Part 10/12:
Managerial Moves and Culture Changes in Baseball
The conversation then shifted to managerial hirings outside Atlanta, such as Milwaukee’s decision to bring in Tennessee’s Tony Vitello to manage the Brewers. Smoltz viewed this as an interesting move rooted in coaching and culture development, emphasizing that creating a positive environment and respecting players’ craftsmanship are key factors in team success.
He also touched on San Francisco’s hiring of Bobby Crosby (possibly a reference to Buster Posey’s managerial role in progress), noting that while unconventional, these choices are often rooted in a desire to rebuild or change team culture. Smoltz expressed that experienced managers who take responsibility and foster respect tend to succeed, despite initial skepticism.