When the 2011 Major League Baseball season commences in March, there will be 12 teams heading into this season with new managers (Marlins, Orioles, Royals, Cubs, Mariners, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Braves, Blue Jays, Brewers, Dodgers and Mets). With all that managerial turnover, you would expect a quiet midseason regarding managerial changes, right?
Well, not so fast. Several managers will be heading into the 2011 MLB season on the hot seat and the pressure is on for these skippers to win or else. And so without further adieu, here are the managers who will be pressure-cooking this upcoming season:
Eddie Rodriguez, Marlins
He was originally supposed to be a three-day interim manager in Florida after Fredi Gonzalez got the ax. Then it became a week-long job, which escalated into a season-long job, and finally after a failed attempt by owner Jeffrey Loria to find a quality replacement, Loria had no choice but to give E-Rod the job on a permanent basis. If the Marlins disappoint this season, expect the Marlins to open next season with not only a new ballpark but a new manager as well.
Bud Black, Padres
He is a quality baseball guy and an excellent handler amongst his pitchers which resulted in him receiving NL Manager of the Year honors. But the fact of the matter is that the Padres have come a win short of making the postseason in two of Black’s four years with the team. Another disappointing finish will doom Black’s chances for a return.
Jim Riggleman, Nationals
Riggleman finds himself an easy target for an ownership team that is trying to make a splash, and has overspent on free agents thinking that the Nats will be a force in 2011 when in reality the Nats are expected to finish last again in the NL East, making Riggleman a likely scapegoat.
Ozzie Guillen, White Sox
The mouthy Guillen has been a favorite with owner Jerry Reinsdorf but so is equally outspoken GM Kenny Williams and the ongoing battles between the two men will force Reinsdorf to choose between Guillen and Williams. With a possible vacancy in Florida, Guillen will love a change of scenery.
Joe Girardi, Yankees
He’s the Yankees manager, of course. However, nothing’s a certainty in the Bronx. With longtime mainstays Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera getting up in years expect the Yanks to make a major overhaul this offseason if the Bronx Bombers don’t make the postseason.
However, the guys who will be feeling the pressure this season are the usually safe general managers. Among the GMs who will be entering the 2011 on shaky ground include Doug Melvin (Brewers), Tony Reagins (Angels), Jack Zduriencik (Mariners) and Neal Huntington (Pirates).
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