In my mind Kim Ng is the favorite. Unless someone else comes in and absolutely blows away the interview (what would that even mean when you’re being interviewed by Armstrong and Lincoln? Telling them you’re looking for a Dan Wilson type?), I think Kim Ng is our next GM. Which is great. She’s smart and I want the Mariners to be smarter. This could work out great. Then, of course, Chuck Armstrong opens his mouth.
About the next GM, Chuck Armstrong said, “If your management style is not collaborative and inclusive and you want to fly solo and do this on your own, you are not going to be our GM.”
Maybe I’m being paranoid, but it seems to me that this means that if Kim Ng is the lead candidate she is so for two reasons: It will look great politically and Armstrong/Lincoln’s sexist beliefs that Kim Ng will bend to their will more than a male candidate. Now, I am pretty sure I am right about the first thing. This team has been getting buried for years. The second point? Probably paranoia. There is something to be said about Armstrong and Lincoln thinking they know what’s right for a baseball team when the only reason either of them are in the business is because someone who knew them bought the team. They haven’t done anything in their careers to justify their thinking as great baseball executives. I most likely have a greater understanding of sabermetrics than they do (and judging by some signings by a lot) and without at least an understanding of it in the modern game, you’re in trouble. Replacement level, arbitration, compensation picks; these things not only matter their almost all that matters. Kim Ng understands this. She can implement a plan that will take advantage of these things. The question is, will she be overruled? God, I hope not.
