fully expect Wedge to be gone by mid-October, and I’m guessing that most of the coaching staff will be shown the door as well. I won’t speculate on whether this is fair, but I expect it to happen. Now, I’m certainly not expecting the Indians to break the bank on a Lou Piniella type, but that’s okay to me because I think that high-profile managers are often the most overrated of all.
I just want to know what number John Farrell will wear next year while sitting on the Indians’ bench.