Major League Baseball's 30 General Managers: Who's the Best?

As the Hot Stove League continues to sizzle, let’s take a step back and evaluate the guys making all the key decisions this winter.  We’ve placed each of the 30 current GMs in one of six categories based on recent job performance as well as past results.  In the spirit of fairness, the jury’s still out on nine guys who’ve been GM for less than two full years—they simply have not had sufficient time to make a mark at their new positions.  However, there are two notable exceptions:  Andy MacPhail of the Orioles and Walt Jocketty of the Reds enjoyed so much success at prior jobs we were comfortable ranking them.   

The Elite

1)     Billy Beane, Oakland A’s – No GM has done more with less for so long.  The standard bearer for other small market GMs.  After a down 2007 and 2008 look for the A’s to rebound this year.

2)     Theo Epstein, Boston Red Sox – Boston’s immense payroll notwithstanding, he’s accumulated more hardware than anyone since 2003 (five playoff appearances and two World Championships).  Epstein has enjoyed unbridled success going against the grain of sentimentality (see trades of Garciaparra, Nomar and Ramirez, Manny) while delivering on his promise to transform the organization into a “player development machine.”

3)     Doug Melvin, Milwaukee Brewers – Surprised?  Don’t be.  He led Texas to that organization’s only three postseason appearances then laid the groundwork for the Brewers’ first playoff game in 26 years.  Last July’s trade for C.C. Sabathia was a master stroke.  It won’t get any easier following the departures of Sabathia, Ben Sheets and all-world scouting director Jack Zduriencik.  

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