New York Yankees: Carlos Beltran not suited to be team’s next manager

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 18: Carlos Beltran
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 18: Carlos Beltran /
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Carlos Beltran may have had his most enjoyable season, finally earning a ring before officially retiring. Now he’s trying to switch roles from player to manager, but he probably shouldn’t be the next manager for the NewYork Yankees.

Joe Torre crafted a winning machine in the Bronx before using his knowledge to assist the MLB on a much larger scale. Joe Girardi succeeded the beloved manager and made a name for himself. But the New York Yankees won just one World Series during his 10-year tenure.

After suffering a heartbreaking series loss to Houston, New York cut the former catcher, alluding to a buildup of issues. Most stemmed from the manager and the rest of the organization – ahem, Brian Cashman.

Several teams filled vacant positions over the past few seasons. And some of them steered away from the more seasoned options, seeking out younger guys with recent playing experience. Some examples are Gape Kapler and Kevin Cash.

The New York Yankees inquired a similar choice in Carlos Beltran, who met with the team earlier this week. But the outfielder, who earned his first World Series ring with the Astros, retired a little more than two weeks ago.

At 40 years old, he won’t be the youngest manager in the league. Yet, he would clearly be the most callow, never coaching a game in his career. He may be inducted into the Hall of Fame – a huge “if.” But there is no guarantee that his expertise on the field would translate into the bullpen or clubhouse.

Beltran has some perks, as he is well-known around New York, due to his time spent there. And he already has a connection with a multitude of players currently on the roster.

However, the Yankees are younger than they were when the outfielder/designated hitter donned pinstripes. Whoever the new manager is, they don’t need to fashion a new culture in the clubhouse – Girardi fostered a culture and maintained it.

This is an up-and-coming, contending crew that, barring any insane circumstances, will take leaps forward. New York possesses a sea of young talent with a mixture of veteran leadership as well. For these reasons, some fans – and maybe the front office – believe the team doesn’t need someone with a gleaming resume. Hence, Beltran’s interest in the position led to an immediate interview.

The position doesn’t require an excruciating period of rebuilding. Compared to several other openings across the league, this is one of the easier ones available because of this year’s success.

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But despite all of this, Beltran probably shouldn’t be in the mix to be the next skipper. It takes time to become accustomed to the position. He mentioned that his time as DH allowed him to analyze the game in different ways, but it’s not the same.

Even the more veteran managers have their flaws. Some repeatedly make the same crucial mistakes in the most pivotal matchups. It’s a reason why Dusty Baker doesn’t have a job – he struggles to maneuver his way into the World Series.

Beltran has no experience and wouldn’t be trustworthy in late-game pitching changes. He isn’t suited to make key decisions in a Game 7.

Many argued that Girardi wasn’t capable either, but he preserved the foundation of this new team – a team filled with promise and upcoming success. Sure, Cashman did the dirty work, building up the farm system and bringing prospects to the club.

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But not just any manager can win, even with a talented club. And considering that there are numerous other options besides Carlos Beltran, Cashman and the other higher-ups within the organization of the New York Yankees should prefer the former, rather than the latter.