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Player Poll: Managers as Players

By Kyle Thompson, @KyleOKC

Managers play a vital role in every aspect of the game. From setting the lineup to controlling the running game, managers are depended on to put their squads in the best position to win, but what if they were asked to take up a position themselves?

That is the topic of this week’s “Player Poll” show.

Poll question: What major league manager or coach could still play today?

5. Jim Leyland (DET)

This is by no means a serious selection. However, can you imagine the level of panic he could create in a hitter’s mind if that scowl was unleashed on the mound? Scary.

4. Don Mattingly (LAD)

Donnie Baseball had a .307 career average, and he was an excellent defender. At 51 years old, I am not sure that he would be too aggressive on the base paths, but I am sure he could spray the ball around and get some hits.

3. Joe Girardi (NYY)

Over his 15-year playing career, he helped the Yanks win three World Series championships, and he managed the team to another in 2009. Also, as evidenced by some of the fire that he has shown lately, it would seem that he would have the passion to play today if the team needed him to.

2. Robin Ventura (CWS)

This five-time Gold Glover has had a tremendous first season as a manager. He has led the White Sox into a position where a division title is within reach. He has kept himself in shape, and I am sure that he wouldn’t mind checking into the lineup down the stretch to help his ballclub slam the door on the Tigers.

1. Mike Matheny (STL)

At 41, Matheny is the youngest manager in all of Major League Baseball. In addition to maintaining his fitness level, Matheny has seemingly kept his competitive edge. That edge is what probably propelled him to make a comeback behind the plate a few weeks ago in Cincinnati. Before you get too worked up, he was just out there temporarily warming up his reliever Fernando Salas.

Don’t forget to watch #PlayerPoll on FOX at 3:00pm EST this Saturday to see which managers/coaches the players and fans think could still play today. Also, tweet your picks to @MLBFanCave and @KyleOKC using the hash tag #CavePickEm.