From Graziano:
People like to get on Randolph's case for lineups or pitching changes or in-game strategy, but that's all just noise. He's not perceptibly worse at bullpen management than any other manager is. Ripping him for specific moves is just a way for frustrated fans to blow off steam.Where Randolph comes up short is in his failure to recognize what kind of team he has and manage accordingly. Randolph is a decent man who cares deeply about his team and his job and believes strongly in himself. But he's also stubborn, and that's what has him in trouble.
Exactly. That's what I've been saying all along! Thank you, Dan. You really can't get on Randolph for overusing his bullpen because his starters weren't giving him solid innings. As much as I want to, you really can't blame losses on who's batting second in the lineup.
What you can do, is find fault on how he handles losing and slump and his players. Randolph is turning into Art Howe 2.0. Sitting back and hoping his team does what it's supposed to, without help from the manager.
Something needs to change soon, though I really don't think a managerial change is going to do anything. Randolph and Omar Minaya need to shake things up internally before people get fired and new blood enters the franchise.
