With the final week of the regular season underway, the drama has intensified. Teams are fighting to play while others are playing spoiler. All of this could make or break a manager.
Managers like Dave Roberts of the Dodgers and Brian Snitker of the Braves are coasting into the playoffs, keeping their team fresh while keeping that competitive edge. Meanwhile, David Ross of the Cubs is battling to keep his team alive and not stumble and bumble out of contention in the final days.
Some managers, though, could get a nice contract extension if they have a successful week heading into the playoffs and beyond. Let's discuss those managers.
3. Scott Servais could earn contract extension if the Mariners make playoffs
The American League West might be the most exciting playoff race, with the Mariners playing a pivotal role in the chase.
The Rangers lead the West with an 89-69 record. The Astros are 87-72, while the Mariners are 85-73. The Astros and Mariners finished their final series of the regular season, with the Astros taking two of three from the Mariners. In the sixth inning of Wednesday's game, things got heated as the benches cleared when Hector Neris seemed to taunt Julio Rodriguez after striking him out to end the inning. The benches clearing in a Mariners and Astros series is nothing new, though.
After the Astros series, the Mariners have a four-game set to end the season against the Rangers. The Mariners are one game back of the Astros, who are in the third Wild Card position. The Mariners took game one of the four-game set Thursday, 3-2.
The Astros take on the Diamondbacks to end the regular season. The Diamondbacks are in the NL Wild Card second position, so they definitely will not make this easy for the Astros.
After an almost two-decade drought, this would be Scott Servais and the Mariners' second consecutive playoff appearance. With a talented young team, the Mariners will be exciting to watch over the next few days. They could make an exciting extended run through October, as well.
Securing a playoff position and making a run could net Servais a well-deserved contract extension, as he has turned this team around.
2. Skip Schumaker could earn contract extension if the Marlins make the playoffs
The Marlins are 82-76 in Schumaker's first year as manager. As of Friday morning, the Marlins have a half-game lead over the Cubs in the third NL Wild Card position.
The Marlins split a doubleheader with the Mets on Wednesday. On Thursday, the series finale was suspended in the top of the ninth inning. The Marlins will return to New York on Monday to complete the game.
The Cubs had a devastating loss Tuesday, blowing a 6-0 lead in the later innings to lose to the Braves 7-6. The Cubbies lost in extra innings to the Braves on Wednesday, 6-5. The Cubs lost the series finale to the Braves 5-3. They will now close the season in Milwaukee. This is not looking easy for the Cubs.
The Mets and Pirates will not make this an easy task for the Marlins to skirt past the Cubs. But if the gritty, young manager can rally his players, which he's done all season, this weekend could be enjoyable for the Marlins. After some down seasons for the Marlins, it would be a tremendous accomplishment if Schumaker could get his team to the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Making things exciting this week should put him in the category of getting a contract extension this offseason. The longer the Marlins remain in the playoffs, the better and more lucrative that extension should be for Schumaker.
1. Craig Counsell could net contract extension with a successful playoff run
The Brewers secured their third NL Central crown in six seasons thanks to the Cubs' stunning loss to the Braves Tuesday, 7-6. The Brewers lost to the Cardinals 4-1, but still got to celebrate their division title.
The Brewers finish the regular season at home by completing their current series against the Cardinals, winning Wednesday 3-2 and Thursday 3-0. The Crew have a final three-game set against the Cubs, where they can play a massive spoiler to their division rivals as they struggle to secure a final Wild Card spot.
The Brewers are the National League's third seed with a 90-69 record after their win against the Cardinals Wednesday. The Brewers will host a best-of-three NL Wild Card series against the team that does secure that final Wild Card slot, which is coming down to the Cubs and Marlins.
The Brewers haven't competed well in the playoffs, but the team has had a steady hold on the NL Central for much of the summer. It's easy to see Craig Counsell wants to make a deep run in the playoffs. With a good group of veterans on the team, they want to come through for their manager.
If they are able to make a deep run, expect Counsell to earn a contract extension.
