Evers Let Go

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Oct 2, 2007 2:47 PM EDT Comment 59 comments

Evers let go
The Rays announced Tuesday they planned to bring back coaches Tom Foley, Steve Henderson, George Hendrick and Bobby Ramos.

The contract of bench coach Bill Evers - the longtime, popular and successful minor-league manager - was not renewed.

There was no decision yet on the status of pitching coach Jim Hickey, who was arrested on DUI and other charges late Sunday after returning from the season finale in Toronto.
[editor's note, by R.J. Anderson] Thanks to TSF for posting the diary, just throwing a few names out there as possible replacements: Dave Martinez (unlikely), Charlie Montoyo, Xavier Hernandez, and Phil Garner.

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That sucks...

Wow! That's a shocker. Wow, he ONLY gave the Rays organization loyalty and dedication. Not to mention TWP International league titles and a title with the St. Pete Devil Rays. In the name of Billy Hatcher, what the hell man?

by thebaddancingraysfan on Oct 2, 2007 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: That sucks...

I agree on the loyalty end of it, but if we have an opportunity to get better we have to take it.

bullsindex.blogspot.com

by SeanDubbs on Oct 2, 2007 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How exactly are we "getting better"?

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Angering you, one thing at a time

Move the Rays(yeah, I love the new nickname too) Spring Training home from Al Lang Field to Charlotte County. Al is spinning in his grave right now, if you ask Patrick.
Instead of asking Patrick to design the Rays jerseys, they chose to go with their own hybrid look and totally going against the green(or did I mean grain)?
Fire Bill Evers.

And Patrick's head explodes in..

5...
4...
3...
2...
1...

by Jacob Larsen on Oct 2, 2007 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dead horse syndrome

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

None of that angers me

If they want to make poor choices, that's their problem. None of this stuff is worth getting angry over.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What poor choices?

They're gradually trying to eliminate any memory of the former ownership, outside of players, and Evers was indeed one of the team's first employees. The axe had to drop eventually...

by Jacob Larsen on Oct 2, 2007 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a stupid decision on their part

You don't eliminate former employees but for the fact that they happened to be employed by your predecessors. If this organization is serious about being a meritocracy, then they will evaluate personnel strictly on merit. They didn't dismiss Evers simply because of his having been hired by the ODRO. That argument simply doesn't carry any weight. Look at the number of ODRO employees still in the organization, most of them are old. Tom Foley, Xavier Hernandez, Skeeter Barnes, Rick Vaughn, John Higgins, Rick Nafe.... This stuff extends far beyond the baseball ops perspective. They have not "cleaned house" of old personnel, your argument doesn't hold water. If it did, Evers wouldn't have been promoted to bench coach in the first place.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: That's a stupid decision on their part

It's just a theory, Patrick

by Jacob Larsen on Oct 2, 2007 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know what my theory is?

I think that Maddon seriously didn't work well with Evers. I think things are exactly as he stated it. I don't believe there is any underlying general plan here that he is following while making specific choices, I simply think that he wanted someone else in because he feels comfortable with someone else.

And that is entirely reasonable on his part. But that the axe should fall on Evers is really disappointing. It should have been apparent long ago whether things would work out well between the two of them, I hardly think that issues just sprouted up in the last year. Why do this now, and why is Evers being coldly let go from the organization altogether?

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Steve Hernandez and Bobby Ramos as well

If you go in the way back machine.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They actually brought an ODRO guy back

In Bobby Ramos, but to be fair he was in Anaheim with Maddon to begin with.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Greg Blosser wasn't so lucky

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crikey

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: How exactly are we "getting better"?

If there is someone out there than can do a better job than Evers did, then higher him. Maybe on the bench he is the equivalent to the 2007 version of Casey Fossom. Or he could be the equivalent of a young minor league player name Scott Kazmir and we'll end up replacing him with a Victor Zambrano.

I liked Evers just as much as anyone else and I appreciate all the time and effort he gave to the Rays, but could he potentially be as effective as Don Zimmer in his prime? The answer is no.

bullsindex.blogspot.com

by SeanDubbs on Oct 3, 2007 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: That sucks...

Joe Maddon said on the radio that he decided not to keep him becuase he wanted someone who he meshed better with on the bench. Maybe Maddon was a little insecure with Eevers next to him?

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Oct 2, 2007 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

End of an era

Evers was the most successful personnel we've had, too bad things end like this, but I wish him nothing but the best in future endeavors.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

More from the situation

"It hurts deeply,'' Evers said. "I gave them those years, saw all those kids grow up, saw the whole organization grow up. They're definitely headed in the right direction. I just wish I could be part of it.''

But Evers said he was told he wasn't "filling the needs" for Maddon and that there wasn't "any bond" between them, so his contract was not renewed.

