Rick Petersen most likely gone

[Rockin Robin]

This rumor has been flying like the pollen lately. Plus he supposedly was not involved in the decision to let Pedro sit out his last few starts, and he supposedly will not be involved in the decision who replaces him. That's a rather large slap in the face.

Rick Petersen has been so effective the past two seasons, even if the pitchers have not always been able to follow all his advise. We have seen a lot of our pitching staff improve over the course of the season, and that's largely due to Petersen. And probably most importantly, he's able to deal very very well with all the different personalities on the staff. He can communicate equally effectively with a prima donna or a kid getting his first taste of the big show.

But he's not one of Willie's boys, so I'm inclined to think the rumors are true. :( To quote a dear friend, King Willie the Yankee Hearted.

[Timberwolf]

I don't necessarily think Willie is making that decision. I think this is more of a front office thing. I never got the impression Omar wanted to retain Petersen. Besides, I got the impression that Willie and Rick worked well together. They certainly talk to each other a lot when I see them on TV.