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Geoff Baker covers the Mariners for The Seattle Times. He provides daily coverage of the team throughout spring training, and during the season.

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August 23, 2008 3:44 PM

Leadership and baseball

Posted by Geoff Baker

A look above at Miguel Cairo and the usual suspects taking early batting practice this afternoon. Cairo is tonight's starting third baseman, as Adrian Beltre, who hurt his shoulder lunging for a ball last night, will be the DH. Jeff Clement was going to be the DH, but has a sore knee and will be out of the lineup.

I came across this story in the Los Angeles Times and found it very interesting. The writer sat with a so-called leadership expert who has advised U.S. Presidents and other CEO types and asked him to analyze the Dodgers. The guy said the team was in a state of flux. Here are some other interesting observations.

A sure sign that an organization has lost its way, Bennis says, is when it has constant turnover in key positions. If this is the case, the Dodgers are stuck deep in the dark forest.

Hmm. This sounds familliar. Let's look at the last 23 months in Seattle

Managers: Mike Hargrove, John McLaren, Jim Riggleman...2009?

General Managers: Bill Bavasi, Lee Pelekoudas...2009?

Bench coaches: Ron Hassey, Mike Goff, John McLaren, Jim Riggleman, Lee Elia...2009?

Hitting coaches: Jeff Pentland, Lee Elia, Jose Castro...2009?

Pitching coaches: Rafael Chaves, Mel Stottlemyre...2009?

Yup. Real stable. Just like the Bering Straits during crabbing season.

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