On Tuesday we brought you the thoughts of A’s reliever Brian Fuentes who ripped manager Bob Geren for his lack of communication regarding bullpen roles. It was hard to determine which side was right — Fuentes had been pitching poorly and it seemed like he was blaming someone else for his problems. Geren meanwhile should be communicating with his players and notifying them of their duties.
Though it was easy to side with the manager on the matter, comments from former Oakland closer Huston Street, now the closer for the Rockies, paints Geren in an even worse light.
“Bob was never good at communication, and I don’t want to speak for anybody else, but it was a sentiment reflected in many conversations during the two years I spent in Oakland, and even recently when talking to guys after I left,” Street told the San Francisco Chronicle. “For me personally, he was my least favorite person I have ever encountered in sports from age 6 to 27. I am very thankful to be in a place where I can trust my manager.”
Keep in mind that Street had a run-in with Geren in September ’08 when both were with Oakland, so there’s some obvious tension. Also, second baseman Mark Ellis backed Geren up saying he’s always been fine with him. Still, it seems to be a trend where relievers have a difficult time getting along with Geren. He may not be the worst person in baseball, but it’s pretty obvious he needs to communicate with his players much better. I’m guessing this is an issue GM Billy Beane plans on addressing.
