After Joe Girardi landed the Phillies manager job, MLB Network needed to find his replacement. MLB Network finally found their man. Former New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, and Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter has signed with the Network.
Andrew Marchand of the New York Post was the first to report the news:
MLB Network is adding Buck Showalter as an analyst, The Post has learned.
Showalter was reportedly the second choice of the Phillies, with upper management split on the decision. Showalter, who has managed the Yankees, Rangers, Diamondbacks and Orioles, will give the dugout point of view.
Showalter will continue on the YES Network. Since the season has been shortened to 60 games, YES has limited the rotation of its deep roster of analysts. Showalter is expected to receive more time as the season deepens and during the Yankees’ playoff run.
Showalter, 64, as mentioned was a candidate for the Phillies managerial position that went to Girardi. To be honest, this probably helps Showalter get another job in the future. If he does a good job breaking down games, it’s a good way to get noticed by teams. Whether that’s fair or unfair, it’s a reality. Showalter will now work for MLB Network and YES Network.
I have a feeling Showalter will be pretty good on TV. Girardi did a good job for MLB Network but almost felt like he was hiding things because he knew he would get another job. I hope Showalter lets it loose a little and brings a fire to the set. In a 60 game shortened season, headline worthy clips of Showalter would bring much needed buzz to the sport.
