Stearns denied interview to become President of Baseball Operations of Giants

[JDBrewCrew]

Ken Rosenthal

Verified account

@Ken_Rosenthal

7m7 minutes ago

#SFGiants asked to speak to #Brewers GM David Stearns about becoming their president of baseball operations, but Milwaukee owner Mark Attanasio denied permission, sources tell The Athletic. Stearns has at least one year left on his deal, sources say.

 

Have to think he's getting a promotion and a raise after this season if they have any chance of keeping him long-term. Make him POBO, and Arnold GM or Montgomery.

[MoreTrife]

I think this is our reality from now on. Every major market is going to try and poach him as he is golden boy right now taking smallest market from rebuild to NLCS in less than 3 years.

 

I wasn't even aware POBO in baseball was a thing like it is in basketball.

 

Yes, give him whatever he needs.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

You have to be careful to refrain from giving too much power to one guy. While he has by most accounts done a good job, it is naive to think that it's just him. I am not saying don't promote him, just saying that the sky is not falling if and when he leaves and there are other quality people who can do the job.

[long ball]

If I'm Mark Attanasio I'm promoting Stearns to Head of Baseball Ops and Arnold to GM. I think Stearns and his staff have earned it and it'd be smart to keep them around for as long as possible.

[Greenleaf1]

The POBO thing is so weird to me. Arnold would be GM, but how much extra responsibility would he realistically have? What would Stearns be doing as POBO that he's not doing now, same with Arnold?

 

And if it's just a title and commensurate pay bump, I see that working for Stearns but why would Arnold want to be called a GM without any of the actual power of a GM?

[FVBrewerFan]

Stearns may not necessarily want to stay in Milwaukee long term. He's a very young guy, and may very well want to move on the Mets or somewhere else. It's a matter of if, not when, it's not like he's going to be with the Brewers for 40 years. I'm putting that far down my worry list for now.

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

Well, I guess, as they say in Major League, there's only one thing left to do now...

 

...win the whole...thing.

[long ball]

The POBO thing is so weird to me. Arnold would be GM, but how much extra responsibility would he realistically have? What would Stearns be doing as POBO that he's not doing now, same with Arnold?

 

And if it's just a title and commensurate pay bump, I see that working for Stearns but why would Arnold want to be called a GM without any of the actual power of a GM?

 

I honestly think a lot of it is just semantics. You don't let one of your executives interview for a job unless it's a promotion. There isn't really a promotion from POBO other than owner.

[Brewcrewin07]

I wonder if this angered Stearns or if it ever angers others that are denied permission from their club to interview for other positions??? I have always wondered about that sort of thing.

[Patrick425]

Stearns may not necessarily want to stay in Milwaukee long term. He's a very young guy, and may very well want to move on the Mets or somewhere else. It's a matter of if, not when, it's not like he's going to be with the Brewers for 40 years. I'm putting that far down my worry list for now.

 

See Billy Beane. Not saying that Steans will decide to stay in Milwaukee forever, but there is at least one example of a highly sought after GM staying put in a small market

[liveforoctober]

You have to be careful to refrain from giving too much power to one guy. While he has by most accounts done a good job, it is naive to think that it's just him. I am not saying don't promote him, just saying that the sky is not falling if and when he leaves and there are other quality people who can do the job.

 

Not saying you are right or wrong, but he tore down and rebuilt to a title contender in 3 years. While other GM's have been successful, there are not that many examples in the last few decades of a short term body of work that is as good as what he has done given the scenario, financial ability, etc.

 

The sky isn't falling if he leaves, but it will be a terrible day for us if/when he does. In my very humble opinion, he is one and maybe two steps ahead of where baseball is heading in terms of roster construction and usage, etc and we are so much better off having him.

[liveforoctober]

I wonder if this angered Stearns or if it ever angers others that are denied permission from their club to interview for other positions??? I have always wondered about that sort of thing.

 

It very well could. It also could very well have the opposite affect.

 

If Attanasio played it correctly and walked into Stearns' office after that phone call from SF and said "Hey, SF called. They want to talk to you about being the head of everything out there. I love you and want you to give me a year to construct a package that you can't refuse so I told them no. Let's go get a ring and then talk about what you need so your long term future is in Milwaukee."... I can see how Stearns would be happy with the denial of such a request.

[KeithStone53151]

The POBO thing is so weird to me. Arnold would be GM, but how much extra responsibility would he realistically have? What would Stearns be doing as POBO that he's not doing now, same with Arnold?

 

And if it's just a title and commensurate pay bump, I see that working for Stearns but why would Arnold want to be called a GM without any of the actual power of a GM?

 

I honestly think a lot of it is just semantics. You don't let one of your executives interview for a job unless it's a promotion. There isn't really a promotion from POBO other than owner.

