What makes a great manager? That might be the toughest question you can ask anyone about baseball.
The game has been played for more than 100 years at the highest level and no one ever has figured it out. From Don Zimmer’s unpredictability to Tony La Russa’s relentless attempts to get favorable matchups, from Joe Torre’s quiet dignity to Lou Piniella’s scorching fire, there’s a spectrum of different ways to win games and influence players.
But whatever the “it” is that a manager needs, there’s little question the White Sox’s Ozzie Guillen has it.
According to the Pythagorean standings, which measure the efficiency of runs scored and runs allowed, the 2005 White Sox were so offensively challenged that they should have finished five games behind Cleveland in the American League Central. Instead they won the division by six games and then rolled through the playoffs 11-1, bringing Chicago its first World Series parade since 1917.
“Ozzie manages very well,” Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He had that ballclub right where he needed [it] to be.
They played great ball. . . . Once they got in the playoffs, it has to happen for you, and I think we all know everything starts going right for you and it all starts on the mound. They did nothing wrong. They played the way they played from the first part of the year all the way through and then they did it in the playoffs, too.
“Ozzie, he kept them on the right track. . . . He manages just like he played. He had fun playing the game and he manages having fun, and that’s the way we should all try to do it. I think he set a pretty good tone.”
The key to the White Sox’s success was a 35-18 record in one-run games — a trend that was foretold in 2004, Guillen’s first year as manager. That team went 83-79 but was 28-18 in one-run games.
Guillen goes into his third season with a .636 winning percentage in one-run games. He has created an expectation of winning in tight times, which is why he has catapulted up the list of the best managers.
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WHITE SOX PREVIEW
Last year: 99-63, 1st; beat Boston in the first round; beat the Los Angeles Angels in the ALCS; and beat Houston in the World Series.
Manager: Ozzie Guillen
Cornerstones: 1B Paul Konerko, LHP Mark Buehrle, RHP Jon Garland, SS Juan Uribe.
Additions: DH-1B Jim Thome, RHP Javier Vazquez, OF-INF Rob Mackowiak, OF Ben Grieve, RHP Tim Redding, LHP Stephen Randolph, LHP Javier Lopez, LHP Chad Bentz, INF Tim Hummel.
Losses: DH Frank Thomas, CF Aaron Rowand, DH-OF, Carl Everett, RHP Orlando Hernandez, LHP Damaso Marte, RHP Luis Vizcaino, OF Timo Perez, INF Geoff Blum, INF-OF Willie Harris, LHP Fabio Castro.
Road to success: Stronger on paper than a year ago, a return to the World Series is possible if the lineup steps up. If Thome is healthy, he, Konerko and Jermaine Dye should make a formidable combination in the middle of the order. It’s almost a given that the lineup will be better with Thome in it, but it could be a lot better if Scott Podsednik stays healthy and Uribe, A.J. Pierzynski and Tadahito Iguchi have good seasons. Mackowiak, who can play all over the field, has averaged 66 RBIs the last two years and could be the AL’s best reserve.
Under review: The bullpen was a major strength a year ago, when two or three relievers always were going good at the same time. Marte and Vizcaino must be replaced, and Bobby Jenks is not a sure bet to recapture his 2005 form. Neal Cotts and Cliff Politte were among the best setup men in the majors last season, so it shouldn’t be a surprise if they’re not quite as good this time around. Dustin Hermanson’s back problems are a concern but he says he’s healthy.
Brandon McCarthy could be a big factor if he doesn’t get a spot in the rotation. The last spot in the bullpen will probably go to a lefty, with Arnie Munoz, Corwin Malone and Paulino Reynoso competing against imports Lopez, Randolph and Bentz in spring training.
Mystery man: Brian Anderson, a first-round pick in 2003, takes over for Rowand in center after hitting .295 in Triple A. Podsednik and Mackowiak can play center, so it’s a good spot for a rookie.
Summing up: The starting rotation looks strong enough to make a return to the playoffs likely, but it’s a given the White Sox will have to overcome some adversity along the way, as they did last September. A 100-win season is possible but not likely in a division that features two strong opponents (Cleveland and Minnesota), one average one (Detroit) and one weak one (Kansas City). The Sox have a good corps of players but they must show they can handle their newfound success. Keep an eye out for arm injuries after the championship run.
Top bench bosses
For argument’s sake, here’s a ranking of the best managers:
1. BOBBY COX, Atlanta
Pythagorean standings suggest he might be the best manager ever, but a 12-14 record in postseason series has allowed him only one World Series ring.
2. TONY La RUSSA, St. Louis
He has had 11 playoff appearances over the last 23 years with three different teams, and he’s as passionate as he was when Bill Veeck first hired him (this sentence as published has been corrected in this text).
3. MIKE SCIOSCIA, L.A. Angels
How could the Dodgers have allowed their longtime catcher to defect to the Angels, who have become Los Angeles’ top team?
4. OZZIE GUILLEN, White Sox
He wants you to underestimate him, but the cat’s out of the bag.
5. JOE TORRE, N.Y. Yankees
He’s as much a statesman and diplomat as a baseball man, skills that have helped him handle George Steinbrenner.
6. DUSTY BAKER, Cubs
He hasn’t had all the answers but still has elevated the Cubs. He will win in 2006 with a deeper pitching staff, but will he want to stay?
7. GRADY LITTLE, L.A. Dodgers
The Dodgers made a great hire with a good baseball man who didn’t deserve to be fired in Boston.
8. NED YOST, Milwaukee
He learned well from Cox and has done a good job in Milwaukee despite his record. Could he wind up as Cox’s successor in Atlanta?
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TUESDAY: A PREVIEW OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