Maddon said Evers was not to blame: "Primarily the biggest thing I told him was that I didn't feel that he and I clicked well enough. And that's my fault. I'm not blaming him at all. Having said that more than anything I'm just lookin for somebody who I probably just feel more comfortable bouncing stuff off of I guess. I guess that's the best way to describe it without getting technical

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Oct 2, 2007 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure Maddon is going to catch heat for this

But I'll withhold judgment until I see the replacement.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just don't think

That for a developing baseball club, this can possibly be a good move. Bill Evers managed Durham for eight years, knows a lot of the current players first-hand from their developmental period in the minor leagues, and has been with the organization for 12 years. Don't sell the value of continuity short when you're talking about a young, developing team. Evers showed the ability to manage in the few times he was given the opportunity, and I'm just not sure Joe didn't feel threatened by it.

Unless Charlie Montoyo is brought on as a replacement, I just don't see the value of this move. And even then, why let go Evers of all people?

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I just don't think

While he did manage for all those years, how many of his former players have truely been successful in the majors? Charlie & X have proven track records of getting more of their talent in the past few years than Evers had done 3 years ago.

by Jacob Larsen on Oct 2, 2007 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I just don't think

Jamie Shields, Delmon Young, B.J. Upton, Jonny Gomes, Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli off of the current roster. Evers takes what is given him, and overall the homegrown talent in the organization is far stronger now than it was when Evers was the manager. Whether the previous players failed or not has nothing to do with him, two International League championships speak for themselves.

Charlie Montoyo and Xavier Hernandez are excellent coaches who have done great jobs, this isn't a comparison. But they were blessed with far more homegrown talent during their tenure.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I just don't think

I am not sure why Joe would feel threatened by Bill Evers. He has his extension; if the Rays want to get rid of him, they can do so whether Evers is on hand or not. It will not cost them any more than if Evers were available. I suppose it could be argued that another choice might cost them more mid-year, but there are always plenty of options, cheap and otherwise if you think that is an issue.

by bobr on Oct 2, 2007 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: More from the situation

Rebuttal to Maddon:

Then why did you hire him in the first place. I mean, YOU hired him from Durham. He was doing fine developing personnel, and YOU asked HIM to join the club.

Obviously he bounced ideas fine when Maddon left the team watch his girlfriend graduate.

The best relationships in sports comes down to disagreements. I mean, Steinbrenner and Martin/ Torre/ Whomever; Jerry Jones and Johnson, Switzer, Parcels, Whomever.

Wouldn't you want a guy who is NOT a "yes" man?

Personally, I feel they should of hired Evers instead of Maddon two years ago. Perhaps that what is boils down to like all of you are implying.

Sucks.

by thebaddancingraysfan on Oct 2, 2007 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: More from the situation

I think it does boil down to the fact that he feels threatened with Evers there. Evers has a better mind and questions him on what he does.

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Oct 2, 2007 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh don't sell Maddon short

I think he does have a high level of intelligence, and I also think a guy like Garner would complement him well.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Eh don't sell Maddon short

As long as Phil Gardener say "Yes, Joe."... "You are the man!"

I am sure it's for the best though... Just me being cynical...

by thebaddancingraysfan on Oct 2, 2007 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Eh don't sell Maddon short

I'm not sure if it's for the best, Evers might be better manager material than Maddon, we'll just have to see.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Eh don't sell Maddon short

Oh I agree he has great baseball intelligence. i just think Evers is better all around.

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Oct 2, 2007 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not another Astro

Christ I hope it's not Garner. If Maddon felt threatened by Evers, a man of no major league managing experience, how is he going to feel next to a World Series manager and someone of experience managing over a dozen years with the Brewers, Tigers, and Astros. I just don't see any positive to bringing Garner on.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure he felt threatened

It could be a legitimate communications dispute, if so perhaps __ will be more adaptive to his personality.

Also, and because I know Patrick loves favoritism what about a former Angel like Ben Roenicke?

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also Jimy Williams might be a possiblity

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 4:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I sincerely hope not

Again, what is there to gain from that? Who says we need an old fart as our bench coach? Why don't we just keep the current old fart?

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Evers Let Go

I'm hoping that the only reason they let Evers go was that they wanted to do him a favor by allowing him to catch on with another organization, possibly even a management job, with Maddon locked up for 2 years, Evers had nowhere to go for a while.

Unfortunately, I don't think that's the main reason behind this.

by raysrule07 on Oct 2, 2007 6:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You'd like to think

But I'm not sure Evers would sound so disappointed if so.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But this organization

Has said in the past that the contractual status of their employees was not rigid. That contracts were merely a formality and that everyone is pretty much year to year based on how they are doing their job. I don't feel confident saying Maddon will be managing the Rays in 2009 yet. He has done an underwhelming job in the last two seasons, so 2008 will be crucial in deciding whether he comes back the following year.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not being conspiratorial, but

Seems like there is a lot going on here. I don't get the amount of disappointment from Bill, who has been a trooper since 1996 for the organization for this move to be taken place.

