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According to various reports, Dodger manager Don Mattingly will return for the 2014 season.
Dodgers.com Ken Gurnick and CBS Sports Jon Heyman reported last night that sources told them Mattingly will return for his fourth season at the helm of the Dodgers.
The guaranteed portion of Mattingly's contract ended this season, although there is a team option for the 2014 season. There was no word whether Mattingly was getting an extension or the team was going to pick up the $1.4 million option.
There was no question Mattingly was in trouble in June when the Dodgers were stuck in last place. The ensuing 42-8 run and reaching the NL Championship Series seems to have erased all questions on his job stability.
"We can't feel bad about where we are," owner Mark Walter told CBS Sports. "Only four teams make it to the LCS. You can't feel bad if you don't win the World Series every single year. Do we want to go further? Sure."
A lot of people have questioned Mattingly's moves, his penchant for bunting, his questionable double-switches. Okay. I have questioned Mattingly's moves, his penchant for bunting and his questionable double-switches.
But there is no doubt in my mind that bringing Mattingly back was the right decision. Look at that $200 million roster filled with egos. That easily could have combusted in the middle of the season making the epic comeback impossible.
Mattingly's strength is managing his players and their egos. We might not like that bunt call, but that is irrelevant if players are upset.
Besides, an even worse option looms on the horizon. *coughDustyBakercough*
