Bob Brenly: Future Brewers Manager?

Do you know what this is? This guy does.

Jared has campaigned quite feverishly for Ken Macha to be Milwaukee’s next skipper. Though I agree with much of his reasoning for Macha, this Cubs blog seems to think the Brewers’ managerial need has already been addressed… and it’s probably not who you’d think. Bob Brenly has already interviewed for the Brews vacant position and is said to be one of three serious candidates for the job. If the Goat Riders happen to be correct in their assertion, it’d probably be good to get a look at Bob Brenly’s resume.

MLB Service: Brenly played professionally for the San Francisco Giants and, briefly (88 at bats), for the Toronto Blue Jays. Like Ned Yost, Brenly played catcher and (also like Ned) wasn’t exactly the greatest player. He did make one All-Star team in, what turned out to be his best season, 1984 as he clubbed 20 HR and drove in 80 whilst flirting with .300 (.291). He also flashed some speed for his position in stealing 10 bases in a season three times in his career. But 91 HR, 333 RBI and a lifetime .247 clip over nine seasons proved the dusk of Brenly’s on-the-field career.

At the Helm: In 2001 Brenly was appointed to be just the second manager in Arizona Diamondbacks history. That season found the rookie skipper leading his team to a 92-70 regular season record and ultimately upsetting the New York Yankees in the World Series to claim the franchise’s first title. In 2002, Brenly and the ‘backs actually fared better in regular season play, going 98-64 and claiming the NL West title before being eliminated in playoff play. He was fired 79 games into the 2004 season after starting the year 29-50, but has chalked a career 303-262 managerial record (536) in his sole opportunity.

Personally:

- Bob’s son Michael Brenly was twice drafted by the Cubs (2004 and 2008) and is a catcher in the team’s minor league system.

- For those not exactly up on their post-millennial DiamondBacks baseball lore, you still may recognize Brenly’s name due to his broadcast experience as a color man on Fox Sports, TBS and most recently WGN baseball broadcasts. In fact, he reportedly just signed a 4-year extension to stay a part of the WGN broadcast team – but I’d venture to guess he’d leave if something better came along (PBS “Antiques Roadshow” commentator or the Brewers job).

- An unsupported Wikipedia claim quotes Brenly as saying “Give it to a kid!” when referring to adults who catch foul balls. I know that’s something all of RFB can get behind.

- Killer moustache.

The Case for Brenly: I’m not really making one. This Web logger feels neither strongly enough for nor against Brenly becoming the next manager of the Milwaukee Brewers. Like Macha, Brenly isn’t the flashiest choice to lead a team, but – other serious candidate Brewers candidate - Willie Randolph can tell you flash doesn’t always translate to wins. No matter if it’s Macha, Brenly, Randolph, player manager Hideki “Fat Toad” Irabu – I’m just anxious to see who gets the job. In the case of Brenly, I don’t think I would really mind.