Austin Chubb – Future Dodger Manager?

A couple of weeks ago, I made the short trek from Indianapolis to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to see the Great Lakes Loons play the Ft. Wayne Tin Caps. I have to say that the Loons front office was simply amazing. Chris Mundhenk (President and GM) and Brad Tunney (Announcer and Director of Communications) started by accomodating my request and making it all happen! Ben Schulman and John Nolan of the Tin Caps made sure that it all happened and that we were comfortable. Parkview Field in Ft. Wayne is an amazing venue to watch a Minor League Game. If it is not the Best Minor League Ballpark in America, it is in the discussion.

The title of this blog begs the question as to whether Austin Chubb is “manager material” and without hesitation, I say “100% he is an MLB Manager.” Austin Chubb had a short minor league career – I do not remember him. But he evidently had similar talent as me. I never played MLB baseball and neither did he. Of course, I never managed in Minor League Baseball… and he did! It would be easy to look at this guy and think he is just another “minor league manager or coach,” but you would be dead wrong to think that. Austin Chubb is a special guy. He “gets it.” He also knows how hard it is to play at this level and he leads by example.

When you watch Austin on the field, you can see that he is in charge and that he is “the man.” He just has that “take charge” attitude and the players totally respect him. He was around John Shoemaker at times and I am pretty sure Shoe’s dedication and attitude have rubbed off a little. Austin is a humble guy, who is just easy to talk to and I will say this: He will be a Major League Manager someday. I hope it is with the Dodgers. Enjoy the interview.

Rants & Raves

• Did you see how Belli timed his leap at the wall when Chris Bytant hit his HR? He was on it. It was just outta’ his reach, but that was textbook! As long a Muncy and Turner can hit, teh Dodgers can carry Belli due to his defense.
• With Blake Treinen due back in a couple of weeks, I would like to see Evan Phillips close some games. His control is impeccable and his pitches are unhittable.
• There was only one game for the four minor league teams as OKC was beaten 8-3.
• McKinstry and Vargas each had 2 hits and Zach hit his 4th HR.
• Mark Washington was beat like a rented mule: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER1, BB, 2. K. Alvarez and Bruihl were lit up as bad, but they didn’t earn any brownie points.
• With CT3 out for a couple of months (the Dodgers say less), it is “next man up.” That needs to be Miguel Vargas, Give him a crash course in LF. I think his bat is ready.
• OK, Kimbrel got hurt on that line drive and will be out a few days. Maybe that is an excuse for what happened…