First to be Whacked? - 2006 MLB Manager

by user Christof

Well, the Sopranos have come to a merciful conclusion for the time being. But the whacking will not stop until its return next year. Many whackings will occur between now and then, especially among the managers of MLB teams.

So who is the first to be whacked? Chicago Cubs manager Dusty Baker is definitely a contender. As is Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. Both of those clubs were expected to contend, and are currently either playing .500 ball or worse.

Another manager who may get taken out first is Kansas City Royals manager Buddy Bell, who has the honor of managing the best Double A team in the world. Sadly, the team is not playing at the Double A level.

Nonetheless, the expected winner of this race to unemployment will be Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge. The Indians, a team that was playing for the playoffs during the last weekend of the 2005 season, has been just brutal this season. If the underacheiving continues much longer for the Indians, Mr. Wedge will soon be filing for unemployment compensation.

Date

Mon 06/05/06, 7:11 am EST

Patrickburke1980All-American

1297 days ago

Score 4

My vote is for Dusty Baker.

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SteaksammichRed-Shirting

1297 days ago

Score 5

The Cubs have already said Baker's job is safe...that doesn't mean it is....but I think he'll stick around for at least a little bit longer. My vote goes to Wedge. It sucks that his job may be decided because of 2 bad months after 2 great years...but the Indians want to make the playoffs this year and they're not on that pace. They need someone to blame for that.

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XinophDraft Pick

1296 days ago

Score 1

I think definitely either Baker or Wedge, leaning more towards Baker. Like Steak, I'd hate to see Wedge go on the basis of one bad half-season when it's not entirely his fault, but managers get the credit and the blame.

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PopjonesWaterboy

1296 days ago

Score -1

At least Dusty Baker has an excuse. He's only been without two of his better starting pitchers almost all season (Kerry Wood is JUST back) and lost his best hitter early, who went down when the team was within a game of the division lead. Take two guys out of any rotation along with their best hitter and see how that team does.

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

1296 days ago

Score 3

Charlie Manuel. If the Phils slip any more he's gone, they just need an excuse

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The sharkDraft Pick

1295 days ago

Score 0

Ron Gardenhire should not feel too safe right about now. He is a good (not great) manager who has had the benefit of overachieving teams three or four out of the last five years to keep his job safe. Plus that division used to be winable with a barely above average team. Those days are LONG gone. So will Gardenhire be by this time next year.

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