Brad Ausmus: The biggest X factor this year is the manager himself. Tiger fans and players have gotten used to Smokes' style of managing. Consistency was key and cigarettes were smoked in the tunnel. How will Brad manage, especially given his group of All Stars he has? No matter what he does, he's sure to get criticized, probably more than praised.
Joe Nathan: To say that Joe is getting on in his years is an understatement. There are two types of players, those that go out with a bang (Chipper Jones, even without the championship) and those who fizzle into oblivion (Papa Potato). Which will Joe be?
Ian Kinsler: An article came out in ESPN the Magazine where Kinsler was very critical of the Rangers' general manager and hopes that his former team goes winless all season. He's very unhappy with the Rangers for many reasons, they are too tedious to list. The point is, if a player has the ability to complain about his former team, what's to stop him from complaining about his current team? My advice to Kinsler is to keep his head down, adjust to his new environment, and take his cues from the team leaders. He should sidle up to Torii and listen to the captain.
The other changes might not be as significant, but every player makes a difference and every coach can transform the game. Even Bryan Holiday in all his swimsuit glory can distract the team. Kate Upton is on Tigress notice. Don't disrupt or distract the team, lady! You never know where the loose cannon lies.
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