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MLB: Ranking the Top 10 General Managers in Baseball

By Robby Sabo

Feb 18, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane speaks to the media during MLB media day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane speaks to the media during MLB media day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 12, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak in attendance before game two of the 2014 NLCS playoff baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak in attendance before game two of the 2014 NLCS playoff baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

2. John Mozeliak, St. Louis Cardinals

  • 2015 Payroll: $121,067,633 – 13th in MLB
  • Assumed Position: October 30, 2007
  • Major Accomplishments: 2011 World Series Champions, 2013 NL Pennant

John Mozeliak, the general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, could have easily finished first on the list.

He’s quite worthy of the runner-up.

The boss of the “model MLB franchise” has a system in place which keeps on churning talent. Not only does it keep on churning talent, it brings a mystique with it that seems to transform average ball players, or even disappointments, into big-time performers.

The Cardinals have played in the NLCS a ridiculous four-straight times, including a championship in 2011 and a pennant in 2013.

Mozeliak has built them through smart drafting and continued development. The fact that he never seems to bring in any big-time free agents makes his success even more amazing – as they rank in the middle of the baseball pack in payroll.

The Cards are always a mentally tough postseason bunch.

One of Mozeliak’s trend-setting moves was hiring young Mike Matheny to manage the ball-club.

After Tony La Russa retired, Mozeliak looked to a young catcher to take the helm. Sure, Joe Girardi with the Marlins was an example years back, but since the game has seen Matheny’s success, many more have followed (Kevin Cash, Brad Ausmus).

Next: No. 1

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