Sticking Points 2055.3: Dooley on Hot Seat?

[JimSlade]

With the Rockville Pikemen on pace for yet another losing season - and their fifth straight out of playoff contention - one has to wonder if manager Denny Dooley's time is running out. The team is currently 38-52, in fourth place and in jeopardy of being lapped by Charm City.

Dooley, who's been with the team since 2045, reeled off 6 winning seasons, including 5 playoff appearances. There are extenuating circumstances. GM Jim Slade entered the fold toward the end of that golden age, and has been unsuccessful in refreshing what was then an aging, expensive core. The organization's farm system has been slowly improving, but aside from designated hitter John McMuttray and starting pitcher Nasir al Din bin Sahir, acquired in early Slade trades of legends Danny Leach (since returned) and Daniel Pepper, the first wave of new blood from the draft has brought role players, like starting pitcher Joe McIndoe.

A member of the organization, who asked to be quoted off the record, shared that there's been an added emphasis on developing homegrown pitchers, in large part because of Dooley's relationship with that part of the squad. "Denny's managerial skills are off the charts," said our unnamed source, "but he wears on pitchers."

The source continued, "Our own guys keep their distance from him. We've got no shot bringing in free-agent pitchers. 'I can't deal with that guy every fifth day,' more than one free agent stud has told us."

There's no quit in the Pikemen. Leadership within the clubhouse is strong, so you won't find players badmouthing Dooley, even off the record. Despite their obvious shortcomings on the mound, the team scores enough runs to keep games competitive. A number of young everyday players brought into the fold in recent years have developed into their prime, like McMuttray and first baseman Cam Whitten. Veterans who've signed in hopes of pushing the team back over .500, like third baseman and clubhouse veteran Brian Dixon, have worked with the coaching staff to keep the team focused.

"Look," said our unnamed organization source, "Denny can only deal with the hand he's been given. The deconstruction of the team that won all those years may have been premature. Our GM has some good ideas, but there are holes in his game that may be too much to dig out from with the annual acquisition of a Stewart Illingworth type."

[RonCo]

At $2M per, he does seem a little pricey for the results.

[JimSlade]

Right? I mean, my contract is easier to absorb.