When Acta was asked in his interview about the Indians, he knew everyone and named players and what he'd like to see. When asked why he knows so much about the Indians, he said he knows all 30 teams inside and out because he needs to know that as a manager. Meanwhile, when Valentine was asked in his interview about the Indians he said he didn't know anything about them nor about the Central Division or the American League in general. Acta may have prepped beforehand to know all those things he talked about in regard to the Indians, but to me it shows a level of preparedness you should expect out of a field general and Acta doing it and Valentine not doing it speaks volumes.
Valentine also remarked in his interview that he has been away from the game in the United States for the last six years as he was in Japan, so know very little about the players in the game today or even some of the general changes to the game in the states. Also he said he is not very familiar with all the new subjective and objective stats that have become prominent in the game over the last four to five years. Again, this is another difference between him and Acta. Acta is very knowledgeable of the players playing today, and is a big time stats guy who is very up to speed on the en vogue stats in the game today. Terry Pluto actually asked Valentine halfway through the interview if him not knowing all this stuff if he was making a case for not being hired as the Indians manager.
Overall, just looking at the interviews straight up, Acta blew away Valentine. Both had a long day of travel and interviews, but Acta showed no wear while Valentine did. Acta's delivery, preparation, and more upbeat personality came across much better, while Valentine seemed tired, distant, and out of touch. Acta acted like he had the job, Valentine was lost and too worried about mentioning how tired he was. This stuff probably does not mean a ton in the grand scheme of things, but it shows you a little about the inner workings and the drive a guy has. Valentine came across as old and disinterested, while Acta came across as alive and hungry.
The Indians are obviously using a lot more than the interview session with the media to evaluate the candidates, but based on this unique interaction between the media and the candidates it is safe to say Acta is by far the better option over Valentine. Going in I was torn between Acta and Valentine on who I would prefer if it came down to them. To me, after hearing this, there is no question I would prefer Acta over Valentine. No doubt. Acta is clearly the frontrunner, and it looks like Valentine bombed enough to where there should be no way even if Acta goes to Houston that Valentine would be a fallback option for the Indians job.
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9 comments:
"Terry Pluto actually asked Valentine halfway through the interview if him not knowing all this stuff if he was making a case for not being hired as the Indians manager."
Attaboy, Terry! It's a solid question to ask, really. I wasn't digging Valentine to begin with, and this utter failure of presentation is enough to ensure me that my instincts were right. Now put on that paper bag much like your glasses and walk away.
I'd agree Valentine is a long shot, but does Acta's knowledge of Tribe and Valentine's lack of it really tell us much? After all, Wedge was undoubtedly a hard worker always well prepared for the job. And yet the bottom-line results say he did a bad job. I'm surprised Valentine wouldn't do a little more homework, but there is no shortage of people with opinions of Indians players and prospects. That is not our need. What we need is someone who can get those players to win some games. If Valentine is hired, he'll know what he needs to know.
Complete train wreck.
Obviously, you can't be short-sighted and base your entire evaluation off one interview by each candidate. But there are a lot of little things learned at the same time. Some important things like communication skills, preparedness, hunger, dedication, etc. Valentine seemed lost and disinterested and a guy who "winged it" while Acta came in for the exam after studying hard the night before. Guess you got a passing grade on the test?
Also, I really liked Acta saying "we" a lot and how he acted like he already had the job. Loved that confidence. Meanwhile Valentine was all over the place and was a mish mash of incoherent thoughts a lot of the time and unsure of anything.
I came into this thing with a completely open mind on the hiring process as really not one candidate stuck out. After today, I am clearly in Acta's corner when comparing the two and think Valentine is as they say in Japan, sianara.
How did Valentine respond when asked that question by Terry Pluto? Go Manny Acta!
I'm in complete agreement Tony.... Acta was very impressive whilst Valentine seemed more interested in telling stories about "old times".... it was painful!
Acta's confidence, like you said, was very engaging. If "we" can get Fausto back on form, if "we" get Jake back...... I knew nothing of Acta other than his Nationals record going in, but colour me impressed!
I figure he pulled out his "funny" glasses and mustache after Pluto took him to town.
good points tony, i too was very impressed with manny acta's remarks this week. bobby v would be a fun and flamboyant manager, which we havent had really since ive followed the indians when i was 7 years old in the spring of 1988. but i think acta is what cleveland needs and he fits the cleveland fold. plus, no offense to the big league club, but he probably can handle losing better than bobby v or a possible mattingly would. with that being said i kinda hope they name acta as the manager.
Chad, Valentine replied to Pluto saying something along the lines of "yeah, I just may be doing that, and I am not sure if I want to do this or not....but I love baseball and I can manage." Something to that affect.
Have to think right now three candidates in that Acta is their guy.....though Mattingly and Roenicke are two wildcards.
NO to Valentine, Acta or Mattingly!! YES to Roenicke!
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