2006 World Series: May The Best Manager Win!
I’ve been singing the praises of Jim Leyland, Detroit Tigers manager, nearly since the season began, and certainly after he publicly chastised his Boys of Spring for lackluster play with just several days of competition under their belts.
He not only told them how high is up, but that they had better keep jumping all season long. And except for a few missteps here and there, they’ve responded on cue.
Now, they’re the American League Champs and headed for the World Series.
One of two other effective managers might meet Leyland and Company at that historic venue: Willie Randolph of the Mets, or Tony LaRussa of the Cards.
Both of these guys are top notch, though LaRussa has far more post-season experience as a manager than Randolph, who is new to the game in that capacity. Still, they’re savvy and up for the challenge.
LaRussa has his demons to crush: He hasn’t won a World Series yet, though his A’s and Cardinals have reached the biggest show of all a number of times.
That just might make him one of the hungriest skippers around.
Randolph, it would seem, has no pressure at all, being a relatively new manager, he has already achieved a big win if his team gets in.
This seems to be Leyland’s year, though. With seven straight post-season game victories, his Tigers are possibly just too hot to stop.
Look for him to manage the details and sweat the little stuff, just as he did by pulling a pitcher in the ALCS with a 1-1 count on the hitter, just because he felt his hurler’s velocity was fading.
The final two teams standing, whether it’s the Tigers and either the Cards or the Mets, will be well-led, and that’s going to make the Fall Classic a joy to watch.
