The Thursday 10

Today on the Thursday 10, I am going to post the top 10 current players I’d like to see become managers one day. And no, there will be no catchers on this list, because that would just be too realistic. On with the list!

10. Randy Johnson – The Big Unit – What a site it would be for Randy Johnson to walk out to trade lineup cards and go over ground rules. The 6-10 lefty would make for great television to see him running out to argue a call with an umpire.

9. Scott Rolen – One can only imagine that Rolen’s problems with managers in the past (i.e. Tony LaRussa) could lead to seeing how confrontational he would be as a manager. Maybe we could make Rolen and Jeff Kent co-managers? Hmm…

8. Richie Sexson – Big Sexy – Obviously, he would have some of what Randy has going for him with the height status, but the reason I’m picking Richie is for the fact that he can start a brawl for absolutely no reason. Some poor rookie pitcher tosses one too close to his lead off hitter and here comes Big Sexy running out of the dugout throwing his sharpie or whatever is close to get the brawl started.

7. Gabe Kapler – He’s already tried it before. Plus, if the team ever needs a pinch hitter he can activate himself and swat a home run. We’ll call it the “Roger Dorn” rule.

6. Brendan Ryan – Because there’s always one manager in the league that no fan seems to know anything about.

5. Brandon Backe – One announcer during the 2005 World Series said that Backe had the best “Thatta Boy” cheer he’s ever heard. Backe is always talking on the bench when he’s not pitching. As a manager, he’d make a good cheerleader and keep his team loose and pumped up.

4. Kevin Millar – Cowboy Up – Known for his clubhouse antics, Millar would really keep the guys on his squad on their toes.

3. Billy Wagner – When he gets older, this guy is going to be just like Jim Leyland. That old school attitude that says exactly what he is thinking and doesn’t care who is listening.

2. Manny Ramirez – Manny Being Manny – That’s all that really needs to be said. Think about what a team would be like with Manny in charge. Everyone would have dreads that almost completely covered their numbers on their backs, and it would be required to high-five a fan after making a play in the field.

1. Carlos Zambrano – Talking to himself on the mound, getting into fights with teammates. Are we sure this guy isn’t related to Lou Piniella? Zambrano has a really fiery-nature about him and can become really animated, really quick. Think Ozzie Guillen (for quotes) plus Hal McCrae (for locker room outbursts). Now we’re talking! Zambrano wins!

Let me know in the comments section who you think would be interesting to have as a manager.

Photo: Newscom