Heat is building on some managers

Sporting News, The, April 26, 2004 by Ken Rosenthal

It happens every season. Players turn into disappointments, teams underachieve and the managerial merry-go-round starts anew. The phrase "You're fired" makes for entertaining reality TV, but for those on the hot seat it's a real-world danger, injecting self-doubt, infecting clubhouses.

Larry Bowa, Phillies. Rarely do managers as volatile as Bowa win big. Bowa's passion not only is his greatest attribute, it's his biggest problem. The most successful managers--Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, Mike Scioscia--maintain an even keel. Bowa is to the point where, fairly or not, the entire baseball world awaits his next eruption.

It isn't Bowa's fault that the Phillies, struggling under increased expectations, started 1-6. But the question is whether his old-school personality creates too much tension. Most modern players bristle under a heavy hand and public prodding.

Despite industry-wide skepticism, the Phillies' front office remains bullish on Bowa, reinforcing his security by extending his contract through 2005 and adding options for '06 and '07. But the Bowa cloud will hang over the team until the Phillies either play to their potential or hire a more low-key manager.

Bob Brenly, Diamondbacks. Owner Jerry Colangelo is unlikely to order the quick dismissal of a manager who won the 2001 World Series. Brenly, however, has raised questions by overworking relievers, juggling lineups and employing unorthodox strategy--and Colangelo has not extended his contract.

Horrid pitching and poor hitting contributed to the Diamondbacks' 4-7 start, and a new manager isn't likely to improve things. Still, Colangelo is too P.R.-conscious to resist a change if the season turns sour. Bench coach Robin Yount might not want the job. Third base coach Al Pedrique isn't a big enough name. Broadcaster Mark Grace would jump at the chance, but he is too close to players who were his teammates last season.

Jim Tracy, Dodgers. His team looks better. His situation does not. New owner Frank McCourt gave first-time general manager Paul DePodesta a five-year contract. DePodesta eventually figures to want his own man, and Tracy is in the last year of his deal.

The Dodgers are an enigmatic bunch, but in the weakened N.L. West, they should be good enough for Tracy to avoid an in-season dismissal. Tracy is a solid strategist, who uses his entire roster and rarely gets outmaneuvered. He squeezed 85 wins last season out of a team that scored one run or fewer in 25 percent of its games. His hold on the clubhouse is less certain. Tracy occasionally spars with veterans, and few of his players will forget how he initially refused to take responsibility for a blowing a lead in Arizona last September when he failed to use closer Eric Gagne.

Here's one scenario: Tracy returns to his native Ohio after this season if the Reds are dissatisfied with Dave Miley, who is on a one-year contract. The Dodgers lure Tony La Russa from St. Louis or find a younger facsimile.

Tony La Russa, Cardinals. It seems inconceivable that the Cardinals would dismiss him. Less surprising would be a decision by La Russa to depart after his contract expires at season's end.

The team's 5.83 ERA through 12 games could portend a long summer. And while ownership has long backed La Russa and G.M. Walt Jocketty, a trying season might create the impetus for a fresh start as the Cardinals prepare to open a new ballpark in 2006.

La Russa is a polarizing figure in St. Louis, where some fans criticize him for declining to relocate his family from California and others obsess over his frequently unconventional strategy. After winning four division titles in eight seasons, he deserves better. A change would do him good.

Bob Melvin, Mariners. Even after winning 93 games in his first season as Lou Piniella's replacement, Melvin is in a precarious spot. His contract expires after this season. He's working for a new G.M., Bill Bavasi. And he's managing an aging, flawed club that was 2-8 in its first 10 games, matching the worst start in team history.

New hitting coach Paul Molitor looms as a potential replacement, but the Mariners rarely act impetuously. Former M's center fielder Mike Cameron is surprised Melvin might even be considered a problem, calling him a "players manager."

"Bob is very secure here," Bavasi says. "But there will never be any discussion about his contract, never be votes of confidence. That's a fool's game."

Some scouts question whether Melvin is too laid-back, showing little emotion and rarely starting runners. Bavasi strongly objects to such criticism, saying that scouts do not understand the nature of managing.

Melvin addressed the team sternly after the Mariners started 0-5. He then moved John Olerud into the No. 2 spot in the batting order, seeking better on-base percentage, after they fell to 1-6. Bright and well-regarded, Melvin simply might be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Carlos Tosca, Blue Jays. The Jays' 3-8 start matched the worst in club history, but only an outright collapse would put Tosca in jeopardy. And it's doubtful the team's high-powered offense will sputter all season.