• Hire Jeff Bagwell to manage the rest of the season. He probably doesn't want the job in 2010, and that's not a problem. Then again, he might find he likes it.
No player in franchise history has ever been held in higher regard. It's not just that he was a great player. He's a great person, too, respected by everyone. Managing is about building relationships, letting the players know you have their back.
Smart managers can hire someone to help with the strategy, lineup and bullpen. What managers must do in this era is build trust in the clubhouse.
Cecil Cooper appears to have reached out to his players in recent weeks, but it's too late. What's done is done. I've thought about how he could be saved. If he was given a new bench coach and pitching coach, if he was more curious about strategy instead of more reactionary, he might deserve another shot. Problem is, he has had two full seasons, and he's unlikely to change.