"In the world of professional sports, a disappointing season usually means changes at the top. A spectacular September collapse in Boston led to a pair of dramatic moves. Neither Theo Epstein nor Terry Francona was "fired," but Red Sox ownership certainly did not make an effort to keep either man that formed the foundation of their only modern-era titles.

Every October, there's another lesson or two that proves a baseball life is not a fair one. Thankfully, for the Phillies' brain trust of Ruben Amaro, Jr. and Charlie Manuel, they are at least one more underwhelming October outcome removed from job security issues. The names will stay the same, but that doesn't mean the Phillies couldn't use a change at the top... of the lineup. Jimmy Rollins may or may not be back next season. There is certainly a healthy list of pros and cons to any decision Amaro makes concerning the veteran leadoff man. Alas, that is a discussion for another post."