What questions would you ask a potential manager?

Over at Sportsnet Ben Nicholson-Smith has a list of 20 questions that he would ask of any manager candidate (personally, my list starts with “Are you John Farrell?”, if the answer is yes, the trap door opens).

It surprises me that there hasn’t been any rumors about guys the Blue Jays have been talking too or talking about, but I digress.

Ben has a lot of good questions, but for me a little too much corporate talk, “Time you’ve innovated in your role?” I try to stay away from people that speak like that, but that’s the way the world works now.

“Think back to a player who frustrated you.”

After the answer, they will say “That’s nothing. wait until you meet Teoscar Hernandez.”

“Who do you consider the best manager in baseball? Why?”

If the answer is John Farrell, the trap door opens again. Buck Showater? Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

“Troy Tulowitzki says he’ll pack up his bags and go home if he’s not playing shortstop. At the end of spring training he’s healthy, but you prefer Lourdes Gurriel Jr. at short. What do you do?”

I guess answering “Help him pack” isn’t what they are looking for, but that would be the first thing trying to jump out of my mouth. And suggesting that if he leaves he’ll be leaving a lot of money on the table would likely be the wrong thing to say too. But those would be my first thoughts. And my tongue would likely bleed from me trying not to say them.

“The 2019 opening day roster is announced and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. isn’t on it. What do you tell the media?”

Baseball’s pay structure is broken to the point that players are punished for being excellent. Is that the wrong answer? Oh, you want the lie? Vlad must work on his table manners. Sometimes he still uses the salad fork for steak.

Five minutes before first pitch, your starter’s back tightens up. He can’t pitch. What options do you consider as you look to cover those innings?

I didn’t know you were planning on re-signing Estrada. Wrong answer?

Professionally speaking, what does success look like to you?

Not having to answer questions like this?

Anyway, what questions would you ask interviewing a prospective manager?

How about: Do you like milk in bags? Do you know who Geddy Lee is? Can you pretend to like his music?

Serious ones?

The number 2 batter decides to bunt in the first inning, all on his own. What do you do?

Your fan favorite outfielder tries to steal third, down by 4 in the 8th inning, how do you make his death look like an accident? I mean how do you gently explain to him that this is not a good idea?

Of course, the most important question.....Do you read Bluebird Banter? Those guys have all the answers.