How would the White Rat have fared in the internet era?

Numbers · Post by **Numbers** » April 12 07, 10:38 pm

I'm the #1 fan of Herzog, but how do you think the internet would have reacted to the double switches late in games with a left handed pithcer on the mound and a right handed pitcher in right field, or the collapses of 86 and 88?
Would he be viewed a little more like Larussa is?

p.s. I forgot the constant platooning of Andy Van Slyke and the subsequent trade to Pittsburgh.

picasso · Post by **picasso** » April 12 07, 11:57 pm

I believe he would be invulnerable to attacks on his decision-making. After '82 he had achieved a "Jack Buck"-like status. He was so likeable, and knowledgeable, if he said it was so, well it just was.

I think people would be more down on Van Slyke than Herzog not allowing him to play. And the Worrell in RF with Dayley pitching, to my memory nothing bad ever happened from that.

I believe the line of thinking would be more like the players are un-motivatable and have given up on Herzog, rather than Herzog can't motivate these guys. JMO.

fanforever · Post by **fanforever** » April 13 07, 5:38 am

I tell you right now I would have crucified him on the internet for his act and actions in Game 7 of the 1985 World Series. That was uncalled for in my opinion and soured me on Herzog.

Yeah the ump may a mistake in game 6, but his job was to get over it and prepare for game 7. He did not do that IMO

jim · Post by **jim** » April 13 07, 7:15 am

Interesting question. My guess is he would have even more of a cult-like following. The double switches with the pitcher in the OF never backfired to my recollection.

Post by **Michael** » April 13 07, 7:41 am

I think Whitey would have had a tough time with our modern (ie aggressive) media.

valley_card22 · Post by **valley_card22** » April 13 07, 7:51 am

Last night ESPN classic had 5 Reasons you cant blame Don Dinkinger. Good stuff.

Blamed poor Cardinals O, and Whitey melting down. AND VINCE Freaking COleman, the fastest man in the game getting run over by the tarp.

Post by **heyzeus** » April 13 07, 7:54 am

I'm guessing Whitey would not have been a big fan of the internet, or "blogs" or questions from blogs like VEB that are generally much tougher and more specific than sportswriters of past eras.

doe_boy · Post by **doe_boy** » April 13 07, 8:20 am

I think a younger Whitey would adapt to what's going on now and thrive. He loved working the press back in the day, so I don't think more microphones would bother that Whitey at all.

Now, if the current Whitey came back to manage, he might have some troubles.

maddash · Post by **maddash** » April 13 07, 8:58 am

fanforever wrote:I tell you right now I would have crucified him on the internet for his act and actions in Game 7 of the 1985 World Series. That was uncalled for in my opinion and soured me on Herzog.

Yeah the ump may a mistake in game 6, but his job was to get over it and prepare for game 7. He did not do that IMO

++

I would have reacted to '85 the same way I did back in '85. Even as a young kid I knew Whitey gave up in Game 7. I still resent him for that.

obucard · Post by **obucard** » April 13 07, 9:50 am

maddash wrote:
fanforever wrote:I tell you right now I would have crucified him on the internet for his act and actions in Game 7 of the 1985 World Series. That was uncalled for in my opinion and soured me on Herzog.

Yeah the ump may a mistake in game 6, but his job was to get over it and prepare for game 7. He did not do that IMO
++

I would have reacted to '85 the same way I did back in '85. Even as a young kid I knew Whitey gave up in Game 7. I still resent him for that.

Nice to see I'm not the only one.