Managing History – Mark Langill
Jim Tracy today becomes the first ex-Dodger skipper to manage against his former team within one year of his departure since Leo Durocher in 1948. Durocher began that season with the Brooklyn Dodgers until July 16, when he was released by Brooklyn and became the manager of the rival New York Giants.
Chuck Dressen, who managed the Dodgers from 1951-53, returned to the National League as a manager with the Milwaukee Braves in 1960-61. Of the five Dodger managers between Dressen and Tracy, none managed in the Major Leagues after their respective tenures with the Dodgers: Walter Alston (1954-76); Tommy Lasorda (1976-96); Bill Russell (1996-98); Glenn Hoffman (1998) and Davey Johnson (1999-2000).
Inside the Dodgers 
Last time I remember having a winning record was June 16th. Oh happy days. Let’s keep getting those runs.
Dr. Jekyll pitched very well today and even took a lead into the sixth inning. Way to go! And I certainly hope Jason Repko keeps hitting this week, thus making Grady’s decision that much tougher when Lofton comes back this Friday. And Cody Ross… way to go kid! Good game. Are the Dodgers really over .500 now?? Somebody pinch me! lol…
The Dodgers are doing great. Grady Little is starting to know what he has, Repko is hitting the ball the other way, although I’d like to see him bunt more (the kid has SPEED MAN!!) That avg. would be even better if he bunted a little more.
I’m gonna be the third person on a post about managers to acknowledge the great start that Jason Repko has had. It’s obvious that he’s learning how to get better. What’s really likeable, though, is that he’s only 25, has plenty of tools in his arsenal, and is a product of the Dodger farm system.
But returning to the subject of managing, one could assume that players will hit streaks, and that right now Repko is on a good one. The test for Grady Little this season will be to get the most out of players who are having good streaks, especially when everyone on the roster is good enough to start.
It won’t be long before we are thinking of Jason Repko as the veteran of the home grown crew. What a joy to watch him get better and mature. If all the others coming up watch and learn, with all their talent the Dodgers will be a force to deal with for years. On the subject of managers I hope Grady Little can become another longtimer in the mold of Alston-Lasorda. Now that is the Dodger way.
One more thumbs up for keeping Repko in the starting lineup. He truly is the hustle guy on the team and a pleasure to watch, esp the way he breaks out of the box after a hit.
Who knows, maybe Lofton will end up coming off the bench to spell Lofton?
…ooops, meant to say, Lofton coming off the bench to spell Repko.
as of now i think repko has earned the chance. lets see a decision that isnt based on money. lofton is a pro. he can handle it. repko could move to left or right field to spell cruz and drew also. m understanding is that repko is a 5-tool player.