A That’s a much-discussed topic. Remember when Johnny Bench told Sparky Anderson, “Just stay out of the way and we’ll win it for you?” And then there was former Baltimore manager Earl Weaver who often told his team, “Just stay close and I’ll think of something.” All a manager can do is fill out his lineup card, make a few game decisions like pitching changes, sacrifices and steals. Mostly it is up to the players. I’ve often heard that a manager makes a difference in games no more than four or five times a year. I don’t know where that figure came from, but I know it wasn’t a manager.
Q If Commissioner Bud Selig refuses to move the All-Star Game from Phoenix, do you see the players boycotting the game, and what would happen if they did? — Pat, Dayton
A: Selig has said he won’t move it, despite Arizona’s new immigration law. I’m sure there will be some protests at the stadium and some Latino players may speak out, but I can’t see any organized boycott. That would be in violation of a player’s contract and he could be heavily penalized, including the voiding of his contract. But what team would void the contract of an All-Star, other than the Yankees?
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