The Walt Jocketty Dismissal: Saber-split Rumblings
On the surface, the Jocketty dismissal as St. Louis' GM looks simply like the natural consequence of person whose time had simply run its course after a very successful run with an organization. And that's probably largely it. But the reports of tension between Jocketty and ownership over the direction of the franchise were apparently true as well, and Jeff Gordon in the Post-Dispatch has a must read this morning on the situation. Among the points of contention? This:
"DeWitt believes strongly in player development. He believes his team's future success depends on it. He initiated an overhaul of the scouting operation and minor league operations. He elevated Jeff Luhnow, one of those Stat Guys invading Our National Pastime, to vice president for amateur scouting and player procurement. Jocketty objected to the move, since it came at the expense of his men. Jocketty is old school. Luhnow is new age. Jocketty's way wasn't working well enough. Luhnow forged a new path, using statistical models to assist prospect analysis. Jocketty didn't have much to do with the revamped scouting/player development department. DeWitt expected his general manager to oversee it, along with the big league operation. A rift formed -- and I blame both DeWitt and Jocketty for that."
Interesting. I had no idea the Cardinals were starting to dabble in the Billy Beane side of the ledger. As a Reds fan, that is disquieting news. And it is hard to blame Cards ownership for wanting to restore the flow of talent to the big-league club. It has dried up in recent years, and Jocketty's bent to deal good young talent for veterans hasn't helped. Dan Haren waves hi at Cardinals nation from Northern California.
Very interesting developments in St. Louis. And, with Jocketty gone, it is almost impossible to envision LaRussa re-upping with the team for 2008.
