I would have to say Joe Torre, all of those world series rings gotta mean something right? Of course, having the highest payroll helps too, but its not like the Yankees have wall to wall superstars.
I second that, gettinbranded. And what about the job Baker's doing in SF? Speaking of a team winning without a lot of 'star' quality. Pinella, Kelly, and Howe also deserve a lot of credit.
Dusty Baker...in my opinion there's not much question about it. He consistently does more with less than any manager in the league, year in and year out. Particularly in a division where his franchise gets outspent constantly. How many managers in the league wouldn't win with the lineup the Yanks trot out...with the ability to add key players throughout the season?? Torre is a really good manager....but did anyone think he was special when he was with St. Louis??? Not really. I like Joe Torre a lot...I hear he's one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet. But if I were an owner, I'd crave Dusty Baker in my dugout.
Lou Piniella sucks... he's ruined too many young pitchers' arms. I'd have to go with Dusty Baker. Those gians always overachieve, it seems.
Torre is the best. He has some very good players (I guess 3 consistent very good ones over the years-Rivera, Williams, Jeter), but the way he gets production out of average and over the hill players deep in the playoffs is pretty amazing. I hate the Yanks, but man does he get them, and not just his stars, humming when it really matters. Bobby Cox sucks, to have a pitching staff like he has for what 12 years plus some other good offensive players and an owner who backs him whenever needed, his performance is mighty unimpressive. Anyone else who did so mediocre considering what he had would have been gone. Dirker has got his a** couched off every time come playoffs. Players take a lead off their coaches, and Torre is loose and aggressive in the playoffs and his team follows while Dirker is tighter than an frogs a** and you know what follows. Let's hope this year is different. Baker is very good but still hasn't advanced past the 1st round if I believe, the jury is still out as to him being trully great when it most matters.
