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When Aaron chose Helene in the season finale of "The Bachelor 2," they appeared to be happy and in love. But when the show ended, so did the joy. Soon, their courtship disintegrated, and they went their separate ways.
Sounds much like the life of a major-league manager.
In fact, Aaron and Helene had a much better shot at a longterm relationship than today's managers do with their new team. Invariably, managers are hired to be fired.
This season 10 teams changed managers, hoping their new leader could lead them to World Series glory. We look at each one and assess whether or not their new marriages will lead to a long love affair or a quick divorce.
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The "Newlywed" Managers
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Felipe Alou, Giants
What's going for him?
Having arguably the best player ever in Barry Bonds. And a team that got within one victory of winning the World Series last season.
What's going against him?
The moody and impossible-to-be-around-at-times Bonds. And a team which has changed a great deal personnel-wise from last year.
How long will he last?
Two years tops, whether the Giants win it all or not. At the age of 67, no way will he turn 70 and still be managing this team.
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Dusty Baker, Cubs
What's going for him?
A potentially star-studded pitching staff, led by Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. These two could make for a dynamite 1-2 punch.
What's going against him?
After Sammy Sosa, very little offensively. And oh yeah, that hex that hangs over the franchise -- no World Series titles since 1908. Ouch!
How long will he last?
He has a tremendous track record -- a first or second-place finish in eight of his 10 years as a manager -- and also signed a lucrative contract (four years worth about $15 million). He's staying put for four years, if not more.
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Art Howe, Mets
What's going for him?
Inherits a veteran team, which if all breaks right could honestly challenge for the NL East title.
What's going against him?
The media capital of the world. Just wait for the first three-game losing streak, everyone will be calling for his head. It very well could get ugly early.
How long will he last?
Two years, maybe three. And don't be suprised, if it's one and done.
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Ken Macha, A's
What's going for him?
Any manager would look brilliant with Zito, Hudson and Mulder. He also has a good rapport with the players and the blessing of GM Billy Beane.
What's going against him?
He's a first-year manager on a team that can ill-afford any rookie mistakes. Expectations are high for the A's, while the clock is ticking on Miguel Tejada's time in Oakland.
How long will he last?
At least three years. But it could be World Series or bust. |
Bob Melvin, Mariners
What's going for him?
Widely considered a gem-in-waiting, Melvin also inherits a veteran team with high expectations. The M's won 93 games last year and finished in third place. If they win 93 again, don't count on them winding up in third place again.
What's going against him?
As stated, they're old, old, old. With an injury here and a bad season there, they could finish under .500 in the ultra-competitive AL West and perhaps 20 or so games out of first place.
How long will he last?
He's in it for the long haul. By that meaning five years or perhaps more. The energy flows from Melvin.
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Lou Piniella, Devil Rays
What's going for him?
Sweet Lou is adept at turning teams into contenders (see Cincinnati and Seattle). Plus, he lives in Tampa and actually wanted this job.
What's going against him?
Try a young, untested roster with no current stars -- Ben Grieve is hitting third! And the impatient Piniella can only stomach so much losing.
How long will he last?
Two years. By then, Lou will welcome a Florida retirement.
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Buck Showalter, Rangers
What's going for him?
Buck is as prepared and detailed as any manager in baseball and inherits a strong lineup that features the game's best player: Alex Rodriguez.
What's going against him?
Still, where's the pitching? And Buck's alleged micromanaging could start to grate on the players during those steamy Texas summers.
How long will he last?
Three years. And then Texas will win the Series in '06.
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Alan Trammell, Tigers
What's going for him?
He's a hero in Detroit, one of the greatest players to ever don a Tiger uniform, returning to the city of his former glory.
What's going against him?
This sure ain't the '84 Tigers. Try the opposite. Trammell may be stuck with the worst roster in baseball.
How long will he last?
OK, three years -- because he's a hometown favorite. Now, if he could only get Whitaker, Gibson, Morris, Hernandez ...
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Ned Yost, Brewers
What's going for him?
The good Brats. Help! Help! There must be more.
What's going against him?
A roster that simply can't on an everyday basis compete on the big-league level. You talk about ugly, this organization is ugly.
How long will he last?
Two years and perhaps part of a third, at which time management will be looking for a new fresh face.
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Eric Wedge, Indians
What's going for him?
Wedge, the majors' youngest manager at 35, has already showcased his fine skills at Triple-A Buffalo, where he was Manager of the Year.
What's going against him?
You're not in the minors anymore, kid. Wedge's starting lineup will have three rookies -- and no Jim Thome.
How long will he last?
Two years, maybe three. By then, he may be older than all of his players.
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