One Player from Every MLB Team Who Could Become a Manager

After hearing that the Chicago White Sox briefly considered Paul Konerko when contemplating manager candidates for the vacancy left by Ozzie Guillen, many began to wonder how far that notion could be taken.

While it's unlikely that a situation would ever actually put a player in the position to be a manager while still on the field, you can be sure that some players in this league will eventually make the transition to a managerial role.

It could be due to their knowledge of the game, history and track record for success, or just because they can't leave the game behind once they're done playing.

Here are a few players who could potentially make the jump after retirement.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Willie Bloomquist

Playing for four different teams during his 10-year career, Willie Bloomquist has found himself playing all over the field.

He's put in at least 100 games at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions and has been a solid defensive player at each spot.

Bloomquist's offense has been lacking at times, but his knowledge of the game, as it appears from both offense and defense, have afforded him a great baseball IQ.

Atlanta Braves: Chipper Jones

As the longest tenured Atlanta Brave, it's no surprise that he's got the ears of the entire clubhouse.

He's led with his bat for so long, winning MVP honors in 1999 and making many All-Star appearances since then.

After the departure of longtime Brave John Smoltz, Jones spoke to the increased role he knew he'd be taking on:

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"Whenever we had a meeting, Smoltzie would talk and I'd come in second-hand. We had a relationship where whenever anything needed to be addressed with the pitching staff, he'd take care of it, and whenever something needed to be taken care of with a position player, I'd take care of it.

"Now that he's gone, that all falls on me."

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Baltimore Orioles: Brian Roberts

Brian Roberts' recent string of injuries have significantly slowed his career in recent years, as he's missed extensive periods of time due to a self-inflicted concussion.

That could signal a level of immaturity that shouldn't be tolerated in a clubhouse.

At the same time, however, Roberts has provided a great deal to the Baltimore Orioles organization, batting .281 with a .353 on-base percentage in his 11 seasons with the O's.

Boston Red Sox: Jason Varitek

Jason Varitek's contributions to the Boston Red Sox over the past 15 seasons have been significant, especially considering the top talent that he's caught and managed throughout game after game.

His leadership stretches beyond the pitchers, too, as he's a vocal mentor to younger players.

Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona summed up his feelings best when he was quoted as saying that having Varitek on the team was like having "another coach on the field."

Chicago Cubs: Ryan Dempster

Given Ryan Dempster's history of clubhouse pranks, you'd have to believe that he'd make for one entertaining manager.

Having spent time as both a starter and reliever, he knows what's expected of every part of a pitching staff.

His leadership on and off the field show that he's a stand-up guy who can communicate effectively with anyone on a team, from players all the way up to management.

Chicago White Sox: Paul Konerko

When it was noted that the Chicago White Sox considered making Paul Konerko a player-manager, I don't think anyone would've been too surprised had that been the outcome.

Konerko's offensive contributions to the Sox have played a big part in the team's successes, but he's made a name for himself for always giving his best efforts no matter the circumstances.

Cincinnati Reds: Scott Rolen

Sixteen-year veteran Scott Rolen has had his share of success in this league, starting with his Rookie of the Year win in 1997.

He's also won eight Gold Gloves, made seven All-Star appearances and won a World Series championship in 2006, so it's clear that he knows how to win.

Cleveland Indians: Jim Thome

Jim Thome's stats speak for themselves. As one of the few members of the 600 home run club, he's clearly one of the best sluggers that the game has seen.

The fact that he's managed to do so without the cloud of steroid use hanging over him is impressive in itself, and his friendly demeanor could make him a clubhouse favorite should he decide to become a coach at some point.

Colorado Rockies: Todd Helton

Having been with the Colorado Rockies for most of their existence as a team, Todd Helton knows the ins and outs of the organization better than most anyone else.

He's had a very solid professional career, batting .323 with 347 home runs and over 1,300 RBI in 15 seasons.

Helton may not be the most outspoken guy out there, but he leads by example and always gives everything he has to the team...something players could definitely learn from.

Detroit Tigers: Brandon Inge

With his 2011 numbers coming up the lowest of his career, you could write Brandon Inge's playing days off as well past him.

Even if that's the case, he still shows the resolve of a man willing to do whatever is best for the team.

If he can't lead a team with his bat or his glove, he certainly has what it takes to be an influential figure for younger players still looking to make their mark on this league.

Houston Astros: Jason Michaels

After such a brutal 2011 season, it's hard to see any of the Houston Astros fit to lead a team.

Jason Michaels didn't have a great season at the plate, but he's a .263 career hitter and has been effective in each outfield position during his 11-year career.

Kansas City Royals: Billy Butler

Playing in one of the worst teams in baseball over the last few seasons, Billy Butler hasn't been given all the recognition he deserves for all he gives to the Kansas City Royals.

With Zack Greinke departing for Milwaukee this past offseason, Butler knew he'd be taking on a leadership role with a young team looking to make real improvements.

Los Angeles Angels: Torii Hunter

Torii Hunter's production hasn't necessarily met up to the expectation set when he signed his five-year, $90 million contract. 

But in much the same way he was a veteran presence in the Minnesota Twins locker room, Hunter is a positive clubhouse guy who always gives his best and tends to bring out the best in teammates.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Matt Kemp

At just 27 years old, you'd have to believe Matt Kemp's best days are ahead of him. Despite falling short in this year's MVP race, Kemp has a lot to build on as he prepares to be the anchor of the Dodgers offense for years to come.

