If Ozzie hit a grounder in the infield, he would jog to first base. Hawk even criticized him for it once. You remember one game, Ozzie played over 1000 for the Sox. He hustled when he was on base, but might have been on base more had he hustled all the time. He has no patience, hence his walk total. I don't think that is a good trait for a manager to have, although JM had too much patience. Ozzie even popped off about the fans saying the team didn't need them.
You are using Hawk's judgement as a guide?
This is the man who fired Tony LaRussa.
I am quoting one game, but I remmeber thousands that he played.
His intensity on the field and love for the game are TWO of the major issues the Sox lacked last season.
You are basing his ability to manage on his walk total? Could his career OBP been higher...sure. He was, for the most part the number 9 hitter.
But he is not the hitting coach. Greg Walker has that job.
Will he tell Greg: "Make sure no one walks!" I don't think so, that was Ozzie's game as a player to put the ball in play. He also didn't Strike out much or hit into many double plays. Care to see that on the team?
His job is to motivate, keep this team focused on the task at hand, and make sure they have fun.
Something he did in on a extremely high level as a player