We may never know, but I don't like it. Yet another anvil dropping. We go from Stu's comments to Kazmir's "rebuttal" to Delmon's actions, to Hickey's DUI and now Evers' dismissal.

I get the importance of the bench coach, he is the chief lieutenant in the dugout, all I can guess is that they are looking for a taskmaster or a master strategist.

Joe

by joedobr on Oct 2, 2007 7:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I, for one wish to cast my ballot for

Dusty Baker, a real man's manager:

This is where we vote people off the candidate island, right?

Oh.

Oops.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 9:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: I, for one wish to cast my ballot for

Wow he looks dumb in that profile of him with the toothpick in his mouth.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know someone who disagrees

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I, for one wish to cast my ballot for

"all i got to say, when it comes to me and Rusty Wallce. The story ends with me putting him in the wall."

by thebaddancingraysfan on Oct 2, 2007 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

^^^Winner^^^

That joins the pantheon of legendary Rays baseball commercials.

It was funny, because I was actually reciting the Hess Express commercial today in class word for word with one of my friends.

"Tom's our wing man..."

"Hot 'n schpicy"

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

When you know you spend too much time watching

the Rays...

Reciting Hess commercials.

RAP CAT!

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: When you know you spend too much time watching

The damn Sierra Mist commercials with half the cast of Mad TV....

by thebaddancingraysfan on Oct 3, 2007 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I, for one wish to cast my ballot for

If your going to quote the best commercials on tv right now,get the name right. He talks about Mike Wallace not Rusty.

by Elgrandeplatano on Oct 8, 2007 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This was nice to see

Evers said he would explore options with other teams; the Rays are offering him a scouting job, but he prefers to stay on the field.

Link

It pleases me to see that the Rays are at least making an effort to keep Evers. Hopefully he can find a better job for himself elsewhere, and if not it would be great to see him back in the organization.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 2, 2007 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If nothing else

Good PR move.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 2, 2007 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: If nothing else

This was the least they could do, although it seems more symbolic than a real good gesture. It will take many months and we may never know what happened here to make Bill feel the way he did.

Joe

by joedobr on Oct 3, 2007 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Evers Let Go

I liked Evers and am sad to see him go but this move can't really be judged as a success or failure until 1-3 years from now.

I think there's a possibility there that the younger players on the Rays who have been around Evers for so long may have used him as a crutch of sorts. There's potential that replacing Evers with an unknown to the organization will help their maturation process progress faster.

(I'm trying to be an optimist here.)

by floridaroar on Oct 3, 2007 8:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Evers Let Go

Almost 10 times out of 10, this would have been considered a business decision and no harm no foul. However the emotions, the amount of comments from both management and Evers seem to have made this an issue, especially when the manager peculiarly in my mind accepts fault for the disintegration of the relationship.

I don't know how this couldn't have worked out in a more amicable solution, which is why I am left wondering what more is there. There has been no one more loyal to this franchise than Bill Evers, and its obvious he felt the connection. His own comments seems as if he didn't know himself something was wrong? That is what I am trying to figure out. Was he told something else that wasn't told to the main media?

Joe

by joedobr on Oct 3, 2007 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Evers Let Go

44 replies for a bench coach not being rehired? I like how Evers has been with the organization for awhile but I can't think of any news we'll hear during the offseason with less significance than this.

by sattp on Oct 3, 2007 9:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rays fans = dedicated

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 3, 2007 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you think that is the least significant news

That you will hear all offseason, you obviously don't recall the last seven offseasons.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 3, 2007 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you think that is the least significant news

He must have forseen Brendan Harris and Carlos Pena doing as well as they did, cause if he did I could see those being big splashes.

by Elgrandeplatano on Oct 8, 2007 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not George Hendrick

Why did they keep Goerge Hendrick. That guy would not argue a play if his life depended on it. Hell, if he argues the out call for Carl, Carl doesn't get thrown out... go figure right? But, he is good at picking up a pay check.

I get it... George was in the Angels organization...

by thebaddancingraysfan on Oct 3, 2007 11:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

To be fair

I'm not really sure that is his job. You don't usually see first base coaches at the forefront of arguing calls. Their job is usually to hold down the fort (I.E. an erupting player) until the manager can come out and take over the argument.

Quite frankly I don't really care too much about Hendrick. I haven't heard anything about him one way or another, as is the case usually with first base coaches. As far as I'm concerned they can fill that job with a piece of plywood.

That isn't to say that he is good or bad, it is just that I wouldn't know the difference. And to a certain extent that is true with Evers, but his track record as a minor league manager and the high regard he was held in are the factors driving my opposition to his dismissal.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Oct 3, 2007 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Ever's can't make a daily schedule or carry a message to players?

I can see where Ever's might not have been candid about telling Madden when he was wrong, but would you want to tell one of your superiors he was wrong on a regular basis?

by Elgrandeplatano on Oct 8, 2007 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs