Wash would probably be the most sought after Manager of all time if we got rid of him.

Originalsenatorsfan said

Offensive drop-offs from MY and Mike Napoli in particular, but also Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler to a lesser extent; C) a running game that has stolen 50 less bases and been caught and/or picked off more often than a year ago; D) a catching corps that has only thrown out 20% of runners stealing against them, compared to 35% a year ago; and E) Josh Hamilton's offensive disappearing act for over two months. Through all these things, Wash has managed to get this team to about the same place it was a year ago. Looking at it that way, one could easily make an argument that an early exit doesn't necessarily put his job in jeopardy.

Interesting persepective. I might be inclined to point to these things as further evidence that Wash has perhaps lost control of this team. Certainly no one thinks Wash can go out and execute plays on the players' behalf, but these are things we used to be good at. We are now less good at them. Why? Do we need a different approach? Is he not managing his guys' egos as well as we thought he did? Is he not as good at coaching the fundamentals as we thought? Some would argue that it's the players' talent that wins in spite of the mistakes or managerial goofiness.

Mark Shapiro, Indians President, tweeted about the Acta firing: "Very difficult day due to our respect for Manny. Decisions like these r indicative of poor performance across org and players. One of only levers u can pull w potential for broader change is the manager. Not easy but decision should indicate our desire to improve"

Point being, sometimes firing a manager is a "buck stops here" kind of move. Probably moot if we make it through the next week unscathed though.

Grady Little managed the Red Sox in 2002 and 2003. Their record was:

2002: 93-69
2003: 95-67

Despite getting to the ALCS in 2003, LIttle was fired and was probably quite "sought after" given his success with Boston. But I think that the Sox were pretty happy with their decision to let him go (given that Francona led them to multiple WS championships).

If Texas flames out in the playoffs, it's not unthinkable that it could happen here.

Quick, name the last manager who led his team to 96 wins who was fired?

Next, name the last manager to win back-to-back-to-back division crowns who was fired?

Next, name the last manager to go to back-to-back World Series and make the post-season a third time who was fired?

Finally, name the manager who did ALL THREE and was fired?

Funny, I can't seem to recall that manager.

Grady Little won 95 and a playoff series and was fired afterwards.

I wouldn't bet on Wash getting fired - but every situation is different. If JD feels that the team underperformed and Wash undermined JD by not playing the guys that JD promoted (Olt/Profar), as has been suggested, I could see JD going making a change.

It's not just a matter of what Wash has done, you also have to consider what managers are available. Francona is a proven winner and two-time WS championship manager. Guys like that don't come available very often. If Texas replaced Wash with Francona, not sure that many would claim that Texas took a step down.

Wow. What a collapse.

"If Oakland wins the division...and Texas loses in the one-game playoff, does Wash get fired?"

Still think it's impossible? I don't.