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

Rock Solid

8)     Andy MacPhail, Baltimore Orioles – He’s been with the Orioles for just 18 months, but has already made his mark in player procurement/development.  The organization has also refrained from the senseless trades and signings that had plagued it in the past.  A first-rate GM while with Minnesota, as evidenced by World Championships in 1987 and 1991.

9)     Mark Shapiro, Cleveland Indians – Had the unenviable task of taking over for John Hart after the Tribe’s revenue streams had maxed out earlier this decade.  His Bartolo Colon for Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips deal in 2002 ranks as one of the top ten trades of all time.  Has done an excellent job repairing the Indians’ bullpen this winter, putting the club in a strong position to contend in ’09.

10)  Kevin Towers, San Diego Padres – Has been GM since 1996—the longest tenure in baseball—and guided the club to four postseason appearances, including the 1998 World Series.  Very adept at salvaging useful relievers from the trash heap.  Owner John Moores’ current divorce saga has left him hamstrung.

11)  Brian Sabean, San Francisco Giants – If this list were complied in 2005, when the Giants were in the midst of eight consecutive winning seasons with four playoff appearances interspersed among them, Sabean would have likely been in the top five.  However, life without Barry Bonds isn’t easy.  After four straight losing seasons, Sabean’s Giants might finally be ready to rebound with an excellent starting rotation and the farm system in the best shape it’s been in years.

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