Percy Pringle Sr interview with DD Martin
Pringle - I certainly didn't expect for us to be talking about this.
GM Martin - One thing about King's baseball, we always try to keep it exciting (laughs). Honestly I didn't either, I truly felt we had everyone in place. For awhile I wasn't sure who was going to be coming to Kansas City with us, but once we had made the trip out, I figured we were done with personnel moves.
Pringle - So the obvious question is why did Tom Barrell decide to not continue on as the Chief's manager? Was it he didn't like Kansas City?
Martin - Tom stated it very well at his press conference and he told me the same thing when we spoke here a few days before. Tom Barrell is a straight shooter. I haven't met a Barrell yet who isn't. Tom has decided that at this point in his life, at 43 and with his wife expecting their first child next year that this was the right decision for him and his family. I totally support that decision and understand it. And before you ask I will answer this question as wtll. No there was no bad blood between Tom and me or anyone in the organization with Tom. Was he personally torn by the club's sale and subsequent move, yes but he realized it is just part of the growing baseball business here in the 50's.
Pringle - But there were comments that you and Tom would have animated discussions.
Martin - Discussions yes. Did we agree on everything, no. I won't lie to you and say we never had discussions about players or moves. That is just the nature of the game at this level. But respect is the word I think that isn't used enough. Tom and I could disagree on something, but we had respect for each other and we would listen. Sometimes I would "win", sometimes he would. At the end of the day, our goal was to make this the best baseball we could. We have been growing this club and we continue to grow and we will be a serious contender for the CA crown in the very near future. Tom believed that, and so do I.
Pringle - So where does this leave things with the field staff? Clearly Jim "Dud" Dudkiewicz will be the new manager. He signed a two year contract prior to the move here to Kansas City. Are you pleased with that choice?
Martin - Absolutely. Dud has done a tremendous job with this club being that man in the dugout that Tom relied on. That veteran presence because as you know Tom didn't have any experience before he took the job. It was felt we needed to have a man like Dud with him on that bench, helping out. Mentoring and believe that veteran voice of reason.
Pringle - How long do you envision Dudkiewicz staying on as manager?
Martin - He wanted to coach 2 more years, so he signed a 2 year deal. When it is appropriate, Dud and I will sit down and see if he wants to continue. If things are going well and if he likes what he is doing, then maybe he will stay a few more seasons. Dud has earned the right to wait and see.
Pringle - So who will be his new bench coach? Will you bring someone up from the organization?
Martin - Well since you asked, you can be the first to know and break the news here. We are going to hire a young man who was an FABL pitcher during his playing career. He is from Kansas City and he will join us as our new bench coach. That man is Kansas City native, Bunny Edwards. Bunny will sit under the learning tree of Dud and will learn the managerial aspects of the big league game.
Pringle - So do you view this as a succession plan?
Martin - Perhaps, it could be. No time table has been set. While Bunny has the desire to someday manager in the big leagues and would love to do it in his hometown. There are no guarantees. No promises have been made as to timeline or anything like that. But the opportunity is there for Bunny, and if he applies himself, then yes I could someday see him being our manager here in Kansas City.
Pringle - Certainly a lot going on. What's next on the agenda?
Martin - Well the Winter Meetings are next and we are always preparing for the amatuer draft and the rule 5 draft. A lot of people don't take much notice of the Rule 5 but you never know when you are going to find someone that has been overlooked. Take Walt Staton for instance. Detroit picked him up in the Rule 5 just one year ago, then he was part of a blockbuster trade 7 months later and now is one of the top arms in our rotation for next season.
Pringle - Well enjoy the winter meetings.
Martin - I am sure I will see you there. You never know when a deal might come together.