So....who is the new GM/head of baseball ops?

[JimD]

A team that believes itself to be one of the premier organizations in the sport should not be getting turned down flat by virtually every top candidate. Those individuals have nothing to lose by showing interest or interviewing, and as Mike Hazen did can potentially use the Red Sox job as leverage to improve their current situation. I'm not saying that the sky is falling or that this is a terminal flaw, but I don't believe it is reactionary to state that the Henry/Werner ownership group has helped to foster a negative aura around the top Red Sox baseball job by being so quick to dismiss previous occupants, especially Dave Dombrowski. They really need to make the right hire this time and then give the new CBO a good long run to show results.

 

[AB in DC]

Why would Sam Fuld leave a GM position for basically the same position in Boston?

 

[Rovin Romine]

Why would Sam Fuld leave a GM position for basically the same position in Boston?

The same reason every single FA should be signing here, unless, of course, they're insulted at some point in the process.

 

[moondog80]

Why would Sam Fuld leave a GM position for basically the same position in Boston?

It wouldn't be the same position, right? Dombrowski calls the shots in Philly, not him. Presumably he'd take the job to call the shots here. Or is someone saying he's be GM here under some other CBO?

 

[Yelling At Clouds]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2023/10/15/mlb-playoffs-league-championship-series-bracket/71191751007/

You know, if they want a former Marlins baseball ops guy, there’s a candidate out there who would appear to be available…

Spoiler

 

[Auger34]

Why would Sam Fuld leave a GM position for basically the same position in Boston?

Because he’d be the one in charge here. In Philly, he’s under Dombrowski

 

[tdaignault]

Because he’d be the one in charge here. In Philly, he’s under Dombrowski

Unfortunately, no one has confirmed Fuld is interested. Cotillo and McAdam mentioned the Sox being turned down by guys who were #2s elsewhere that many thought would be interested in pursuing #1 jobs elsewhere. Now does that grouping refer to Gomes? Fuld? Both? Time will tell I suppose. I also prefer Fuld over Bynes and Romero. Fingers crossed!

 

[chawson]

Unfortunately, no one has confirmed Fuld is interested. Cotillo and McAdam mentioned the Sox being turned down by guys who were #2s elsewhere that many thought would be interested in pursuing #1 jobs elsewhere. Now does that grouping refer to Gomes? Fuld? Both? Time will tell I suppose. I also prefer Fuld over Bynes and Romero. Fingers crossed!

Everyone on both sides are best served by performing the courtesy of refusing comment on the situation until the Phillies’ season is over.

 

[jon abbey]

“This should be a plum job, coveted throughout the industry. Instead, one after another, executives are declining to even interview for the position.

More than the embarrassment of finishing out of the playoffs, the team’s reputation across the industry has been sullied, and the Red Sox, for now, no longer appear to be a destination franchise.

In the immediate aftermath of Chaim Bloom’s firing, I wrote that fans shouldn’t be surprised if the Sox struggle to get A-listers interested in coming here. After speaking to a lot of people in the game this past week, I can tell you this much: I grossly underestimated that struggle.”

https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2023/10/some-things-i-think-i-think-on-red-sox-paying-a-price-bruins-hitting-right-notes-mcadam.html

 

[simplicio]

That's it, that's the content. No quotes, no examples, no insight, why did he even file this article?

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

Is this one of those things where everyone is reporting the same thing yet a large segment of SOSH is going to act as if this is just the media trying to get clicks or something?

 

[simplicio]

That McAdam piece certainly feels like it's just trying to get clicks. "After speaking to a lot of people in the game" he neglected to get a single anonymous quote?

 

[chawson]

I think two things are true here. One is that potential GMs have reservations and questions about the role, per Speier in the Globe, given that Cora is "widely seen as a top manager" and has his eyes on an eventual front office role. And that "several executives perceive that Bloom and Dombrowski were fired after doing exactly what they were hired to do." (I totally agree.)

I think Speier is reporting that out diligently. And I think McAdam is trying to get clicks with his inference that the Red Sox are no longer "a destination franchise" or that the process is doomed.

Is anyone reporting that no one is being interviewed? These articles appear to be sourced (on background/off the record) by candidates who have declined interviews. But unless I'm missing some report that says interviews haven't happened, I don't think we should take that to mean that other candidates aren't in the process. And several candidates still have teams playing baseball.

