From the hotel room...

Tracy's finally gone.

Although I never loathed Tracy as much as some of the other bloggers around (firejimtracy.com), I did believe the Dodgers were winning in spite of him during the first 4 years he was there. He always left pitchers in way too long didn't have the balls to bring in Gagne in the 8th inning of close ballgames. The whole 1st base fiasco this year was ridiculous. Playing Jason Phillips at first base!?!?!?! We should give him some credit. He did help develop the likes of LoDuca, Gagne, and Izturis. He also allowed Beltre to play through his struggles (although the lure of a free agent contract probably had more to do with his success than Tracy's idiotic baseball moves). But at the end of the day, Tracy thought too much and too frequently came to the wrong conclusion. He obviously can't inspire players to play above and beyond their abilities when it counts (check the Dodgers records the past 5 Septembers). Too many times in the Tracy era the Dodgers would be in 1st place in May/June only to whither as the summer got hotter. The man overmanages and doesn't let his player just play. Put players in a position to succeed, but also let players play.

Good luck in Pittsburgh as you lead your second AAA squad in 2 years.

Peace Out.

-El Maestro