I've never been a big fan of Girardi's either.

In MLB today you do need some sort of variation of a player's manager to be successful. I don't mean a guy that is going to let the team run the clubhouse, but the era of the Lou Piniella style manager is over.

I've seen Donnie out there pitching batting practice and working with the guys. He seems to really have grabbed the attention and the respect of the club. So far he has greatly exceeded my expectations.

Frida,

It really wasn't a wonder @ the time. Girardi was coming off a manager of the year season(even though he continually fought w/Florida management). Donnie, on the other hand, was just a popular player, with limited coaching experience. Since the Yankee way, bottom line, is win at all costs, it's not surprising they went with the experienced guy.

Brooklyn Al

True, in places like Boston or New York the organization would get skewered for going with a rookie Manager. Look at the Red Sox ths year in taking Valentine as well.

I also think the split between Torre and his staff and the Yankee front office was not good. Bowa also joined Joe in LA.

Mattingly lucked out too that the Dodgers were going through such upheaval regarding Frank. He's the best thing that happened to us which was a direct result of the McCourt mania.

I am glad to hear some one else singing his praises. You are 100% on, IN :). Donny turned this team around last July when things were really bleak for the entire Dodger Organization. He deserves a lot of credit no matter where we end up in October.

At the beginning of last year I was concerned, because he was a Joe Torre guy, but after the first week of the season I was pleasantly surprised, he was the exact opposite of torre, so I was happy.
I said numerous times last year that if donnie could manage that group to a 500 record he should be manager of the century, not manager of the year. now it's june of this year, donnie has a bunch of minor leaguers,old utility guys, 1 ace,1 mlb right fielder and a part time superstar, the results are astonishing . He does need to stabilize the infield so the guys out there can get used to what each other are doing, I noticed our D is starting to suffer.
As for the redsox, they don't even play baseball in that league

We will certainly add pieces as the year goes on. That should make the club better. Respect come with winning.

Girardi did a great job with the Fish. He had a track record. Mattingly managed nowhere. Who knew. JG won a championship and is in the playoffs every year so I'd say losing DM was not a loss.

I totally agree with your post - I believe Mattingly has done an excellent job except for 1 time period where there was too much tinkering and changing - with respect to both defensive positioning and batting order. Now Mattingly has gotten away from that and the team is playing well despite significant injury issues.

I like Donnie too(win or lose) but youre only good as the players.
Its the flavor of the month thing with managers/coaches.
God forbid, if the Dodgers go on a losing streak, everyone is going to blame Don again....