The Heat Index

MANAGERS IN DANGER

Mike Hargrove [Between BOILING OVER and MELTING DOWN]
Jerry Manuel [Between MELTING DOWN and OVER-HEATING]
Jim Tracy [Between OVER-HEATING and SWEATING]

The Orioles have talked about signing a big free agent during the off-season but have been mum on a contract extension for Hargrove, who has had four straight losing seasons in Baltimore. A recent 12-26 slide hasn't helped his cause. Manuel temporarily saved his job by leading the White Sox into contention after the All-Star break, but with Chicago out of the playoff hunt, his run is most likely over. And Tracy, who has been criticized by Dodgers players for his handling of relievers, could take the fall for L.A.'s failure to make the playoffs despite stellar starting pitching.