Fansided

Which MLB managers are next on the chopping block?

By Stanford Crissey

May 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez (33) prepares for a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez (33) prepares for a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 13, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams (9) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams (9) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Williams, Nationals

Williams is a little bit of a different candidate than the previous two. His teams have been very successful, as he is 108-80 so far. But the expectations aren’t exactly measured in Washington right now. This is a team that is built to win the World Series, and if they fail to do so, in what is now the fourth year of serious contention, there could be consequences for Williams.

Perhaps more than any other manager in baseball right now, Williams has drawn heavy criticism for his tactical decisions. Whether it’s his bullpen usage (using Matt Thornton and rookie Aaron Barrett in Game 4 of the NLDS last year while his best reliever, Tyler Clippard, sat watching in the bullpen), or infamously batting Bryce Harper sixth last season, Williams has seriously struggled with the tactical side of the game.

Now that’s not all there is to managing a baseball team. It’s just as much about managing personalities and egos as it is setting the lineup. But if Williams’ bad decisions continue to sabotage a team with World Series aspirations, it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine the team electing to go in a new direction.

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