 

[Midnight Ryder Jones]

Is this one of those things where everyone is reporting the same thing yet a large segment of SOSH is going to act as if this is just the media trying to get clicks or something?

If you don't like a particular report, then it's click bait written by a lazy hack with an axe to grind, duh. Just like all those click bait reports about ownership being unhappy with Bloom after the deadline.

 

[simplicio]

It could be entirely true, but if it is, why isn't McAdam willing to commit an actual act of journalism to support it?

 

[Rovin Romine]

“This should be a plum job, coveted throughout the industry. Instead, one after another, executives are declining to even interview for the position.

More than the embarrassment of finishing out of the playoffs, the team’s reputation across the industry has been sullied, and the Red Sox, for now, no longer appear to be a destination franchise.

In the immediate aftermath of Chaim Bloom’s firing, I wrote that fans shouldn’t be surprised if the Sox struggle to get A-listers interested in coming here. After speaking to a lot of people in the game this past week, I can tell you this much: I grossly underestimated that struggle.”

https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2023/10/some-things-i-think-i-think-on-red-sox-paying-a-price-bruins-hitting-right-notes-mcadam.html

Maybe the pundits shouldn't have stoked the fires of Bloom-doom while sucking up to Cora for their quotes.

 

[JimD]

It could be entirely true, but if it is, why isn't McAdam willing to commit an actual act of journalism to support it?

It was his version of a Sunday notes and observations column. McAdam has been a solid beat reporter and not click-baity over the years, so I'm inclined to take this at face value.

 

[cantor44]

It seems to me then, Given what McAdam and others are saying, that the hire will be an internal promotion. The subsequent question will be: will it make enough of a difference?

 

[EyeBob]

After this report, If their hire from within, there will always be questions about whether this report was true? Won’t the media and fans be asking this over and over ? “Did your top candidates decline? Is that why you gave the job to Romero?”

 

[jon abbey]

I don’t think that’s necessarily true, Fuld still seems possible and I’m sure plenty of others outside the organization we don’t know are being or have been discussed, maybe less obvious than these more established names.

 

[nvalvo]

And let’s not sell him short. Romero is a pretty impressive candidate. He has a great track record in international signings. He’s the sort of guy you could see other orgs considering.

Fuld/Romero, promoting both to PoBo/GM, suits me fine.

 

[Jimbodandy]

Is this one of those things where everyone is reporting the same thing yet a large segment of SOSH is going to act as if this is just the media trying to get clicks or something?

Yes.

Some of us have been saying that the team is acting weird in their statements and not being clear on what control the CBO would actually have. A bunch of media are writing that the job isn't attractive right now.

All is good though.

 

[DadOfFenway]

View: https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1713904832694632549

 

[bosockboy]

View: https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1713904832694632549

Might have our first tell.

 

[soxhop411]

View: https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1713904832694632549

View: https://twitter.com/J_McPherson1126/status/1713903455431995668

they wanted her back and the decision to leave was hers. Which is interesting..

 

[SouthernBoSox]

https://x.com/tylerkepner/status/1713913280144548114?s=46

Sounds like someone who wants more infrastructure and was told we don’t have the money. This is lining up.

Well, that is certainly interesting. Kim's entire front office career outside of Miami has been with big spending teams, so I'm sure there is some interest on that side of things. It definitely wouldn't excite me but would very much be a non disaster hire on the surface.

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

Is anyone else looking? White Sox I guess. Seems unlikely she would leave Miami without a landing spot. Maybe she assumes there are always landing spots if you are good.

 

[Kliq]

What is impressive about the Marlins, exactly? They made the wild card this year, but I don't view them as a particularly impressive team with a particularly bright future, but interested to hear more about the case for Ng.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Sorry if this has been posted already, but the Cora-Ng connection:

"I had the pleasure to work for Kim when she was the assistant GM with the L.A. Dodgers in the early 2000s. ... She's very capable," Cora told WBZ's Dan Roche.

"One of the things about gender or race or whatever, I always said that if you're capable to do a job, people should consider you. I went through the process for a few years and we talk about the Bud Selig Rule and giving everybody a chance to interview, minorities and all that. I really believe that we need to take away the boundaries and if you're good, you're good.

