Quote:
Originally Posted by tk13
The thing Ned doesn't always get credit for is he definitely learned as he went along. There was a time where he'd get real stubborn about things like "This is the 7th inning guy" and such. But as the Royals played more and more big games he started managing more aggressively. Things like going to Herrera before the 7th inning or using Wade Davis on both ends of a rain delay in game 6 vs Toronto. Not sure 2013 Ned was the same guy as 2015 Ned.
Q has been more aggressive the last week or two so that's good to see. Q is the opposite of Ned in that he's pretty clearly playing matchups and statistics even if it's a different lineup every day. But for the most part it's worked. The offense even now is still top half of the league and we're still 2nd in the AL in run differential. And that's with only 4 hitters who are currently "above average" statistically. Bobby, Salvy, Vinnie and Massey.
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Ned's biggest flaw in Milwaukee was managing the bullpen. I'm not sure he ever got better at it, but when you have HDH to roll with, it pretty much eliminated having to make any decision.
Assuming the weekend goes right, Q has managed to get the Royals into the playoffs with less than any other KC manager.