Down the Rabbit Hole (34.01): Ernie Lara Begins Chapter Two

[bpbrooksy]

It's a new era in Edmonton.

Manager Jose Osorio, who had been with the team since its inauguration and compiled 212 losses during his two seasons helming the club, elected to walk at the end of the 2033 season, of the opinion that there was only so much for him to do with the major-league rosters he was being handed. So far, Osorio remains unemployed as spring training arrives -- maybe he should have been more willing to discuss an extension.

Nevertheless, Osorio's departure meant that the Edmonton Jackrabbits had to go on a search for their next manager. While this quest involved scanning the "free agent market" of personnel, as it were, the new skipper ultimately came from in-house, and Triple-A Winnipeg Goldeyes manager Ernie Lara was named the newest manager in the Alberta province.

Lara was introduced to Rabbits fans as the manager of the Goldeyes in 2032, after coming off a 90-win playoff season with the River Monsters' Double-A affiliate in St. Joseph. In each of the last two seasons, Lara posted identical 73-77 records, while developing a reputation as a highly personable manager that few players had qualms with and most enjoyed playing for.

The 48-year-old Lara, a Kansas native, is on a three-year contract that could see him earning a lucrative extension if the Rabbits start turning the corner quickly. Lara has hand-picked Double-A Saskatchewan coach Brian Godwin (three playoff runs and four winning campaigns in five seasons with the Monarchs) as his new major-league pitching coach.