"And Kim, she's one of the best. She's a great person. She's actually been very involved with MLB International, we did a few things in winter ball and for the WBC (World Baseball Classic). She's amazing and she's going to do an outstanding job in Miami."

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/alex-cora-reacts-to-marlins-hiring-kim-ng-as-mlbs-first-female-gm/166181/

 

[FlexFlexerson]

What is impressive about the Marlins, exactly? They made the wild card this year, but I don't view them as a particularly impressive team with a particularly bright future, but interested to hear more about the case for Ng.

Others may have more info, but she has a pretty good background as assistant GM with both the Yankees and Dodgers and a lot of experience with player contracts from her time working for the A.L.

I had her in the bucket of "intriguing dark horse candidate" for the Sox. Her time with Miami from the outside has some pros and cons, seems like you'd have to sort out through the interview process whether the issues with Miami were on her or ownership. If she was constrained by the system she was in, maybe she's a good candidate to take the next step.

 

[soxhop411]

View: https://twitter.com/flasportsbuzz/status/1713916780286988381


Seems like she never really had full autonomy with MIA

With Jeter gone, Ng had final say, but others in front office were very involved in significant decisions. My understanding is ex GM Michael Hill is among those who would have interest if contacted. Job comes with payroll limitations (not as bad as once were) but a decent team.


https://twitter.com/flasportsbuzz/status/1713916780286988381

 

[tdaignault]

What is impressive about the Marlins, exactly? They made the wild card this year, but I don't view them as a particularly impressive team with a particularly bright future, but interested to hear more about the case for Ng.

There were rumors about Stearns wanting to bring Ng to New York to fill Epler's vacant GM slot. Not sure why she would be willing to be their #2 after being a #1 in Miami, but that was the story.

 

[jon abbey]

There were rumors about Stearns wanting to bring Ng to New York to fill Epler's vacant GM slot. Not sure why she would be willing to be their #2 after being a #1 in Miami, but that was the story.

Yes, Andy Martino (who always has the inside scoop in Mets-land) agrees:

View: https://twitter.com/martinonyc/status/1713914524258984093

 

[moondog80]

Others may have more info, but she has a pretty good background as assistant GM with both the Yankees and Dodgers and a lot of experience with player contracts from her time working for the A.L.

I like the experience with the Yankees and Dodgers (big market teams) but wish it was more recent; Yankees 1998-2001, Dodgers 2002-2011. Things have changed quite a bit since then, particularly her stint with NY.

 

[jon abbey]

It seems like Miami ownership interferes a lot, I know I've read about multiple trades that were worked out but then Miami ownership vetoed. Even given that, my impression of Ng is that she is on the cautious side, which IMO is not what BOS needs currently, they need someone who is able to go a bit nuts spending as that's what it takes to land quality FAs these days. As a NY fan, I'd be much happier if she gets the job over Fuld.

 

[chawson]

I'd be pretty happy with Kim Ng. The Marlins have had some of the best young pitching in the game the last half-decade. I can only speculate how much of that is directly her doing, but it doesn't have to be for her to implement some of the strategy here. If the Red Sox want to get better about developing young pitching, she comes from an organization that has been able to do that.

She also seems unafraid to do big, creative deals, despite what have to be significant payroll restrictions. The López for Arraez swap was a pretty good one for both teams. The sequence of deals that brought Starling Marte to Miami for half of two seasons (for Caleb Smith and Humberto Mejia, neither of whom have done much) before being dealt again for six seasons of Jesús Luzardo — that was tremendous.

A core decision-making team of Ng, Romero, Ferreira, O'Halloran, Groopman and Cora sounds pretty good to me.

 

[bosockboy]

Nothing to do with baseball, but Boston having an Asian woman as both the mayor and GM of the Red Sox is pretty great.

 

[absintheofmalaise]

I wanted Ng to be hired as the GM in 2015 for DD. I really hope she's a serious candidate for the Sox..

 

[soxhop411]

View: https://twitter.com/bradfo/status/1713941289954111813

Kim Ng has always been an interesting potential hire. Sources also suggest Twins GM Thad Levine could be emerging as a strong candidate. The Red Sox have also had conversations with another longtime GM who is not currently in such a role.

 

[Whoop-La White]

She was able to acquire a reigning batting champion in a trade, who then went on to hit 38 points higher. And was pretty active at the deadline, getting Bell and Burger who hit well for them. The pitchers she acquired (Lopez & Robertson) didn't do as well, though.

