Nanner
10-31-2003, 02:33 PM
He seems sort of hungry for this. I like the way he said, "a chance to contend, not compete". Symantics, I know, but that he used that phrase sort of struck me. Actually, I've just got this feeling he's going to get the job. I don't know why. I just do.
ESP. :smokin:
10/30/2003 6:32 PM ET
Orioles interview Mazzilli
Yankees coach hopes for first ML managerial job
By Gary Washburn / MLB.com
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/images/2003/10/30/XdaQik7c.jpg
Lee Mazzilli speaks with reporters after being interviewed by the Orioles. (Gail Burton/AP)
BALTIMORE -- Lee Mazzilli could not help but soak up the knowledge of Joe Torre after four years on his coaching staff. Mazzilli hopes to bring that experience to the Baltimore dugout if he is hired as Orioles manager.
The Yankees first base coach was the seventh candidate to interview for the position vacated by Mike Hargrove and Thursday he appeared confident he could bring New York's winning tradition to its bitter American League East rival.
"The challenges here are very good challenges," he said about the Orioles. "You are looking to challenge the players to win and to win something, and not to just win 80 games. It's a fun challenge. It's not like you are inheriting a rebuilding ballclub. I am happy coming here knowing the direction this club is going."
Mazzilli, 48, played 14 years in the Major Leagues, mostly with the New York Mets. He took an eight-year break after his playing career and then joined the Yankee organization. He was a minor league manager for three years before joining Torre's staff. He is considered a smart baseball man and keen coach.
During the just concluded World Series, it was Mazzilli who pointed out to umpires that a brief meeting between manager Jack McKeon and first baseman Derrek Lee constituted an official mound visit. Mazzilli interviewed for the Tampa Bay position last winter before Lou Piniella became available.
He said Torre has been his biggest baseball influence, but would have no problem facing him 20 times per season.
"(Torre) taught me a lot about the game and managing, but if I had to play him in a game, all bets are off. And I love him," he said.
"Joe is a great buffer of distractions. He gets to the point where you have players coming to the ballpark wanting to play. That's the key to managing, getting to players to want to play for you. Joe is, as you all know, very calm, doesn't wear his emotions on his sleeve, lets the players know he's under control. That funnels out to the players. You learn from that."
The Orioles announced shortly after Mazzilli's media session that former Boston manager Grady Little will interview Friday morning. He likely will emerge as a favorite along with Hall of Famer Eddie Murray.
Mazzilli might also be seriously considered and said the Orioles definitely can improve on their fourth-place finish and compete with the Yankees and Red Sox.
"I was very impressed with their approach here, where they want to go," he said. "They definitely have a plan. I know coming into Baltimore this season as a Yankee, we all knew they had a good core of players here. When you go into Spring Training, it's important that you instill that and they believe we have a chance to contend, not compete.
"This (chance) is something I have wanted for a long time."
Gary Washburn is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
ESP. :smokin:
10/30/2003 6:32 PM ET
Orioles interview Mazzilli
Yankees coach hopes for first ML managerial job
By Gary Washburn / MLB.com
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/images/2003/10/30/XdaQik7c.jpg
Lee Mazzilli speaks with reporters after being interviewed by the Orioles. (Gail Burton/AP)
BALTIMORE -- Lee Mazzilli could not help but soak up the knowledge of Joe Torre after four years on his coaching staff. Mazzilli hopes to bring that experience to the Baltimore dugout if he is hired as Orioles manager.
The Yankees first base coach was the seventh candidate to interview for the position vacated by Mike Hargrove and Thursday he appeared confident he could bring New York's winning tradition to its bitter American League East rival.
"The challenges here are very good challenges," he said about the Orioles. "You are looking to challenge the players to win and to win something, and not to just win 80 games. It's a fun challenge. It's not like you are inheriting a rebuilding ballclub. I am happy coming here knowing the direction this club is going."
Mazzilli, 48, played 14 years in the Major Leagues, mostly with the New York Mets. He took an eight-year break after his playing career and then joined the Yankee organization. He was a minor league manager for three years before joining Torre's staff. He is considered a smart baseball man and keen coach.
During the just concluded World Series, it was Mazzilli who pointed out to umpires that a brief meeting between manager Jack McKeon and first baseman Derrek Lee constituted an official mound visit. Mazzilli interviewed for the Tampa Bay position last winter before Lou Piniella became available.
He said Torre has been his biggest baseball influence, but would have no problem facing him 20 times per season.
"(Torre) taught me a lot about the game and managing, but if I had to play him in a game, all bets are off. And I love him," he said.
"Joe is a great buffer of distractions. He gets to the point where you have players coming to the ballpark wanting to play. That's the key to managing, getting to players to want to play for you. Joe is, as you all know, very calm, doesn't wear his emotions on his sleeve, lets the players know he's under control. That funnels out to the players. You learn from that."
The Orioles announced shortly after Mazzilli's media session that former Boston manager Grady Little will interview Friday morning. He likely will emerge as a favorite along with Hall of Famer Eddie Murray.
Mazzilli might also be seriously considered and said the Orioles definitely can improve on their fourth-place finish and compete with the Yankees and Red Sox.
"I was very impressed with their approach here, where they want to go," he said. "They definitely have a plan. I know coming into Baltimore this season as a Yankee, we all knew they had a good core of players here. When you go into Spring Training, it's important that you instill that and they believe we have a chance to contend, not compete.
"This (chance) is something I have wanted for a long time."
Gary Washburn is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.