Poll
Who is the best Giants manager since 1980?
Your vote has been counted, thank you for voting.
For a successful manager of a winning team playing in a grand ballpark in a beautiful city, Bruce Bochy has a truckload of problems.
The Giants' skipper is dealing with challenges mundane – injuries, slumping stars, slow-to-develop prospects – and exotic – an overeating and possibly assaultive cleanup hitter, an anxiety-ridden former team leader who no longer hits or leads.
Closer Brian Wilson, second baseman Freddie Sanchez and third baseman Pablo Sandoval all are hurt. Young first baseman Brandon Belt just isn't hitting very well. Putative ace Tim Lincecum is trying to find his groove, and Aubrey Huff, a driving force behind the 2010 championship team, is trying to find his stroke and himself.
Worse, a rehabbing Sandoval faces inquiries about a possible sexual assault while apparently gaining back excessive weight that wrecked his 2010 season.
Bochy showed his exquisite on-field acumen during the 2010 regular season and playoffs, leading a fine collection of players to a World Series crown and galvanizing opinion that he is one of baseball's best managers. More important, he doesn't get rattled.
He kept the Giants in contention well beyond their capabilities last season. This year's flawed but promising team could go either way.
Having Bochy in the dugout gives them a fighting chance – no matter what the baseball gods throw at them.
What to do
Baseball, Texas at A's, O.co Coliseum, 12:35 p.m.: There's no TV, so the only way to watch Rangers starter Yu Darvish is in person.
Today's poll
Who is the best Giants manager since 1980?
• Felipe Alou
• Dusty Baker
• Bruce Bochy
• Roger Craig
• Frank Robinson
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Wednesday's results
Should Manny Ramirez give up his comeback?
• Yes: 65%
• No: 35%
Total votes: 206
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