I agree with his overall conclusions about the way Cooper has screwed up the running game.
But I am bothered by the way he uses hypothetical quotes to imply what Cooper is saying. The reason I am bothered by it is that I can’t figure out if he is implying that Cooper has said something similar to this to reporters or not.

When I first read the column, I focused on this hypothetical statement by an manager:

 Three months later, after the club has run its way out of inning after inning and with the buzzards circling, the manager will issue a course correction.

‘’Now you boys know that are never my idea. That was the durn owner. Someone told him it was a good idea.’’

Is Justice implying that Cooper has told reporters that McLane ordered him to push the running game, small ball, etc.? Or did he just making this up to be funny?

If it’s the former, then it is ridiculous for an owner to micromanage to the extent of ordering particular game strategy. And it damning of the manager if he engages in the strategy when he knows it is wrong. It may be that Justice is implying that the manager is just shifting blame, rather than telling the truth, which is also damning.

However, if Cooper hasn’t really said anything like this, off-the-record, then Justice really should refrain from this style.