Another came on Halloween, the day Blake Butera became the Washington Nationals' choice despite being just 33 years old. But the biggest stunner of all, according to several coaches and executives queried by ESPN, followed six days later, when former relief pitcher Craig Stammen -- barely two years into retirement and hardly even mentioned as a potential manager previously -- landed baseball's top on-field job with the San Diego Padres.
"We've seen firsthand the trust and respect he earns from players and how he helps them reach their best," Twins president Derek Falvey said in a statement. "His journey, through both the successes and the tough stretches, has given him real perspective as a leader. That balance and his connection to what this place means to people will serve our players and staff well as we work to build something lasting for our fans and for Minnesota."
This morning, we are going to sidestep what is bound to be the most prominent discussion over the next six-plus weeks regarding the Braves' choice of managerial future, and ask a tangential question: who's your favorite current MLB manager?