One on one with … Frank Robinson

Hall of Famer Frank Robinson is moving from the commissioner's office back to the dugout. At 66, he will take over as manager of the Expos, who are being run by Major League Baseball. It's a far different job than he had the past two years as MLB's vice president in charge of discipline. As a player, Robinson won MVP awards in both leagues. He then spent parts of 11 seasons as manager of the Indians, Giants and Orioles, compiling a 680-751 record. Robinson spoke with TSN's Ken Rosenthal about his new challenge.

TSN: Why are you doing this?

FR: I'm not trying to get back into managing. It's just something I would like to do for one year. It's an exciting situation.

TSN: Will you return to your old job as baseball's dean of discipline when the job is complete?

FR: That's a good question. I don't know. If that comes about, fine. I have no promises about getting my old job back. I know a lot of people on the field--players, coaches, managers--are glad that I'm gone.

TSN: What happens if you get summoned by the new dean of discipline?

FR: I'll say, "I didn't do it. I didn't push him. He stumbled"

TSN: Will you take a different view of umpires?

FR: It's not an easy job. They do a heckuva job. But I'm not promising anything beyond that. If I have to argue, I'll argue.

TSN: Do you think you'll be able to handle getting second-guessed in both English and French?

FR: At least when it's in French, I won't know what the heck they're saying.

TSN: What about playing in front of small crowds?

FR: I'm not going to let that concern me. I hope I can get through to the players not to let it concern them. Just focus on playing the game. Go out and do your jobs. If you do, maybe some people will come out. If not, you can't do anything about it anyway.

TSN: Vladimir Guerrero plays your old position, right field, but doesn't always display a command of fundamentals. What wisdom can you impart to him?

FR: Physically, he doesn't need any help. But it's the mental part: In certain situations, you do this; in certain situations, you do that. You've got a strong arm, but you don't have to dare people to run on you. Get the ball back in. You'll get your assists.

TSN: One of your previous responsibilities with MLB was attempting to speed up games. How fast will you make pitching changes now that you're managing again?

FR: Faster than I used to. But there will be times when I need a couple of extra seconds so my pitcher can get ready. All managers get caught once in a while. Things escalate so. quickly in an inning. I can work from the inside now. I can get (hitters) to do things in time-of-game situations that (MLB officials can't) get the clubs to do: Stay around home plate, don't wander off and step out between pitches. That's where time is wasted.

TSN: What will it be like managing in the same division as the Mets' Bobby Valentine and the Phillies' Larry Bowa, two of the game's most intense competitors?

FR: When they're out there arguing, I'll just look at them and laugh and say, "That used to be me."

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