Yeah, I know this sounds stupid, but Lou took an underachieving Mariner team and bullied them to victory. And he chilled out and was more of a hands off manager as the team aged. I'm not convinced that managers have that much of an impact on a team, but if anyone's a good manager, it's Lou Piniella.
Joe
Bah, Lou was overrated. Not that I wouldn't rather have him than Hargrove -- but that's setting the lowest possible standard: I'd rather have an empty seat on the bench than Hargrove.
I always thought Lou's tirades were ridiculous and unproductive, and his freakishly high voice -- which always reminded me of that "uncle" you wouldn't leave alone with your kids -- always creeped me out.
