Nightengale: 10 players with managerial material
- Reports indicate the Colorado Rockies may be looking at former player Jason Giambi as manager
- From quiet leaders to boisterous motivators, these 10 may have what it takes for the next level
- Derek Jeter and Paul Konerko among those who have voiced interest in off-field baseball jobs
Can a player go straight from the field to the manager's office? The Colorado Rockies may find out. Published reports indicate they will interview first baseman Jason Giambi for their managerial opening, a hire that would enliven any news briefing. Who else has the stuff to hang up the glove and fill out the lineup card?
Mark DeRosa: Hey, why not an Ivy Leaguer? They don't all have to become a Wall Street guru or a baseball general manager, do they? He's shrewd, articulate and intelligent. Where have you gone, Yogi Berra?
Torii Hunter: Ah, can you imagine the pre-game news conferences? He'd make Charles Barkley sound boring. He is one of the greatest team leaders in sports, has fabulous street smarts, and isn't afraid to criticize his teammates. He was the one who called out Twins catcher Joe Mauer for being soft long before it became popular in Minnesota.
Raul Ibanez: If Jim Thome isn't the nicest man in baseball, Ibanez may be. He's well respected by everyone he comes in contact with, from front-office folks to the media to the clubhouse attendants. He treats ball boys with the same respect as club presidents. He knows the game inside and out, and has certainly proven this October that pressure won't faze him a bit.
Derek Jeter: You think he'll have the attention of every player the minute they walk into that clubhouse door? We know he wants to own the New York Yankees one day, but can you imagine the royalty he'd bring to the managerial position? If nothing else, he would give his players a huge break. They'd never have to give another interview or sign another autograph, with all attention on No. 2.
Paul Konerko: The Chicago White Sox think so highly of him that they considered making him a player-manager last year before the hiring of Robin Ventura. He has a great baseball mind, and is quite deft at handling the media. Think Don Mattingly.
Mark Kotsay: He is a baseball rat. He has been a star and a reserve. He has played with good teams and bad ones, and always has drawn tremendous respect. He's a natural.
Scott Rolen: He understands the inner workings of every job in baseball. He could be a shrewd GM as easily as a manager. Few players are more respected in this game.
Jim Thome: He's the younger version of Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. He'll show up to the clubhouse at noon and won't leave until midnight. He has a strong understanding of what it takes to be a good manager, playing for a few of the best — from Manuel to Buck Showalter to Ozzie Guillen to Mike Hargrove.
Omar Vizquel: He was a week away from retirement, and he ridiculed the Toronto Blue Jays' lack of leadership, and took on the coaching staff for being too lenient. We love it. He had nothing to gain by speaking his mind, and plenty to lose, but his passion for the game prevented him from keeping his mouth shut. That type of bravado can make great managers.
Michael Young: He's the quiet, savvy leader. When there are problems, he'll take care of them, without the need to let the world know. He also has a quiet, calming influence on a clubhouse. He'd provide that same trait as a manager.