 

[bosockboy]

I wonder if Bloom is a fit in Miami.

 

[chrisfont9]

What is impressive about the Marlins, exactly? They made the wild card this year, but I don't view them as a particularly impressive team with a particularly bright future, but interested to hear more about the case for Ng.

Just asking, how are we trying to judge a GM candidate anyway? There are far too many reasons why a team wins or loses games at the major league level that are out of the control of the GM/FO, and except in the case of the big spending teams it's almost impossible to tell from the outside what the GM is doing and whether they are doing it well. A couple teams, Houston and Tampa, are player development machines so it's fair to think well of them, while the Mets, for example, are a big-spending shitshow, so you can infer from that. Beyond there, for all we know Kim Ng is brilliant, works extremely well with others, has a creative vision that she's fully capable of implementing... and had relatively uncompetitive budgets to accomplish each of her goals. So they muddle through.

 

[YTF]

The definition/job description of GM, PBO, CBO, etc... varies from team to team and sort of muddies the waters a bit for those of us lay people who try to play along from home. I would assume that Ng's interest (if any) would only be in the PBO/CBO opening as her role of GM in Miami was more in line with the higher profile job in Boston. If the two GM positions were similar I could see some possible interest there given the greater financial resources in Boston, but given the greater control she seems to have had in Miami it would have to be the higher of the two positions that she would be interviewing for, yes?

 

[JM3]

She was able to acquire a reigning batting champion in a trade, who then went on to hit 38 points higher. And was pretty active at the deadline, getting Bell and Burger who hit well for them. The pitchers she acquired (Lopez & Robertson) didn't do as well, though.

I went through the last couple years & there were a TON of trades, & a pretty mixed bag.

The interesting thing about the Arraez/Pablo Lopez trade is that you would probably declare it a loss if you subscribe to fWAR, & would probably declare it a win if you subscribe to bWAR.

Arraez does have 1 more year of team control than Lopez, but by fWAR Lopez was better 4.5 to 3.3, & the Marlins had to give up 2 pretty good prospects in the trade as well.

But by bWAR, Arraez was better 4.9 to 3.3, & if he was that much better, with the extra year of team control, the prospect cost does not seem nearly as important.

 

[jon abbey]

View: https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1713952636938891725?s=20

 

[cannonball 1729]

It seems like Miami ownership interferes a lot, I know I've read about multiple trades that were worked out but then Miami ownership vetoed. Even given that, my impression of Ng is that she is on the cautious side, which IMO is not what BOS needs currently, they need someone who is able to go a bit nuts spending as that's what it takes to land quality FAs these days. As a NY fan, I'd be much happier if she gets the job over Fuld.

This is accurate. I believe the last straw that led to Jeter leaving was ownership vetoing his signing of Nick Castellanos.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

View: https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1713952636938891725?s=20

This makes it sound very similar to when the Sox hired Dombrowski in 2015. He was given the title of President of Baseball Operations and would have been above Cherington in the pecking order, so Cherington resigned rather than cede some of his autonomy. At least Ng appears to have been given the chance to walk away before she was effectively demoted.

 

[JimD]

I'm very intrigued with the possibility if hiring Ng as PoBO. Regardless of the interference and limitations placed on her by Marlins ownership, she was the chief decision maker of an MLB franchise. I think that is very important for this Red Sox hire - as impressive as Fuld, Gomes or Sestanovich might be, they are not running the show and hiring a promising lower-tier executive is effectively following the same path as four years ago ('Chaim Bloom, but better this time around').

Plus, as I posted earlier in this thread, Ng has shown the ability to recognize an organizational prospect surplus (MiL pitching, in Miami's case) and deal from this surplus to improve the major league club. That is a key attribute that the new leader of the Red Sox is going to need to optimize the current Boston prospect pipeline.

 

[Marciano490]

View: https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1713952636938891725?s=20

Not that the Marlins are a model franchise, but if her then-employer was looking to put someone above Ng, doesn’t that suggest maybe they knew something that might make her not a great choice for the #1 spot here?

 

[jon abbey]

Not that the Marlins are a model franchise, but if her then-employer was looking to put someone above Ng, doesn’t that suggest maybe they knew something that might make her not a great choice for the #1 spot here?

If they were a smart organization, yes, but that seems to be very much in question.