Do they matter? The Baseball Managers Edition

Sunday July 1st will always be remembered as one the most puzzling days in Seattle sports history. The Mariners had just won their eighth game in a row, closed the gap on the division leading Angels, and the people of Seattle were buzzing like another WTO conference was in the works. The players were happy, and the managerial staff seemed adequate, at the very least. Things were looking up for baseball in the Pacific Northwest.

Then, with the snap of two fingers, Mike Hargrove packed up his stuff and resigned as manager, with no concrete explanation surprising fans and players alike. So where does this leave the team as they head into a four game at division rival Oakland? Can they continue playing above their level? Can they catch the Angels with an inexperienced, impromptu manager? Does the role of manager really matter at this level? Read more