Tribe Has Options With Vacant Manager Position

Eric Wedge inherited a young and talented baseball team seven years ago when he took over as manger of the Cleveland Indians.

Wedge developed a reputation of preferring hard-working players over talented ones, which may have played a role in the departure of prospects who achieved success after leaving Cleveland (Brandon Phillips, Ryan Ludwick, Coco Crisp, Jeremy Guthrie, and Milton Bradley).

Despite Mark Shapiro’s ability to supply Wedge with talented baseball players, sustained success was never achieved throughout Wedge's tenure as manager of the Tribe.

The Tribe also tended to struggle early under Wedge, repeatedly digging themselves into a hole in April. In fact, the Indians are a combined 73-96 in April during the "Wedge Era."

These struggles culminated this year as the Tribe had another disappointing season.

The good news is that there are a multiple options who would be a good fit for the job. Here are a few of them...

John Farrell

Current Position: Boston Red Sox Pitching Coach (since 2006)

Reason: From 2001-2006, Farrell was the Director of Player Development for the Tribe. In 2004, his success was noticed, and Baseball America placed the Indians in the top spot of the top farm systems in baseball. He also had two stints with the Tribe as a player (1987-90, 1995) and currently lives in Westlake, Ohio.

Joel Skinner

Current Position: Cleveland Indians Third Base Coach (since 2002)

Reason: From 1995-2000, Skinner spent six seasons managing in the Indians farm system. His teams achieved success and had a combined record of 448-333.

In 2002 he took over as interim manager of the Tribe after the dismissal of Charlie Manuel, and led the team to a 35-41 record to finish the season (including a 15-13 record in September).

Skinner was suggested as a candidate to keep the job, but later Eric Wedge was chosen.

Mike Hargrove

Current Position: Liberal BeeJays Manager (a semi-pro summer team in Kansas)

Reason: From 1991-1999, Hargrove was a combined 721–591 as the manager of the Tribe. He led the Indians to five consecutive AL Central Division titles and 2 World Series appearances (1995, 1997).

His dismissal as Indians manager was controversial with many fans. The "Human Rain Delay" was also named a member of the top 100 players in Cleveland Indians history for his playing career.