Can a manager really make a difference?

Question

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately: does a manager really make a difference? Look at the Yankees: Joe Torre is said to be a great manager, but why are they struggling (yeah I know all their pitchers are out, but they have a better offense then the Tigers, but the Tigers made it to the World Series). What are your thoughts on what a manager is? Is it just someone who keeps everything organized in the dugout? Who are some good managers now? Who are bad managers?

Answer 1

I think the manager can be the most valuable person in the dugout. Every manager has their strengths and weaknesses. Some are great at training sluggers, others work well with pitchers, others with defense. Torre is dealing with a lot of issues right now. His team isn't playing like a team. His defense is horrible and his pitching is worse. Things are falling apart in that clubhouse and some changes may need to be made to right their ship, whether it is certain players being asked to leave, a new GM, a new manager, etc.

A manager can make a huge difference in a ball game. As a recent example, on Sunday Twins manager Ron Gardenhire sparked a Twins comeback win after a confrontation with the first base umpire about AJ Pierzinski's supposed attempt to cleat MVP first baseman Justin Morneau. The Twins would go on that day to crush the White Sox, would lay down a similar butt kicking the next day, and would come from behind in the final game to sweep the series.

The best managers in the game right now would have to be Ted Yost (Milwaukee), Jim Leyland (Detroit), and Eric Wedge (Cleveland). The worst have to be Lou Pinella (Chicago), Tony La Russa (St. Louis), and Manny Acta (Washington).

Answer 2

Okay, okay. So they're off this season. But a manager can make a difference. It just depends on the manager. In the case of Torre, he makes a pretty nice difference. He has the rings to prove it. But the Yankees have been slumping lately. Steinbrenner says Cashman, (or perhaps it was Torre.) might be going i the Yankees don't end up somewhat on top. I think a manager can make a difference. He just has to motivate his team. He has to try. That's a manager's job. To support his team and motivate them and get them going. He has to help them through struggles. A good manager doesn't just organize. You have to remember that a manager goes through EVERYTHING with his team. The Met's manager, Randolph, isn't bad...(Especially this season.) But then again, I can't stand the Mets. (Sorry Mets fans!) The Brew Crew manager, Yost, ain't so bad either. (For the 07 season anyways.) I'm not big on Tracy, the Pirates manager. He plays faves too much. That really bothers me. He did an okay job last year. He's not the best out there.

Hope I could help!

Yankees Love. <3

Answer 3

Oh yes! A manager can make a difference between last place and a World Series championship. If you go off on the past, Billy Martin was a perfect example of this theory. He turned around five teams (the 1969 Minnesota Twins, 1972 Detroit Tigers, 1974 Texas Rangers, 1977 New York Yankees, and 1981 Oakland A's) from perrenial losers to contenders his first seasons with each club. What's even strange, the teams were virtually intact from the season before Martin took over!

Currently, Mike Scioccia of the Los Angeles Angels has turned around that team (before he arrived, Terry Collins was constantly struggling to keep the Angels afloat. When the ex-Dodgers catcher arrived, he had to endure a losing season before leading the Halos to the pinnacle of baseball). Ozzie Guillen of the Chicago White Sox is another good example of a manager making a difference. The fiery ChiSox field boss took a constant tease of a team and turned them into champs. Ron Gardenhire, Bobby Cox, especially Jim Leyland, Willie Randolph, and Terry Francona are also strong examples of good managers who have worked wonders on their teams.

The worst? Try the likes of Terry Bevington (White Sox 1995-1997), Tim Johnson (Toronto Blue Jays 1998), Davey Lopes (Milwaukee Brewers 2000-2002), Lloyd McClendon (Pittsburgh Pirates 2001-2005), Alan Trammell (Detroit Tigers 2003-2005), Maury Wills (Seattle Mariners 1980-1981), Jerry Narron (Texas Rangers 2001-2004), and Jeff Torborg (New York Mets 1992-1993, Florida Marlins 2002-2003), among a few others. Pretty soon, Mike Hargrove of the Seattle Mariners and Narron again will make this little list (this time with the Cincinnati Reds), along with Kansas City's Buddy Bell and Colorado's Clint Hurdle.

Answer 4

In baseballe, I think a manager can be a big part in about 10 wins a year working from the bench. He can also lose that many or more with pitching changes. The players hear what the manager has to say just so many times before it falls on deaf ears. It's time for Joe to go, both for not being listened to and overcoaching the bullpen rotation. The Yanks need to release about five others in addition to Joe. Giambi, Phelps, Damon, Hydecki, and about 4 bullpen pitchers.

Answer 5

I think it can, if the players like the manager they will play their butts off night in night out.So that he don't get canned.

Good managers:
1.Terry Francona (Boston)
2.Grady Little (LAD)
3.Jim leyland (DET)
(T)3.Willie Randolph(NYM)

Bad Managers:
1.Joe Torre (NYY)
Well i cant think of any other ones that are as bad as torre (Right now)

Answer 6

definetaly!!

Dude the manager is the pride that teams need to win..

Look at the tigers! Before Jim Leyland they sucked ***!!!

Why ? Coaches lacked passion... This leyland guy is awesome!! He calls out his players to perform yet he never blames them!! THEY WIN AS A TEAM AND LOSE AS A TEAM!!

Answer 7

a manager can amke a difference but only in the N.L. where there is strategy.