Several managers in the last years of contracts, most notably the Dodgers' Jim Tracy, appear safe. Two interims, the Astros' Phil Garner and the Blue Jays' John Gibbons, stand good chances of being rehired. Others won't be as fortunate.
Only three managers have been fired since opening day, so get ready for the merry-go-round to start spinning furiously once the season ends.
They'll fall off first
Larry Bowa, Phillies. In grand baseball tradition, the Phillies will hire a cuddly, player-friendly type who is the polar opposite of the combative Bowa. Embattled general manager Ed Wade needs to do better than the Phillies' leading in-house candidate, former Indians manager and FOJT (Friend of Jim Thome) Charlie Manuel.
Art Howe, Mets. A team often takes on the personality of its manager, and Howe's injury-depleted club is in a deep sleep. Howe is owed nearly $5 million over the next two seasons, but that excuse won't fly in a city where price is no object for the Yankees. Lou Piniella, increasingly frustrated in Tampa Bay, would be perfect.
Al Pedrique, Diamondbacks. He took over the Titanic two minutes before it hit the iceberg. But the Diamondbacks, ravaged by injuries, began the week 13-44 under Pedrique after going 29-50 under Bob Brenly. The team's new owners likely will want someone more experienced. Grady Little or Jim Fregosi would fit.
They could be next
Bob Melvin, Mariners. First-year general manager Bill Bavasi exercised Melvin's option for 2005 on May 4, temporarily quelling speculation about the manager's future. Melvin, however, continues to draws criticism within the industry for his bland persona.
Frank Robinson, Expos. The team's MLB-appointed caretaker could be replaced if the franchise ever gets sold. He's a better evaluator than a manager, but the former Oriole, a Hall of Famer, could help market a team in Washington, D.C. or northern Virginia.
Lee Mazzilli, Orioles. Streaky team, shaky manager. If the Orioles bring back Mazzilli, they should allow him to pick at least two of his coaches -- a basic managerial right he did not enjoy in his first season.
Senior writer Ken Rosenthal
Sporting News
Only three managers have been fired since opening day, so get ready for the merry-go-round to start spinning furiously once the season ends.
They'll fall off first
Larry Bowa, Phillies. In grand baseball tradition, the Phillies will hire a cuddly, player-friendly type who is the polar opposite of the combative Bowa. Embattled general manager Ed Wade needs to do better than the Phillies' leading in-house candidate, former Indians manager and FOJT (Friend of Jim Thome) Charlie Manuel.
Art Howe, Mets. A team often takes on the personality of its manager, and Howe's injury-depleted club is in a deep sleep. Howe is owed nearly $5 million over the next two seasons, but that excuse won't fly in a city where price is no object for the Yankees. Lou Piniella, increasingly frustrated in Tampa Bay, would be perfect.
Al Pedrique, Diamondbacks. He took over the Titanic two minutes before it hit the iceberg. But the Diamondbacks, ravaged by injuries, began the week 13-44 under Pedrique after going 29-50 under Bob Brenly. The team's new owners likely will want someone more experienced. Grady Little or Jim Fregosi would fit.
They could be next
Bob Melvin, Mariners. First-year general manager Bill Bavasi exercised Melvin's option for 2005 on May 4, temporarily quelling speculation about the manager's future. Melvin, however, continues to draws criticism within the industry for his bland persona.
Frank Robinson, Expos. The team's MLB-appointed caretaker could be replaced if the franchise ever gets sold. He's a better evaluator than a manager, but the former Oriole, a Hall of Famer, could help market a team in Washington, D.C. or northern Virginia.
Lee Mazzilli, Orioles. Streaky team, shaky manager. If the Orioles bring back Mazzilli, they should allow him to pick at least two of his coaches -- a basic managerial right he did not enjoy in his first season.
Senior writer Ken Rosenthal
Sporting News
