It's been a long week of ER visits, late nights and work for me.  For the Cubs, they continue their pursuit of a new manager and team building.  The team has interviewed four candidates so far:  Mike Maddux, Dale Sveum, Pete Mackanin and Sandy Alomar, Jr. Rather than focus on the individuals at this point, let's talk about what is going to be important for the new manager at Wrigley.

There are four things in particular I'm looking for in the next manager (in order):

1. Will he consistently reinforce the message about owning the strike zone to both hitters and pitchers?
2. How well will he handle the pitching staff?
3. Does he have enough of a presence to command the respect of the team?
4. Will he avoid giving up outs unnecessarily?

For hitters, number one isn't really about taking walks (though that is a happy byproduct).  When hitters zone in and swing at only the most hittable pitches early in the count and consistently work the count in their favor a lot of good things happen.  They make more consistent contact.  They make harder contact.  The pitchers have to throw more pitches and tire faster.  Pitchers realize they have to work within the zone instead of getting the hitter to chase, leaving them more exposed to mistakes over the center of the plate.  We have a front office that knows the importance for hitters to own the zone very well.  Let's hope they find a manager that will help reinforce that message to the hitters each and every day.

For pitchers, number one means pounding the strike zone - if necessary.  It also means exposing the weakness of hitters who will chase outside the zone.  Either way, it means being efficient with their pitches. 

Theo has talked about pitcher injuries as the next great inefficiency to conquer in baseball.  One major point to look for in the next manager is how well they will handle the pitching staff.  Dusty Baker contributed to the Cubs woes in the mind 00's through his handling of Wood, Prior & Zambrano.  Will the next manager have his pitching staff lead the league in abuse like Dusty? 

And then there is the game to game handling of the staff?  Will the manager pull the right strings on leaving the pitcher in vs when to take them out?  If he is trying to conserve your starter late in the season, will he leave them in to work the eighth inning and build the pitch count into the 120's or 130's when the team has a nine run lead (again, looking at you Dusty)?  Conversely, will he be too quick on the trigger and overwork the relievers?  Will he get the most out of his R/L matchups at the end of games? 

To me, those two things are easily the most important things to look for in the next manager. 

Number three is pretty straightforward.  Will the players listen to the manager or will they tune him out?  Depending on who you talk to, I think this facet of managers gets both underrated and overrated.  It is more important to get players that a) have talent and b) are open to coaching.  But finding managers who possess solid communication skills and will get the respect of the players shouldn't be underrated, either.

Finally, the last criteria is more of a nitpick than prime driver.  But it needs to be said: giving up outs is stupid in most situations.  "Trying to make things happen" usually has little to negative benefit.  Bunting with non-pitchers has a negative benefit except in very unusual circumstances.  Players shouldn't steal unless they can do so at a very high percentage.  Many managers will go ballistic at a player not running out a ground ball on the 0.5% chance that there's an impact on the play.  Yet they will happily give away outs throughout the season.  It makes no sense and is usually a result of the manager's need to feel he's in control and/or contributing to the process.

That's my list.  List yours in the comments or let me know why mine need changing!