Top 10 MLB Managers that won't be back in 2011

10) Dusty Baker, Reds. This assumes a late-season fade, coupled with crippling injuries to the promising young pitchers. Admittedly, it's a longshot to imagine that kind of thing happening to the Lizard, since he's been such a winner with the young arms and in the clutch...

9) Ken Macha, Brewers. A disappointing year for the Brew Crew and a generic record. With the bullpen that he was given at the start of the year, and the clearly superior talent in St. Louis and Cincinnati, it's hard to see how he's done a fire-worthy job. But, well, he's Ken Macha. Firing him is right up there with changing your socks.

8) Lou Pinella, Cubs. Yes, I'm cheating to fill the list, seeing how Cap'n Lou has already auto-ejected himself from the continued painfest that is Wrigleyville. But just to be certain about this, there's no chance that he comes back, here or anywhere else. The man's getting up there in age.

7) Manny Acta, Indians. Another guy that keeps taking doomed jobs. His Tribe effort has been about all that could be expected, given that he was saddled with a half dozen pitchers that wouldn't impress at AAA. But with a won-loss record that's a train wreck from working in Washington, he's eminently disposable.

6) Cito Gaston, Jays. Another member of the old guard who has already given notice, albeit without the same fanfare as Cox and Pinella. He's kept the Jays around .500 this year despite the loss of Roy Halladay, and gotten more out of his young pitching staff and power hitters than anyone expected. But one suspects that he knows he's getting out while the getting is good.

5) Brad Mills, Astros. In his first year in Houston, he's 17 games under .500, but that's really not what's going to get him the pink slip. Rather, it's the fact that he was hired by general manager Ed Wade, and even this organization has to eventually realize he's utterly beyond his depth in the role. When Wade loses his job, Mills will be soon to follow.

4) John Russell, Pirates. The team has already canned his hires (Joe Kerrigan and Gary Varsho), and one of the classic ways to try to convince your fans that you still care is to terminate the man in the dugout. Honestly, you would be better off managing in the minors rather than Pittsburgh, assuming you want a long-term career.

3) Joe Torre, Dodgers. Between his age, his price, and the fact that his team is undergoing a ridiculous divorce experience in the owner's box that is causing all kinds of drama, chances are good that he walks in the off-season. One assumes that he's got enough money in the bank to pass on coming back for anything but the best possible job, too.

2) Bobby Cox, Braves. Another cheating moment, since he's also given notice. But if this season ends with a late-season fade and/or the recovering Phils overtaking them, it's going to be a bitter way to go out. But go out he will...

1) Jerry Manuel, Mets. On some level, this Mets year has been less painful than expected. Jose Reyes and David Wright have recovered some value, Ike Davis looks like a keeper at first, and some of the other kids in the field might work out. But a .500 record with New York prices won't cut it, and it's unlikely that they are going to get the same kind of year out of guys like R.A. Dickey, or even Johan Santana. And the tabloids must have blood.