Phillips got his three-year deal at approximately 40 percent of Valentine's package. There is a great deal of pressure on Bobby, no question, but Steve has broader responsibilities. These days, the manager's job is to manage the personnel he is given. It's only natural that managers let their everyday relationships with players affect their talent evaluation, and that's all right, because it's human nature. In other words, if the GM thinks Mike Stanley is in serious decline, he has to take him away from a manager who cannot detach himself from Stanley's character.
Nothing is too unusual.
Braves GM John Schuerholz has shaken up Bobby Cox's staff twice in the last four years, while Twins GM Terry Ryan has never been allowed to freshen Tom Kelly's coaching staff. Rangers GM Doug Melvin fired John Oates' close friend and pitching coach, Dick Bosman. Tampa Bay GM Chuck LaMar reworked Larry Rothschild's coaches. Even with the success the A's have had, there has always been an edge to the relationship between Billy Beane and Art Howe. But this isn't the old days.