Is it possible that Glenn Hubbard is being groomed for a managerial position, possibly with the Braves?
-- Ed A., Hendersonville, Tenn.
Hubbard's skills as a coach are invaluable. His ability to groom Marcus Giles and Kelly Johnson into second basemen was certainly impressive. And now, when I say I've never thought of Hubbard as a manager, I do so because he's never given any inclination that he wants the role.
Hubbard brings his lunch-pail, blue-collar approach to the ballpark on a daily occasion and has never sought the public limelight. He has the players' respect and knowledge that would allow him the opportunity to be a successful manager. But he's never one to toot his own horn and because of that, it's always been easy to forget about him when thinking about managerial candidates.
While saying this, I'm not sure he'd enjoy the public exposure that he'd face while serving as a manager. But I do know that I enjoy listening to him dissect the game with the same passion that many of you loved to see him display during his playing days in Atlanta.
What ever happened with Javy Lopez? I know he went to Colorado, but what has happened to him since?
-- Stephen M., Daytona Beach, Fla.
Over the past few years, I've never really responded to any of these questions with an answer ... until now.
Based on the amount of questions I've received about Leo and Javy, I have to ask, "Do they have the same agent and did he put all of you up to sending all of these questions?"
Lopez was released by two teams (Orioles and Red Sox) last year and didn't make it out of Spring Training with the Rockies this year. Despite the fact that no other Major League team opted to employ him this year, I've heard he still aspires to play.
About his chances of playing in Atlanta next year, I'll only say they are at least marginally better than Mazzone coaching with the Braves in 2008.
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