Editor's Note: Head over to our Bob Geren Story Stream for more info on the firing, including a live stream of the 1:30pm press conference.
As the Oakland Athletics wallow amidst a losing streak that is fast approaching double digits, the front office finally decided a change was needed. Earlier this morning the A's announced that manager Bob Geren had been relieved of his duties and Bob Melvin had been named interim manager. Geren served as manager for 4 1/2 seasons and finished with a record of 334-376. While the recent struggles are one reason for his firing, the bigger reason is likely the disconnect described by current reliever Brian Fuentes and former A's closer Huston Street. A lack of communication appeared to do in Geren.
Melvin takes over with a little over six years experience as a major league manager. He was manager of the Seattle Mariners in 2003 and 2004 finishing 93-69 his first year and 63-99 his second year. He followed that up with 4 1/2 years managing the Arizona Diamondbacks. His time in Phoenix was highlighted by a first place finish in 2007. For his career he is 493-508.
The question now is how the A's players will respond to the change at the helm. Geren had plenty of issues and lost the team at some point, but it remains to be seen whether that impacted an offense that has been fairly abysmal this season. Teams with new managers sometimes see a bit of a post-firing bump and maybe the A's will find that spark.
As would be expected, celebration is afoot at Athletics Nation.