Matchup: Managers

( Kevin Jairaj, US PRESSWIRE / August 21, 2012 )

Rangers: Ron Washington's value is more as a clubhouse unifier who sets the right tone for his squad. His unorthodox, some would say risky, in-game calls and substitutions are fodder for major criticism when they go wrong. Still, the guy has won consecutive AL pennants and keeps his team in the hunt every year.

Orioles: Perhaps it's overblown what Showalter has done this year with the Orioles. As he often says, he doesn't play the games. But he's pushed the right buttons all season while changing a culture of losing. And no manager in baseball is more prepared than Showalter. The downside is that he has never won a playoff series.

EDGE: Orioles