MLB rumors: Update on Molina coaching job, Astros may pass on FA for Altuve, Showalter retirement?
- Buck Showalter doesn't appear ready for retirement
- The Astros are already planning for a Jose Altuve contract, but it may come with a cost
- The latest on Yadier Molina gaining employment with the Cardinals
By Josh Wilson
Sunday might mean football day for plenty of nationwide sports fans, but for MLB fans, it means a look into Bob Nightengale's weekly emptying of the notebook. Here are three of the biggest nuggets Nightengale dropped in his weekly USA Today column.
Buck Showalter retirement doesn't seem likely, but history against him
Buck Showalter is out as the New York Mets manager. Officially, he resigned with a year left on his contract with the Mets, but it was reported as a firing with Showalter's ego protected as a resignation.
Showalter, who has now managed the Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Orioles, and Mets, could very well retire and tie a bow on a lengthy and very good managing career. He is pushing 70 and has accomplished plenty in his major league managing career.
It doesn't quite sound like that's in the cards, though. Here's what Nightengale said:
Hard to believe there has not been a former Mets manager who has gotten another managerial job since Bobby Valentine, who was fired after the 2002 season.
Buck Showalter is trying to break that streak.
Showalter is certainly chasing the crown jewel: A World Series win. He's accomplished plenty with over 1,700 wins and four Manager of the Year award wins (plus a cameo on Seinfeld), but the title has eluded him. Showalter has yet to get a pennant, either. While he's accomplished plenty in the regular season, he's yet to accomplish a great deal in the extended and most important part of the year.
Teams that look positioned to be in the market for a manager include the Guardians, Giants, and Angels. The Padres seem likely to be on the search for one as well, and the indictment on locker room culture there could make Showalter a logcal pull-in. Showalter generally runs a tight ship. If Craig Counsell goes elsewhere, the Brewers are another good fit for Showalter.
Showalter is 19th in all-time managerial wins. If he is to continue his career, he'll be third in all-time wins among active managers.