His competitive drive, along with his immense amount of talent, are things that he'll ultimately be asked to pass along to his younger teammates and given his impressive returns, you'll have to believe they'll be all ears.

Miami Marlins: Anibal Sanchez

Pitchers typically don't make the most vocal leaders, so you'd think it wouldn't necessarily equate to a pitcher being a good manager.

With so many young players on this Marlins roster, it's hard to pinpoint who may have what it takes to lead a team someday, but Anibal Sanchez has enough going for him to help groom other pitchers as he continues to mature.

Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun

The league's newest MVP award winner certainly knows how to play hard, as he's put up remarkable numbers during each of his first five seasons in the league.

He's consistently in MVP discussions and with the possible departure of Prince Fielder, he'll take on even more of a leadership role over a team looking to build from a 2011 NLCS appearance.

Should he ever take over a team, however, Braun should stay away from giving any base-running tips.

Minnesota Twins: Michael Cuddyer

One of Michael Cuddyer's greatest assets is his ability to play multiple positions on the field effectively and willingly.

He's played first base, second base, outfield and even made a brief stint as a pitcher in 2011.

His team-first mentality is what makes him a sought-after free agent this offseason and could certainly make him a managerial candidate at some point when his playing days are over.

New York Mets: Jason Bay

At age 33, you'd think Jason Bay would have some life left in his playing career, but injuries could very well get in the way of that plan.

After missing many games in 2010, he came back to play 123 games in 2011. As is the case with the injury, though, he could just be one concussion away from retirement, meaning a career from the bench could be in his future should he decide to stay in the game.

New York Yankees: Derek Jeter

Having been the leader of the New York Yankees for so many years by both his leadership and play, it's no surprise that Derek Jeter would be the managerial candidate of the team.

Given that his career is slowly winding down, it's likely that he'll be considering life after baseball and when the itch to return to the game comes, it wouldn't be surprising to see him get back into the dugout.

Oakland Athletics: Dallas Braden

For whatever reason, it seems that pitchers don't make the best managers...but that certainly can't always be the case.

Dallas Braden's competitive drive could give young players a push they may need, but he'd obviously fit in better as a pitching coach.

Philadelphia Phillies: Roy Halladay

All Roy Halladay does is win. He's consistently one of the top pitchers in the league, and when all is said and done will go down as one of the best of our time.

It's hard to think the winning ways would stop should he take over a team, because when someone with his credentials talks, any player would be wise to listen.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Ryan Ludwick

Ryan Ludwick's career has spanned five teams in nine seasons. He's only made one All-Star appearance but has been a reliable outfield option since breaking in with the Cardinals in 2007.

San Diego Padres: Orlando Hudson

Orlando Hudson's consistent offense has earned him a .277 career batting average in 10 seasons in the league. He's speedy on the basepaths and has won four Gold Gloves at second base.

His infectious personality makes him one of the more unique players in the league and you'd have to think he'd be one of the more eccentric managers in the game if he ever made the move.

San Francisco Giants: Buster Posey

Having spent a great deal of the 2011 season watching from the bench, Buster Posey doesn't even want to think about spending his future there.

But when the time comes (hopefully a long way down the road), Posey could definitely step in as a manager.

He plays the most demanding position on the field, and with his balanced skill set that will only get better as he matures, he'll be a wealth of knowledge when his career gets long in the tooth and he needs to lead with something other than the leather and his bat.

Seattle Mariners: Chone Figgins

Since coming over to the Seattle Mariners from the Los Angeles Angels, Chone Figgins has failed to live up to the expectations of fans, but luckily for all of you in Seattle, he's still got two more years to turn it around.

His successful eight-year tenure with the Angels gives him the experience needed to lead a young team, and as he continues to age, he'll likely take over a mentorship role with the future of the franchise.

St. Louis Cardinals: David Freese

Hometown boy David Freese showed us exactly what determination can do for a player. His inspired performance in this year's postseason put him on the map and earned him immense amounts of respect.

If there's anyone out there who would set a message of perseverance for a team, it'd be Freese, who seemingly lifted the Cards on his back at times and in the process earned himself an improbable World Series MVP trophy.

Tampa Bay Rays: Johnny Damon

Throughout Johnny Damon's 17-year career he has made a positive impact in every clubhouse he's set foot in.

Given the way he enjoys the game, I have to believe that Damon will have the itch to get back into the game shortly after he retires and will end up back in a dugout in no time.

Texas Rangers: Michael Young

Michael Young's leadership of the Texas Rangers is evident in the ascent the team has made during his 12 years with the team.

Having played at least 150 games every season since 2002, he's one of the most reliable players in the league and has the ability to move throughout the infield to do whatever is best for the team.

Toronto Blue Jays: Jose Molina

One important aspect of managing is the ability to relate to your players. Jose Molina's offensive prowess has never been anything to write home about, as he's only been able to compile a .241 career average during 12 seasons of partial use.

His 10-year run in the minors before reaching the big leagues shows his perseverance and has built his stature as a solid defensive catcher.

Washington Nationals: Ivan Rodriguez

Playing the most taxing position in the game, Ivan Rodriguez has established himself as one of the best catchers in the history of baseball.

His mentorship of young players has helped develop Wilson Ramos into what appears to be a catcher with a lot of potential and with the 39-year-old's career winding down, he'll need to think about getting into the game in another capacity.