The blame isn't totally his....

Release Hoffman. Thanks, we appreciate the “hard work”, and keep the cash. Move Suppan into the closer spot. How often would we actually have to see him? And could he do much worse? (BTW… hate both of em, but they would never eat both contracts).

This reply is based on the assumption that there is true value that comes along with a clubhouse presence. Let’s take Mike Cameron – did he bring more TRUE value to the team beyond what he did on the field – I think most would argue yes, the clubhouse presence he added had an actual impact on the results of the team.

Now, if we reference back to the terrible series against the Padres, shut out in 3 of 4 games. I heard many arguments that ’it’s not Macha’s fault, he can’t go out there and bat for the guys.’ This is correct, he can not. His role as a manager is to manage the game and provide a clubhouse presence (the second assumption of my argument)

I don’t really have much of an opinion, one way or another, as to how he’s managed the games. Yes, I would like to see more steal attempts, but I have taken note that it seems we are doing a bit more hit-n-run these days, which is nice. A different manager would likely have made many of the same moves he has, give or take.

That being said, we are left with his clubhouse presence. The manager is the clubhouse presence of all clubhouse presenceseses (tehe). I have a hard time believing that he brings much, if any, of a positive clubhouse impact on the players.

Macha is an engineer. We need a salesman, because whatever he is selling, it isn’t being bought by the team.

Now I’m not saying that if we get a ‘rah-rah’-Scott Skiles type of guy in there, that Hoffman will start locating his changeup and we won’t see long stretches of offensive droughts, but there comes a time when a change is necessary.

Melvin is safe until the off-season. What sort of changes could a new GM make to turn the team around this year?? And in the event the Brewers turn things around after a Melvin firing, who’s now feeling silly?? (answer: the guy who fired Melvin).

Many of the players are safe too – any realistic changes to bring in new players would be in the form of building for 2011 and beyond. That may be what it comes down to, but for this conversation, the players are going to stay – the investment is already there.

That leaves Macha. Want more? See 2009 Colorado Rockies.

The issue is more that something drastic obviously needs to be done to hope to turn things around. I’m sure this has been said in previous comments to a further extent, and probably with more analysis behind it, but I’ll say it anyway. The only move that really fits into this category is firing Macha, plain and simple. He may not deserve it, but the team needs it.

I’d love to see Macha get worked up over something. How many changing strike zones have we seen this season? If he’s going to argue, he needs to do it. I see it as being the same thing as if a pitcher doesn’t retaliate after their batter is hit…If Macha doesn’t stick up for his guys enough to possibly get ejected, he’ll lose the clubhouse. Personally I think he already has, even though I have no evidence to truly back it up.

Needs to go. Look at the players on the payroll:

Riske-4.5 mil
Hall- 7.15 mil
Suppan- 12.75 mil
Hawkins – 3.3 mil
Hoffman – 8 mil
Looper- 1 mil
Weathers- 400k buyout

total= 37.1 mil
total payroll = 85.33 mil
Percentage of payroll that was essentially flushed down toilet = 43.5%
This is not including Davis as he has more unlucky than anything although the case could be made for his inclusion. No buyouts for next year were included either. With an organizational ranking of 26th by Keith Law (may not agree with him but the system isnt good or likely even average) lets just say it’s safe to be more than a little worried about the future.