The Wings new bench boss Joel Skinner, along with former Rochester managers Gene Glynn, Marv Foley and Andy Etchebarren recently discussed some aspects of Triple A managing and strategy. Wherever they’ve coached or managed, all supported an aggressive approach. Says Glynn: “We were always trying to put pressure on the other teams to execute. We played fearless… not waiting for them to do anything. They were going to have to adjust to what we do.” “Earl Weaver taught me that,” Etchebarren chimes in. The use of baseball analytics, the study and breakdown of statistics, is growing throughout the sport. All big league clubs maintain stats analysts on staff but also pay outside vendors for information that explore things like setting proper defenses, identifying the day’s best lineup or the exit velocity of a batted ball. The problem becomes what’s too much for players to absorb. Some would rather concentrate on just meeting the ball when they step into the batter’s box. “Some want more information, some don’t,” says Skinner. “We’re trying to implement that more at the minor league level, so they’re not overwhelmed when they get to the big leagues.” Foley wouldn’t avoid statistics and charts if he managed again but says “I played my players where I saw the guy hit the ball. If you can see things that are gonna happen before they happen, you’ll be fine.” The use of video remains irreplaceable. There’s nothing like seeing an upcoming opponent hit or pitch. But first-hand knowledge- often discussed in pre-game meetings- can be just as beneficial. “Players who have played with somebody can tell you the makeup of a guy,” says Glynn. “Is he hard-nosed and aggressive? Or, you should get to this (pitcher) early because he likes to get ahead (in the count).” Many managers want to trust their instincts. “They talk about the baseball (managing) book,” Foley goes on. “But I never met the guy who wrote it or if it even existed. I think good managers got to go by their gut. You size up the situation and then make your decisions. With me, it worked out more than it didn’t.” Says Skinner: “Over time and with preparation and experience of games under your belt, it’s something you hope your brain takes over, and does create somewhat of a.. gut feeling.” As a rule throughout pro baseball, a manager does not call pitches from the dugout. When you see a catcher constantly looking at the bench, that’s watching for pickoff and pitchout signs in controlling the opponent’s running game. “We rely on the catcher to call pitches,” says Skinner. “That’s part of their development. But the pitcher has the last say. We want him to have confidence in what he’s gonna throw.” At any baseball level player attitude and dedication is critical in getting everybody rowing in the same direction. Problem players says Etchebarren are those that may be “Thinking everything should come easy, not running balls out hard, not hitting the right cutoff man.. like all the workouts didn’t mean anything. That’s where the frustration comes in.” Injuries, trades and call-ups to the majors are all reasons why it’s not fair to press the Triple A manager with the everlasting spring training question: how we gonna do this year? Rochester fans probably will be cheering on different teams when comparing ball clubs from April and September. Last year, the Wings set a franchise record by using 42 pitchers during the season. The Red Wings serve at the behest of their parent team, the Minnesota Twins: reviving the big club with a rising star, rescuing the lineup after injury or steadying the ship with ready-to-perform players. The formula seems to be working. Since 2003, 205 players have suited up for both the Red Wings and Twins. “Believe me,” says Glynn. “As much as we hate to lose a Triple A player, the whole locker room is excited when a guy goes up- especially for the first time.” The goal of all managers is to put players into situations where they can succeed, matching individuals to their positions. “But no matter how you manage,” Skinner has found, “The players still have to play. It’s still dependent on luck and the players executing.” “You train your guys,” explains Foley, “And obviously if they can’t perform you’re gonna lose. The players win or lose the games. That’s why everybody doesn’t make it in the big leagues, or Triple A- they’re not physically or mentally capable of handling the task at hand.” “Have a plan, build a good routine, have good direction and then discipline in that direction,” comments Glynn. “And you’re always talking about winning. We also talk about playing the game as one pitch, one out, one inning for the players, coaches and manager because every game can change (that fast).” “Triple A was the toughest (managing) job I had,” says Etchebarren. “The general manager needs to help you at the big league level to get players to help your club. They tell you how many at bats this guy should have, how many innings this guy should pitch. Sometimes it didn’t work out and I couldn’t do anything about it. ” ------------------------- {{{{ SIDEBAR, with pictures… text under the pictures: }}}} GENE GLYNN Red Wings Manager 3 years, 2012-14 Record: 226-206 Favorite managers: Felipe Alou, Buck Rodgers, Don Baylor Currently: 3rd base coach, Minnesota Twins 5-year minor league infielder, 8-year minor league manager, 15-year major league coach Remembering Rochester: “I love that city, that team and the people there- you guys are all great! JOEL SKINNER New Red Wings Manager (See Joel’s profile on page --?) Favorite managers: Tony LaRussa, Billy Martin, John McNamara “I’m excited! It’s always good to be around young players on the cusp of getting to the big leagues… (We’ll) try to create an atmosphere that is conducive for them to have success.” MARV FOLEY Red Wings Manager 5 years, 1995-1998 and 2000 Record: 363-349 Favorite manager: Tony LaRussa Only manager to win championships for the IL, PCL and AA… Won Governor’s Cup title with Rochester, 1997… 5-year major league catcher, 15-year minor league manager Currently: Player Development Supervisor, Colorado Rockies Remembering Rochester: “I absolutely love Rochester. I came very, very close to moving there and I don’t like cold weather. I’ve been in the game now about 45 years and those five years in Rochester are the best years of my baseball life!” ANDY ETCHEBARREN Red Wings Manager 2 years, 2001-02 Record: 115-173 Favorite managers: Earl Weaver, Hank Bauer Currently: Retired, Santee, South Carolina 15-year major league catcher… played 1965 for Rochester… with Baltimore: two-time World Series champion and two-time All-Star, 16-year minor league manager Remembering Rochester: “As a player I really enjoyed it there. When I managed, I had a tough road. There was a lot of good hitters in the league then and we didn’t have the pitching. I felt bad (for Rochester). If you can’t stop anybody from scoring, you’re gonna lose.” Bill Flynn has now covered/attended the past 40 Red Wings openers. Visit his website at flynnflam.com for Wings stories and sound.