Fansided

Breaking down the race for the AL East title

By Joshua Sadlock

Jul 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates his three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates his three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) in the dugout before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) in the dugout before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

The Managers

11. Showalter is a near deity in Baltimore. His presence is a big reason the team has the best record in the American League since 2012, and his influence is felt in tight ballgames. Showalter is good at mixing and matching his spare parts and getting the most out of the lineup every single game. One of his best moves this year has been hitting Adam Jones leadoff, which helped ignite the veteran center fielder. Showalter is also great at managing his bullpen and knowing when a pitcher needs a day off.. . . Baltimore Orioles. 1. team

. . Boston Red Sox. 2. team. 14. John Farrell won a World Series title in 2013, but that was due more in part to David Ortiz getting red hot down the stretch. Wrapped around the World Series win were a bunch of last-place finishes. Farrell hasn’t been great with his bullpen, but he doesn’t have much to work with. Most managers in the league are totally dependent on the talent on the field, and do very little to change the expected result of games. That’s the type of manager Farrell is.

39. John Gibbons isn’t that far away from being John Farrell. He’s currently on his second go-round with the Jays. Gibbons is a brash personality, and has clashed with his own players throughout his career. Like Farrell, his bullpen management has been questionable at times. Managers like Farrell and Gibbons are at their best when their teams are perfectly healthy and they can trot out their Opening Day lineup every day.. . . Toronto Blue Jays. 3. team

Next: So, who takes it?

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