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I don't think I've ever thought of Scioscia as "gentle" - but...
On the other hand, anyone wanting to be thought of as managerial timber, whether A.J. Pierzynski (another large guy), or Willie Bloomquist, or Buck, has to get thought of as a guy that ought to be listened to - and then as a guy with ideas that are worth listening to. One without the other doesn't work. Wakamatsu may have been really sharp, but didn't demand attention. Wedge demanded attention, but didn't get the most out of the people he was given, and, in my opinion, screwed up a couple.
JackZ now seems to be gathering a group of veteran players, to add to his young phenoms, who will lead - Cano (who I agree seemed different during the WBC than on the Yankees); Corey Hart, who is known as a no-nonsense type; Willie, the epitome of grit, hustle and doing more with what you got; and now Buck. But none of these guys seems like an insecure leader who can't handle others around him also doing their part --- more that they, like Cano, for example, tend to fade back when they're not needed, but aren't afraid to step up when they are. And they seem like the types that will let Miller and Zunino grow into their roles as team leaders as they establish their MLB(tm) bona fides.
Maybe this was the plan all along -- to limp through until the drafted core was ready and then add the frosting. It was probably far more ad hoc. But I'm getting intrigued by what is going on and really looking forward to Spring Training. One more power bat, even if not at the level of Kemp or Stanton, would solidify this group. I'm in favor of Van Slyke because I see the parallel to a Buhner-type bat and the chance to get him at a reasonable cost since he's blocked in LA. Other people have their favorites. But I'm hopeful that maybe something can get going in ST that can continue (this time) into the season.
I hope we hear in the next few weeks of some experienced bullpen arms coming aboard, and the issue of the #3 starter can be settled without settling for a Joe Saunders filler arm. Tanaka and Balfour and Van Slyke would be just dandy (I know Christmas is over, but Boras says it continues to March if you want it to). Make it happen, Z!