 

Is it that much different to the Cubs with Theo and whoever they have as GM? GM title certainly pays way more than AGM. If Arnold had a line on a GM job elsewhere that he had more responsibility he may make a move, or he may be happy where he's at. Almost like when receivers would leave Favre and Rodgers only to go elsewhere to a team with a worse QB and be trash. Not exactly apples to apples but somewhat comparable.

[ThisIsMyCrew]

He’s still under contract so I don’t see how he would be upset about not getting an interview. Players are let off contracts all the time which taints things. Nothing wrong with asking for a raise or promotion. But call me old fashioned, I like people who honor their word/contract.

[MrTPlush]

This is a slow news day article. It means nothing and this stuff happens every year. No one gets upset when they can't interview elsewhere. It is only frowned upon in the NFL when a low level coach is denied interviewing for a big time gig...that kind of stuff is pretty frowned upon.

 

This lateral move stuff? Meh, no biggie denying the interview.

[FVBrewerFan]

He’s still under contract so I don’t see how he would be upset about not getting an interview. Players are let off contracts all the time which taints things. Nothing wrong with asking for a raise or promotion. But call me old fashioned, I like people who honor their word/contract.

 

How are players let off contracts? Asking for a friend.

 

Thanks,

 

Baltimore Orioles

[SRB]

Is POBO a more desirable job?

 

It may be technically higher in the food chain, but who wouldn't rather be the GM? I'd rather be GM than owner, for example. Especially for a young guy like Stearns who is probably not ready to "retire" from the day-to-day decisionmaking position.

[ThisIsMyCrew]

He’s still under contract so I don’t see how he would be upset about not getting an interview. Players are let off contracts all the time which taints things. Nothing wrong with asking for a raise or promotion. But call me old fashioned, I like people who honor their word/contract.

 

How are players let off contracts? Asking for a friend.

 

Thanks,

 

Baltimore Orioles

 

 

You couldnt possibly mean Chris Davis and the $100 million he’s still owed??? He did stay relatively healthy and played 128 games. However he had a .168 average and -2.8 war...

[Lathund]

I have no idea what Stearns long term goals are, but it doesn't seem far-fetched to think that he has an interest in seeing this current project through. If it's a matter of money or title that's the allure, then I hope we can offer him that. If it's genuinely a desire for change, for something new, then that's perhaps a different story.

 

I also don't believe this is a one-man operation. Matt Arnold would surely be one of the prime candidates to take over should Stearns leave, and I wouldn't expect a radical change in how the club operates. I hope, anyway...

[brewcrewdue80]

Media drumming up drama to talk about against the small market Brewers. If we make it to the World Series, Im sure Hader's past will be brought up again among another drama to belay during broadcasts.

SF the team nearest to LA, wants to interview the GM who's about to bring tears to LA when wins the LCS. Let's make a trade, Bumgarner/15mil a year for however long MadBaum is still under contract, andyou can interview Stearns.

[OnaBadger58]

I have no idea what Stearns long term goals are, but it doesn't seem far-fetched to think that he has an interest in seeing this current project through. If it's a matter of money or title that's the allure, then I hope we can offer him that. If it's genuinely a desire for change, for something new, then that's perhaps a different story.

 

I also don't believe this is a one-man operation. Matt Arnold would surely be one of the prime candidates to take over should Stearns leave, and I wouldn't expect a radical change in how the club operates. I hope, anyway...

Agree with everything here. Stearns has a new shiny toy in the NLCS currently. I think he may want to use it for a while.

[B-Train]

Media drumming up drama to talk about against the small market Brewers. If we make it to the World Series, Im sure Hader's past will be brought up again among another drama to belay during broadcasts.

SF the team nearest to LA, wants to interview the GM who's about to bring tears to LA when wins the LCS. Let's make a trade, Bumgarner/15mil a year for however long MadBaum is still under contract, andyou can interview Stearns.

 

I love this. Savage.

[markedman5]

Let's also remember that Attanasio made him the youngest GM in baseball when he hired him.

 

He was the guy who gave him a chance at his dream job. That may not buy you a loyalty for a lifetime but it sure should be at least a factor.

 

By all accounts he has a great relationship with Mark. if he is smart (which he obviously is) he understands how important relationships are when working directly for a billionaire major league owner.

 

The one thing we can't give him is a big market budget or lifestyle if that is important to him.

[yfinn6]

Media drumming up drama to talk about against the small market Brewers. If we make it to the World Series, Im sure Hader's past will be brought up again among another drama to belay during broadcasts.

SF the team nearest to LA, wants to interview the GM who's about to bring tears to LA when wins the LCS. Let's make a trade, Bumgarner/15mil a year for however long MadBaum is still under contract, andyou can interview Stearns.

 

[tigerbrew]

No way I'd let Stearns go, he's doing a phenomenal job. I'd give Stearns the POBO and GM titles and a contract extension immediately and let him run the show.

 

IMO, Stearns has been a huge upgrade over Doug Melvin, and I believe he will achieve a World Series title for the Brewers under his tenure.