AL Managers Scorecard
Jim Leyland (Detroit) = On paper, he has the best team in the American League. You don't want to face them in the playoffs with Verlander and Scherzer. Gotta get bullpen help immediately!
Terry Francona (Cleveland) = Has done a remarkable job so far with the Indians. This guy has two titles and could have this team hanging around for a wild card spot in the fall.
Ned Yost (KC) = Just an average team but the expectations were a little higher for the Royals this year. Depends on the 2nd half, could be in trouble, along with Dayton Moore the GM.
Robin Ventura (Chi Sox) = A beloved figure in White Sox history. I can't see the club canning him. But the seat will be warm in 2014.
Ron Gardenhire (Min) = Pop quiz...who did he replace as manager of the Minnesota Twins. The answer, Tom Kelly. Gardenhire is the longest tenured manger in baseball but the Twins have really been a poor club the last two years and its not promising in 2013 so far. I see a change coming here.
Buck Showalter (Baltimore) = Without a doubt my favorite manager in baseball. Look at what he has done with the Yankees, the Diamondbacks, the Rangers, and now in Baltimore. But I want to see him finish what he started and get the credit he deserves with the Orioles. Best manager in baseball and his players love him
Joe Girardi (NYY) = I feel that Girardi has done a nice job to keep the Yankees above .500 and in contention in a ultra competitive AL East. With all the injuries to their stars, he's done a great job juggling the lineup with hasbeens like Vernon Wells, Brandon Boesch, and Lyle Overbay.
John Farrell (Boston) = The Red Sox knew this guy from his time as pitching coach with the club. This was one of the most underrated moves of the off season in my opinion. This guy knows the pulse of his team as good as any manager. Terrific job.
Joe Maddon (TB) = He's a bit quirky but man this guy competes with the players he's got. Maddon is my second favorite manager because you can tell he builds relationships with his players and seems to always push the right buttons with his club.
John Gibbons (Toronto) = Had a nice 11 game winning streak at one point and it looked like Gibbon's boys were going to contend but then they flat lined. The Blue Jays starting pitching staff has an ERA over 5.00. Like Kansas City's situation, the GM may be in trouble after this year, therefore Gibbons may be too with anything short of the playoffs.
Ron Washington (Texas) = This guy is fun to watch during a game. Seems like a great guy. Solid manager who should be around with the Rangers for a long time.
Mike Sosscia (Angels) = I totally misspelled his last name. I think that Mike needs a strong 2nd half and a postseason birth to save his job. He has butted heads with the front office alot over the last two seasons and the Angels haven't been to the playoffs in the last few years. The clock is ticking on Mike. I say he's a out of a job by season's end.
Bob Melvin (A's) = Creates a nice, loose clubhouse for his wacky bunch in Oakland. Very solid manager whose team won't be able to sneak up on Texas this year like they did last season. I like his style.
Bo Porter (Houston) = A young manager whose pitching change blunder is sadly what any true baseball fan remembers about him. His roster is very young, so he should be given several seasons to grow with his team. They are super thin talent wise.
Eric Wedge (Seattle) = Time for the Mariners to hit the reset button again. It just isn't working for this club. But there are some nice young players for this Seattle club to develop. New GM and new manager...again.
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