DAVE BURNS

Burns: ‘Backs to the Future

May 12, 2009, 1:54 AM | Updated: Jan 14, 2011, 4:23 pm

I didn’t expect to learn a whole lot about AJ Hinch the manager after his first weekend of actual managing.

And I didn’t. The D-backs dropped two of three to the Nationals and, as I write this, they have 19 losses, tied for the second most in baseball.

First things first…I like Hinch. I’ve known him for a few years. He’s bright, articulate, runs a strong department. He talks like someone who played baseball for Stanford.

But I’ve already made my point of view on this one pretty clear. Teams that fire their managers in the middle of the season aren’t good baseball teams. And if you don’t think 30 games qualifies as “midseason”, then check this out.

The D-backs had a .414 winning percentage on May 7th (day they fired Bob Melvin). Since 2002, want to know how many teams that had the same or worse winning percentage on May 7th went on to the playoffs?

Two. Out of 40. That’s 5% to you and me.

And one of the two was the 2005 Yankees who had a payroll higher than the Vatican. They don’t count.

This, to me, is not a win-now hire. Not that I think the team can’t turn it around, but if you’re going to change managers, and outside voice was what was needed.

That’s not to say that Hinch can’t be a good manager. Eventually I think he can.

But not this year.

Dave Burns

New York Jets running back Chris Johnson trades jerseys with Tennessee Titans players, after an NFL...

Dave Burns

The Arizona Cardinals deserve a participation trophy

Give credit to Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim for one thing -- he's always trying to improve the roster.

9 years ago

Follow @Burnsy987...

Dave Burns

Doubling down on Ryan McDonough

I am going to actively avoid using the word "trust" when talking about Ryan McDonough and how he is going to fix the Phoenix Suns.

9 years ago

Follow @Burnsy987Presented By...

Dave Burns

A Corolla at running back might work for the Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals might be better off looking for a running back in the draft than to land the big name.

9 years ago

Follow @Burnsy987Presented By...

Dave Burns

On Darnell Dockett: This too shall pass

And two years from now he might very well be sounding that alarm high above the University of Phoenix crowd before a Cardinals home game.

9 years ago

Follow @Burnsy987Presented By...

Dave Burns

‘Same Old Cardinals’ becoming a distant memory

I was born in the early '70s but that doesn't mean I remember much about them.

9 years ago

Follow @Burnsy987...

Dave Burns

5 takeaways from Thursday’s wild trade deadline

Thursday was the most fun NBA trade deadline in recent memory.

9 years ago

Burns: ‘Backs to the Future