Yep probably had some discussions with Tony (and maybe Hinch’s reps) in the extended period between last game and the Zoom call to announce Ricky was fired.
It’s crazy to see how many Sox fans on twitter are saying they will stop being Sox fans if they hire TLR. Like seriously, you put up with the last decade of mostly horrific garbage to quit now when it’s going to be good?
Players, like usual, and possibly more this offseason, will go to the team that offers the most money. Unless Tony says something dumb at the introduction conf call, players will have no issues signing to play for him.
Nightengale listed Tony as the prime candidate a few hours after the conference call. This didn’t come out of the blue. My theory is JR wanted Tony and Hahn preferred Hinch. Tony would be given an interview to see how everyone would mesh. Tony aced the interview and Hahn supported Jerry’s decision.
Someone mentioned the Mack Brown hire to UNC earlier, and it’s an amazing comp. Tony will basically be the CEO with a young bench coach and young pitching coach, IMO.
The Sox were not a good team down the stretch as they ran out of gas. I expect them to have more talent in the coming years. Also Tony has at least proven he knows how to lead his team to important victories. Ricky managed crucial games like he was still a tank commander.
By no means am I happy with the hire, and god knows Sox twitter is going to have an epic meltdown. I’m just of the opinion that my 4 year old son could manage this team to a quality record if the main core guys even come close to their potential.