Who is major league baseball's worst general manager?

Question

Consider everything. The team's success. Money that the team spends. The shape of the team's minor league system.

Answer 1

JIM BOWDEN ...and it's not even close. Cashman has won World Championships, Wren's been on the job a year with new owners and he had ZERO chance of re-signing Texy, JP's bad but at least he's been in winning organizations, Beattie and Wade gets passes because we're not sure their owners have opposable thumbs, much less baseball acumen.

Leaves old Jimbo who managed to get nothing for Soriano, took on two old catchers he didn't need, traded his closer for a 2B he doesn't need and will regret he got, and decided HE above all other could solve the headcase that is Elijah Dukes. And don't look at his record of successes ... you'll be looking for a while.

Answer 2

I am a yankees fan and i believe that Brian Cashman (yankees) is the worst he a ton of money to get players with and yet he cant get any one good.  Carl Pavano is terrible and Cashman gave him 39.5 million dollars and all Pavano has done is get injured.  Also he could have gotten Santana for Melky hughes and kennedy but he refused the offer and none of those 3 players have done anything but we could have gotten one of the best pitchers in baseball for him.  

Answer 3

I would turn this a bit around and say look at GMs that could do well with any team, then most teams, etc.

I really dislike the Jays GM, however, I truly believe that Brian Cashman could not survive in a job like Oakland or Minnesota.  I could be wrong and he simply hasn't had to show those skills at all, but from what we have seen, if he can't write a cheque to solve a problem, it doesn't get solved.

Answer 4

I'd have to say J.P. Riccardi. He hasn't done a thing for the Blue Jays, really.

And to me, Brian Cashman of the Yankees doesn't get enough credit. People within baseball know that Cash is a solid GM, but all everyone else sees is the Yankees payroll and therefore jump to the foolish conclusion that his job is easy. It isn't. For one, Cashman has been trying to make the Yankees younger and resisted the urge to trade young talent to get big guys during the last offseason. It's a shame he might lose his job, but Cashman won't be out of work long. I'm sure he'd flourish elsewhere.  

Answer 5

Gotta go with recently fired Mariner's GM Bill Bavasi.  The Mariners were supposed to contend this year and Bavasi really messed that up.  Sexson?  Vidro?  Johjima?  Bedard?  Those are just a few of his mistakes and/or cuts.  Their payroll was 9th highest at over $116 million in 2008 (per ESPN) and they still couldn't keep themselves from being the worst team in baseball.  If that isn't bad then I don't know what is.

Ed Wade is not the smartest GM in baseball either.  His team is clearly out of contention yet he trades for Randy Wolf.  Why?  Cause he's an idiot.

Answer 6

brian sabean  

Answer 7

omar minaya for the mets, makes the worst deadline trades andpicks up expired players ex. jeromy burnitz mo vaughn shawn green luis castillo trot nixon.he traded away scott kazmir for victor zambrano,not carlos VICTOR ZAMBRANO!also traded away brian bannister 2007 al rookie of the year for ambriox burgos and traded matt lindstrom for adam bostnik because omar wanted "live pitching" where lindstrom threw 97-100 and bostnik threw 95,96.horrible trades. bill bavasi was 2008's worst manager, hands down.

Answer 8

I agree with therealhometownhero.  As a Phils fan i believe i speak for everyone when i say the following:

ED WADE SUCKS!

except he gave the phils brad lidge so he's alright now haha

Answer 9

Hands down Dusty Baker. Was supposed to be the second coming for the Reds and led them to the toilet. Managed those awesome Giant line-ups for years and achieved nothing. Inspired the Cubs to lose.

Oh, GENERAL Manager......sorry, Im blond.

Answer 10

Peter Angelos! (Orioles)

He has more cash than Steinbrenner and Werner. 40% of the Orioles attendance were due to Yankees and Red Sox fans which he is shamelessly collecting on tax revenue sharing already from them to begin with. The money is never invested in to making a better team and with his money, the winning tradition of a popular franchise in the past, and his beautiful ball park, there is no excuse to be in the basement almost evey year, especially when Tampa Bay surpasses you.

Answer 11

Without being exacting or analytical about it, I'll just lob the whole bucket of tar at Houston GM Ed Wade.

The moves he's made lately telegraph that he still thinks the 2008 Astros have a chance at the playoffs, and I cannot interpret that in any rational way. It's either completely delusional, or he's carrying out inflexible orders from owner McLane not to wave the white flag, colors which should have been hoisted weeks ago.

Answer 12

I would have to say Frank Wren(Braves)

just because of how he handled the Mark Teixiera trade fro Kotchman and some minor league pitcher

why trade a Gold Glove 1st baseman for two very un-proven players?

i think he is bye far the worst