A's Fire Buck, Hire Maddon as New Skipper

Post date: May 21, 2014 3:16:23 PM

Joe Maddon meeting with the Philly media after being named as the 5th manager in Philadelphia Athletics history

The A's winless streak stretched to 5 games after a late rally fell short against Alabama this week, and the futility streak has helped cost longtime manager Buck Showalter his job. GM Matt Veasey announced a managerial change as the loss came to an end, replacing Showalter with Joe Maddon at the helm of the ballclub.

"I met with Buck as the game came to an end today" said Veasey in a hastily called press conference at the Athletics' Penn's Landing complex. "I did not feel that things could continue in this fashion, and I didn't feel it was fair, after his history with our club, to have him wait around as rumors continued to swirl."

Those rumors have been swirling for a couple of weeks now as the club's losing skid continued, but they have stretched back as whispers to the end of last year's disappointing season. "Yes, we were disappointed in what happened during 2013, the way the club slumped in the 2nd half. We hoped a few changes in the on-field personnel might shake things up in a positive direction. But as this season has worn on, it was my call that the change needed to be made at the managerial and coaching levels."

Showalter's replacement was named immediately, as Veasey announced the hiring of Joe Maddon, and his signing a contract through the 2020 season. "Joe is not only an extremely knowledgeable and experienced baseball man, but he comes with an excellent reputation as a communicator, especially with young players, and let's face it, we are a young club still building towards what we believe will be a bright future" said Veasey of the hiring.

When questioned regarding changes in the coaching staff, it was announced that Maddon would be bringing in new coaches with him. Released along with Showalter were pitching coach Pat Borders, hitting coach Jeff Manto, and bench coach John Russell. They are being replaced by new bench coach Dave Martinez, new pitching coach Jim Hickey, and new hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo.

Showalter, who has guided the A's since the 2005 season, finishes with an overall record of 126-76-3. He skippered the club to the 2008 WFBL Championship, and to 3 straight Owens/East Pennants from 2005-2007. He was unavailable for comment at this time.

The 60-year old Maddon becomes the 5th manager in Athletics history, and when stepping to the microphone he sounded extremely upbeat. "We're coming here to win. And while doing it, we want these guys to have fun. This is supposed to be a fun game, and my coaches and I are going to do our best to bring a light mood. Still, the players are professionals. So it's a fine line, but we're going to put a positive spin on everything we do here. The future is bright for the Philadelphia Athletics."

Maddon immediately made a lineup change, inserting Emilio Bonifacio into the lineup and atop the batting order. He also moved star outfielder Mike Trout to the 3rd spot, dropping veteran Chase Utley to 6th. "I want to lengthen the lineup the best that I can. We'll see what happens as we get some injured players back later, but for now, we'll let this play out for a bit."

Reaction among the players was publicly muted, as most did not want to go on the record. However, a number of media members who had noted that the clubhouse had grown tense stretching back to last season said that quite a few players acted relieved. "I think this change is going to be like opening a window on that first beautiful spring morning" said one writer who covers the team. "It was tense in there. Maddon will lighten it up right away."

The veteran Utley was the only player who spoke, perhaps predictably, on the record: "We let Buck down, we let ourselves down, we let the fans down. There is nobody really to blame in the end except ourselves. We're not hitting, at least until the last few days. It's up to us to work with the new staff and get this turned around. I think we have what it takes, so we'll see."

The new regime get their first test as the Athletics wrap up a 3-game Southern road trip with a visit to Peach Tree Park this week to take on the Georgia Travellers, winners of back-to-back games after their own slow start. "Both these teams need a win badly" said Veasey. "You can't afford to fall too far behind in either our Division, or in the playoff race. We still believe that we can be a factor in both. It needs to start now."