Twitter reactions after the Kansas City Royals announced Mike Matheny as their new manager.
In what may have been the worst kept secret the last few weeks, the Kansas City Royals made it official Thursday when they tabbed Mike Matheny as the 17th manager in team history.
In most cases, a pedigree that includes a .555 winning percentage, 21 postseason victories and a trip to the World Series would make fans happy. Many have felt, though, that Matheny mismanaged players and made poor in-game decisions and would not be a positive addition to the Royals staff.
The hiring should not be a surprise as Matheny was hired as a special advisor after last season and that is the same route that Ned Yost took before he took over the reins to the Kansas City Royals franchise. It also appears that probable new owner, John Sherman, signed off on the move which would be expected.
"“Every department has had the pleasure to work and interact with him this past season,” Moore said. “Through this interaction, it became very clear to our leadership team that Mike is the obvious person to lead our baseball team. Mike Matheny is a passionate leader with strong virtues, intelligence, and a relentless commitment to help players reach their full potential. We are looking forward to him and Kristin being a part of this very special city.” -Dayton Moore, mlb.com"
It is no surprise that Matheny, Moore and the Royals are trending on Twitter.
Here are a few press reactions:
“The tenets that defined Matheny's St. Louis tenure were inconsistent,” writes @hochman . “Matheny was considered an esteemed leader of men, yet some men he led weren't enamored or motivated by him.”
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) October 31, 2019
So #Cardinals-#KCRoyals will be fun to read about. https://t.co/q9Rg6pAQyn
John Sherman, the new owner-in-waiting of the Royals added: “I’ve...been impressed with the thoughtful, strategic process Dayton has run to get to this important decision.” https://t.co/AzrsPwMYKJ
— The Ottawa Herald (@oheraldnews) October 31, 2019
Either I've lost a loved one and Will found out about it before me, or the Royals hired Mike Matheny. pic.twitter.com/srKaiMaGcg
— Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) October 31, 2019
As expected, some were not exactly thrilled with the former Cardinals skipper moving to Kansas City:
I really don’t like the Royals hiring Mike Matheny at all, but I am more than happy to be proven wrong. pic.twitter.com/oNGEZ1PFPl
— Jeremy Scheuch (@jeremyscheuch) October 31, 2019
Royals fans, you'll love the excitement generated by Mike Matheny. *It'll be like watching a fly go up a drape.
— Bob Lutz (@boblutz) October 31, 2019
* Line stolen from Don Rickles.
The KC Royals hired Mike Matheny https://t.co/ucqz43TMnP
— Arrowhead Carl (@EAD_SPORTS) October 31, 2019
It is not all doom and gloom out there. There are people who believe Matheny has earned another opportunity and will be a good hire:
All Mike Matheny did with StL was average 90 wins per season, make the playoffs 4 times in 6 years, and win an NL pennant. Yet Royals fans are down on him.
— Jake (@navyfirern) October 31, 2019
It’s fair to criticize his playoff game management, but the #Royals are a 59 win team. How about we get there first?
The @Royals have hired a good man. I think Mike Matheny will continue to grow after a successful run with the @Cardinals. https://t.co/kHexZ1sdrS
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) October 31, 2019
Unpopular opinion: Mike Matheny will be ok.
— Royal Chiefcat 🎄⛄🦌 (@ksueller54) October 31, 2019
This Royals team has much larger gaping holes to fill than a manager. Being an AL manager isn't that difficult. GMDM needs to give him talent asap. #mytwocents
Wherever you fall on the spectrum of the hire of Matheny, it guarantees some lively discussion this offseason for the Kansas City Royals universe. This is just a start to a very interesting offseason for our Boys in Blue!