Talk about long term...

Angels' manager Mike Scioscia signed an extension through 2018. So, just to clarify, that means he'll be there in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. That's 10 seasons. By the time he leaves Anaheim A-Rod and Tex's contracts will be up, Joba will be in his 30's, and Barack Obama's presidential term (and possibly second term) will be over. I'm typically opposed to long term contracts, especially ones that last a whole decade, be it for players, managers, or even executives. However, in this instance I think Mike is a guy who really deserves it. He's a phenomenal manager, which is a big reason as to why the Angels are so successful year in and year out. In New York, so much of the role of manager is being able to handle the press and manage all the superstars in the clubhouse. That's where Joe Torre's biggest strengths were. Girardi does a fine job of that as well. However, I wouldn't say that either of those two are great baseball managers. Scioscia calls a game as well, if not better, than anyone else in the game, so congratulations to him on earning the trust of Anaheim to keep him for 10 years.