Last week’s announcement by the Buffalo Bisons that Torey Lovullo would be returning in 2008 for his third season as the Herd’s Manager made me very happy, but also came the realization that his time in Buffalo might soon be coming to an end.

Make no mistake, Torey is a great guy, and covering the team in the media becomes so much easier because this man always welcomes you into his office as on old friend, readily makes himself available for interviews and comments, and his love for the game and his role in it rubs off on anyone who gets the chance to get close to him. If there is one annoying thing about him, it is that he too joyous and positive. He never rebukes or calls out one of his players publicly after a subpar performance. He will always put a positive spin on the worst scenarios. I can only guess that he’s got be the world’s greatest dad, greatest husband and someone’s greatest best friend.

Take a look at Torey’s managerial statistics; he has enjoyed success at every level of the Cleveland chain, and has won championships at the A and AA level. His name was even kicked about this year for the Manager’s position in Pittsburgh.

Lovullo’s Managerial Statistics
2002 Columbus 79-60
2003 Kinston 73-66
2004 Kinston 88-50
2005 Akron 84-58
2006 Buffalo 73-68
2007 Buffalo 75-67
Total 472-369 (.561)

But while he produced winning seasons in Buffalo, both in 2006 and 2007 the team failed to make the International League playoffs, a dubious streak unprecedented in the Buffalo-Cleveland relationship. During both seasons weird things happened in terms of injuries, callups, orders from the parent to play certain players, etc. which conspired to sabotage the team’s fortunes, but realize too that every AAA team that the Bisons face have quirky parent clubs and their own issues. When push came to shove, Buffalo didn’t get it done, and Dunn Tire Park has been dark post Labor Day now two years running.

So what will 2008 bring? Swirling around in the background is the possibility that this will be Cleveland’s last year with the Herd. Now under construction in downtown Columbus’ Arena District is the Columbus Clippers new ballpark, Huntington Park, set to open in 2009. Cleveland already has minor league affiliates in Akron and Lake County, and would covet the sizable Columbus market and the fan base they could grow there, as well as the buildout of a regional sports cable channel.

I’m assuming that the Bisons will make a full press to keep the Indians here… right from the Bob Richs on down the team has worked hard to cement personal relationships with the parent team, and have been proactive in spending on capital improvements to player facilities at the ballpark to keep the Indians happy.

We should get an indication early on what the Indian’s intentions are… if the team sucks and nobody gives a damn, you’ll know they are out of here (think 1994 with the Pirates, the worst stinkeroo season ever at the downtown ballpark).

Meanwhile, we all wish Torey Lovullo well - he has always been a fan favorite both as player in the 90s and as a manager. I am hoping he holds HIMSELF up to the highest standard in what could be an awkward and difficult year in Buffalo.

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