Post-Season 2006 Baseball Predictions: Rating the Managers

By: Dr. Gary S. Goodman
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:26:21
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Finally, the post-season is about to get underway!

Which teams will be the last two standing and march forth, or possibly hobble into the World Series?

Let’s not even talk about the players. First, let’s focus on the Managers.

Joe Torre of the Yankees has been to the post-season and put to the test more than any of his current rivals, and he knows better than anyone else the ropes, the tempo, and the vibe of October baseball. He’s a cool customer under pressure, always attuned to the potential and limitations of his players. If this were merely a battle of managers, I’d pick Torre, hands down.

Jim Leyland is another steady journeyman, and I like his instincts, especially in removing flagging pitchers before they are tapped for lots of runs. He’s my second choice in the management ranks.

Grady Little of the Dodgers is another wise pro, and I expect he’ll make some cool-headed decisions with his balanced team of youngsters and veterans.

While Tony LaRussa gets his teams into the post-season with regularity, his inability to cash in the big prize and win it all, is a huge mark against him. Just as the Cards seemed to melt down at the end of the season, LaRussa comes close, but no cigar.

The rest of the managers are capable: Willie Randolph of the Mets, Ron Gardenhire of the Twins, Ken Macha of the A’s, and Bruce Bochy of the Padres.

But for my money, Joe Torre is THE MAN.

I think his savvy worth one more victory in each round, and that just might add up the margin he needs to win the World Championship for the Yankees in 2006.

Best-selling author of 12 books and more than 850 articles, Dr. Gary S. Goodman is considered "The Gold Standard"--the foremost expert in sales development, customer service, and telephone effectiveness. Top-rated as a speaker, seminar leader, and consultant, his clients extend across the globe and the organizational spectrum, from the Fortune 1000 to small businesses. He can be reached at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

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