It never hurts to have a sense of humor. Laughter could prove to be especially valuable for Jerry Narron this summer.
In his first full season as a manager, the longtime assistant to Johnny Oates is being asked to compete against powerful Seattle and Oakland with a Texas Rangers team that has had the highest earned-run average in the majors two years in a row.
If satisfying owner Tom Hicks’ desire for immediate gratification isn’t challenge enough for Narron, he also can occupy himself keeping peace in a clubhouse that includes temperamental sorts John Rocker, Carl Everett and Juan Gonzalez.
Ivan Rodriguez also might be a little edgy. Although Hicks gave out enough big contracts to take the Rangers’ payroll above $100 million, he failed to address the Gold Glove catcher’s impending free agency.
“I don’t think I have any greater challenge than anybody else who has a major-league club to manage,” Narron said. “I don’t think we’re any different.”
Hicks has said he’s confident Narron has the communication skills necessary to get this patchwork team playing together.
“If there are issues, and there always will be because we’re dealing with human beings, Jerry has great leadership abilities to deal with that,” Hicks said.
Narron laughed when the compliment was relayed to him.
“I definitely think I’ll be responsible,” he said.
Narron, 46, took over the Rangers when Oates resigned last May. Texas was 11 games behind Seattle when he took over and went 62-72 under him to finish 43 back.
Narron is grateful that he wasn’t swept out in the organizational overhaul that followed John Hart replacing Doug Melvin as general manager. Hicks authorized Hart to bring in a new manager if he wanted, but Hart stuck with Narron.
“Tom told me I could go get anybody I wanted, but I thought Jerry handled things well,” Hart said. “He kept these guys playing hard to the end, which is never easy. He and I have worked well together. He has been a big part of everything we’ve done.”
Yet does any manager in the majors have a shorter leash than Narron?
Hicks has suffered through back-to-back seasons in last place. He says his goal for 2002 is to be competitive, which means getting off to a good start. His hope is that Texas can go from 72 victories to 90-plus, which seems overly ambitious.
If the Rangers stumble in April, when they play 14 of their first 19 against the powerful Mariners and A’s, will Hicks decide it is time to make a change? Hart brought former Philadelphia manager Terry Francona with him from Cleveland, making him Narron’s bench coach.
Hart says he hasn’t considered how much patience he will have. Narron does not believe he’s under more pressure than any other manager.
“That’s the part that makes it fun–competing, not knowing, that unknown,” Narron said. “As far as my job, I really don’t even think about it. I want our club to play up to capabilities. I’d like them to play way beyond their capabilities.
“That’s why people want to manage, to see if they can make a difference.”
Other managers under the gun:
Joe Kerrigan, Boston: Popular as a pitching coach, Kerrigan had his first chance to manage last season. The Red Sox went 17-26 after he replaced Jimy Williams.
His fate probably is tied to general manager Dan Duquette, who is on shaky ground with Boston’s new ownership group.
Phil Garner, Detroit: He’s in the third year of his four-year deal with Detroit but has not ended a personal losing streak that extends since 1993.
His reputation, not to mention his sanity, survived seven straight losing seasons in Milwaukee, but both have suffered in two years at Comerica Park. New President Dave Dombrowski wants to give owner Mike Ilitch a winning season.
Tony Muser, Kansas City: Like Garner, Muser has been forced to compete on an uneven playing field. But the lack of resources forces a manager to get the most out of his talent.
The Royals have compiled a 309-416 record under Muser, who replaced Bob Boone in 1997. If Kansas City doesn’t start fast, GM Allard Baird might turn to Bucky Dent, who was hired to manage Triple-A Omaha.
Buddy Bell, Colorado: The Rockies were among baseball’s biggest disappointments in 2001 and appear headed for another second-division finish in the tough NL West.
Ownership has cut the payroll since the increase that followed the signing of free-agent pitchers Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle, but Arizona’s quick success makes it tough for Colorado’s large fan base to swallow losing.
