That's what I liiiiikkkkkeeeee abbbbbbooooouuuuttttttt TEEEEXXXXAAAAAASSSSSThe news yesterday afternoon was the firing of Thad Bosley and call-up of Scott Coolbaugh from Triple A (I would mention Ian Kinsler's MIA because of ... PATERNITY LEAVE, but I don't want to steal Richie Whitt's thunder).
Quite a bit has come out on Bosley's departure 60 games into his first season here.
Apparently, there was a gigantic communication issue between Bosley and the players. By Evan Grant's account, Bosley is a reserved guy and the inability to communicate to just about every player was a problem. Often, there were altercations between Bosley and the players.
In one case, in Philadelphia, Yorvit Torrealba wanted to put in more time in batting practice. As he entered the cage, Bosley told him to get out and there was a fight in the clubhouse. For one, Torrealba was struggling mightily at the time and, generally, don't we want our professional athletes to practice?
Two, Torrealba, frankly, seems like the most easy-going dude in the room. Getting him fired up must take a herculean effort in miscommunication.
According to Elvis Andrus, Bosley looked to change physical mechanics rather than working on the mental game of pitcher vs. batter.
Josh Hamilton chimed in:
"Thad was a good guy, he had a good heart. He just didn't fit with us. He's professional in the way he approaches the game and the way he approaches teaching the game, but it just didn't mesh with our clubhouse ... The communication was just lacking."
Somehow, someone didn't "mesh" with the Rangers' clubhouse ... which is probably harder to do than hit a fastball in the Majors? That seems ridiculous and it appears its the worst hire by the Rangers this off-season ... and that's saying something.
Hitting news:
1. Speaking of Torrealba, he's hitting much better. Average still poor, but he has five hits (two doubles) in three games.
2. Chris Davis was called up to replace Kinsler as the second baseman completely puts the supposed birth of his child before a professional baseball team that absolutely no one cared about two years ago. He went 2-4. For the season, he's hitting .269 and holding his own.
3. Craig Gentry hit second and went 1-3 with two walks. Say what you will, but that dude battles. I couldn't imagine not having him on the bench the rest of the season.
4. I will admit it, Adrian Beltre's been far better than I thought he would be.
5. I hope we are all appreciating Elvis Andrus. Average up to .284 after another three hits in the lead-off spot. The kid is special.
