1. Philadelphia Phillies - Charlie Manuel
Now this was no surprise because when you look at Charlie you say what a guy! When he first signed with the Phillies back in 2005 most people were wondering why him, he's a hitting coach. Well as you see Manuel has won 4 straight NL East Division titles, has been in 3 straight NLCS series, won 2 NL League Pennants, been to two World Series match ups, and won a World Series in 2008. Charlie is clearly the guy people love in Philadelphia and is just the man for the job, he just fits the city. Heck people cheer for him when he argues with the umpires. Players love him and feel lose around him, players want to play for him like Roy Halladay, Roy Owswalt, and Cliff Lee all chose to come to Philly for those reasons. When you look back and looked at the Phillies no one wanted to come here or play here, now it's a different story. As many people know Charlie is in his final year with the Phillies heading into 2011 but the Phillies have not made a new deal yet but be sure I think one will happen soon. He is expected to get a contract around 4.3 million dollars for 2 years. Manuel said earlier in the week that "he loves it here in Philly and likes living here in Philly and he enjoys the fans here".
2. Tampa Bay Rays - Joe Maddon
Many might believe this is a surprise but I have to say Joe Maddon has done a great job being manager of the Rays. He took a losing franchise and turned them into one of the best teams in the AL. Not only that but plays in a tough division with the Yankees and Red Sox and that's the reason he is number 2 on my list. Maddon was signed as manager back in 2006 and he has won 2 AL East Division titles, 1 AL League Pennant, and went to a World Series back in 2008 but lost to the Phillies. Maddon is a well liked coach around the league.
3. Boston Red Sox - Terry Francona
Francona, he is probably one of the best managers in the league and has done great things with the Red Sox. He was the first manager to win the Red Sox their first World title since 1918 back in 2004 and then won another World Series title in 2007, something the Red Sox have only done once in their history back in 1912 - 1915. Francona was signed as Sox manager back in 2004 and he has won, 1 AL East Division title, 2 AL League Pennants, and 2 World Series titles, he is one of the best in the game and is expected to possibly make another run for the World Series in 2011.
4. St. Louis Cardinals - Tony La Russu
La Russa has played and been part of this game for a long long time and as a manager he has been one the best in the game. He has been the manager of the Cardinals for 15 years and coached a lot of great players like Mark McGwire and Albert Pujols, two players who were and are the game's greatest. La Russa was signed to manage this club back in 1996 and he was won 8 NL Central Division titles, 2 NL League Pennants, been part of 2 World Series teams, and won a World Series title back in 2006.
5. Los Angeles Angels - Mike Scioscia
This was a tough choice but when I look at the AL West only one coach came to mind who has done so much and has a lot on his plate and that was Mike Scioscia. You look this guy and say the AL West, it's an easy division to play in the but it wasn't as easy in 2010 as the Angels didn't make the playoffs for the first time in 3 years. None the less he has done great things with this ball club. Scioscia was signed as manager back in 2000 and he has won 5 AL West Division titles, 1 AL League Pennant, and 1 World Series title back in 2002.
How can you have francona on this list over gardsy? Larusa as well, i a white sox fan and hate the twins, that doesn't mean i have my head in the sand. Come on with red sox payroll and players its easy to make this list.
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