HOF Showdown: Piniella, Cox, and Torre

When the 2010 baseball season comes to an end, the book will be closed on several of the game’s longest standing managers. Lou Piniella has announced his immediate retirement. Bobby Cox will be heading home. And Joe Torre? Well, we’re not sure yet. But one way or the other, he’ll be retiring sooner rather than later.

So each of their careers ended right now, how would they stack up against the current list of Hall of Fame managers? Read on, as we break down each one’s chance at earning enshrinement in Cooperstown.

Lou Piniella (1,853-1,712 managerial record)
This one is trickier than you might think. The only manager with more wins than Piniella who isn’t in the Hall of Fame is Gene Mauch, whose 1,902 mark is offset by his 2,037 losses. He has one World Series ring, and only one pennant to show for his 23 years of effort. He’s also a three-time manager of the year, which I suppose should count for something. Lou was a pretty good player, as well, which may help him get in. But on the merit of his managerial stats alone, he’s likely to be on the fringe. If I had a vote, I’d leave him out. His biggest career mistake? Joining up with the Cubs. Had he not gone to the North Side, he would probably have been able to sign with a better team.

Bobby Cox (2,485-1,981 managerial record)
What, are you serious? Absolutely yes, Bobby Cox will be in the Hall of Fame. First-ballot. Book it. His Braves made an unprecidented romp through baseball from the 90’s to the 2000’s, with 14 straight division tittles to their credit. If there’s one knock on Cox, it would have to be his team’s spotty record once they actually reached the postseason. While they haven’t fallen completely flat, they managed to capture only five pennants and one World Series Championship through their incredible streak. But it’s a foregone conclusion. He will make the Hall of Fame.

Joe Torre (2,309-1,976 managerial record)
Again, this is a no brainer. While some may argue that his record is padded by his time with the Yankees, but that’s a moot point. Joe Torre has been one of the great strategists in recent memory, and has done a great job handling a lot of big egos. Think of him as the Phil Jackson of baseball.

- Taylor Maxwell

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Tags | Baseball, Bobby Cox, Hall of Fame, Joe Torre, Lou Piniella, MLB, Yankees