Boston Red Sox: Five most insane managerial suggestions from fans

Dennis Eckersley

Dennis Eckersley is refreshingly honest and critical as the color commentator for Sox broadcasts on NESN. We love his Eckisms like “moss” (hair), “cheddar” (fastball), and “salad” (a not-so fastball with little movement). His easy-going demeanor and likable approach in the booth has created a fandom that rivals that of broadcast legend Jerry Remy.

But can you imagine Eck in the same clubhouse as David Price, who berated the beloved broadcaster during a team flight because Eck criticized an Eduardo Rodriguez start on TV? Price famously quipped that Eck didn’t know “how hard this game is.”

Eckersley, a six-time all-star who boasts career stats of 197 wins and 390 saves would probably disagree considering he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2004. Although a great player, Eck has never coached or managed at any level of baseball. Plus, you can’t have your manager butting heads with your highest-paid player in Price ($30M per year).

The Price/Eck spat, which resurfaced during last year’s joyless season, would undoubtedly happen again, and it’s a good bet that the players take Price’s side and Eck loses the clubhouse.