MLB Predictions: Predicting the Next 5 Managers to Get Fired

This season, there are a number of managers in the MLB who are safe.  Terry Francona, Tony La Russa and Mike Scioscia will all have jobs at the end of the season regardless of record.

But with every season comes speculation that general managers will try to spark their teams by firing managers.  The next five managers to be fired might not be fired this season.  But these are the managers who will be the next to go.

Jim Riggleman (Washington Nationals)

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WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 29: Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman before the start of Nationals game against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on April 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Jim Riggleman has the hottest hot seat of any manager in the MLB.  The Nationals have higher expectations than usual.  With a couple of possible marquee players in the future, including Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, the Nationals might want a manager with a clean start to bring a winning mentality to the team.

Riggleman's Nationals are right at .500 at 18-18 now.  If he maintains that pace all season, his job will probably be safe.  If, however, they fall off the pace and go on a losing streak, Riggleman's job will be in danger.

Ozzie Guillen (Chicago White Sox)

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CHICAGO, IL - MAY 01: Manager Ozzie Guillen #13 of the Chicago White Sox returned to the bench after serving a two game suspension for a game against the Baltimore Orioles at U.S. Cellular Field on May 1, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Orioles defeated th

Ozzie Guillen might be the craziest manager in the MLB.  It also might be crazy to think he might not be the manager of the Chicago White Sox at season's end.

Guillen and White Sox GM Kenny Williams have a history of disagreement.  Guillen also makes as many PR mistakes as any manager in the game.  If he goes too far in an argument or a gaffe, he might not make it through the season—even though his option for 2012 was picked up.

Bob Geren (Oakland Athletics)

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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 02: Manger Bob Geren of the Oakland Athletics argues a call with thrid base umpire Doug Eddings during their game against the Texas Rangers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 2, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/G

Bob Geren has led the Athletics to a 19-18 record this season.  The Athletics have been mediocre—nothing more—during Geren's tenure.

Although Geren and GM Billy Beane have a good relationship, at some point, Geren will need to replicate the success of the managers who came before him and made the Athletics an annual contender.

Geren's contract runs out at the end of the season and Billy Beane has yet to indicate whether he will return.

Jim Leyland (Detroit Tigers)

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DETROIT, MI - MAY 02: Jim Leyland manager of the Detroit Tigers looks on while playing the New York Yankees at Comerica Park on May 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. New York won the game 5-3. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Jim Leyland is entering the final year of a five year contract.  Although he might not get fired in season and the Tigers have been off to a 20-18 start, he is aging and the Tigers have a history of poor second halves.

With stars like Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Victor Martinez on the Tigers, there are increased expectations in Detroit.

Edwin Rodriguez (Florida Marlins)

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 10: Manager Edwin Rodriguez of the Florida Marlins argues with home plate umpire Jim Joyce after Marlins pitcher Edward Mujica # 34 was ejected from the game for hitting Bill Hall #22 of the Houston Astros with a pitch in the seventh i

Edwin Rodriguez was not the Marlins first choice as managers during the offseason.  Bobby Valentine and Ozzie Guillen had their names swirling around the Marlins job.

Jeffrey Loria has already called out the Marlins for poor spring training play.  Although the Marlins have surprised people with their play so far this season and Rodriguez is an early candidate for NL Manager of the Year with a 21-15 record, he is on a shorter leash than other managers.

If the Marlins slip up and have a poor stretch for a long period of time, Rodriguez will not be safe.  The early season is too small a sample size to keep him safe if the team falters.