As each of the remaining four teams constructs their Final Four rosters, guys with little or no postseason experience are highlighted. Yet, this youth movement isn’t the biggest story.
Everyone knows that Dave Roberts and Aaron Boone are under a certain amount of pressure to win it all or face the wrath of fans and their bosses. While a few guys have already been eliminated, it’s worth noting that several rookie managers had strong first seasons. Joe Espada and Pat Murphy had nice seasons even if they were eliminated in the wild card round. Stephen Vogt and Carlos Mendoza are carrying the torch for the rookies.
Mendoza has navigated a roller coaster season with the well-paid Mets and Vogt surprised everyone by winning the underappreciated AL Central. It’s been fun to watch them mix and match against more veteran managers.
Ultimately, it’s the players that win championships, however managers can put their players in better situations to win big games. Aside from watching big-name closers give up key hits (read homers) in various situations, the overuse or misuse of relievers has been a storyline throughout this postseason.