Doesn't player motivation fall under the realm of the manager? To the main extent how a player plays is up to the manager, but good managers have the ability to get players to reach higher levels than they would on their own. Look at what Mike Scocia got out of the Angels last year. Look at the job Tom Kelly did with terrible teams in Minnesota, also the Montreal teams that were young and overmatched of years past.
We chronically have underachieved under the tenure of Jerry Manuel, dispite frequent changes to improve talent.
Let me try that again so it makes sense...
To the main extent how a player plays is upto HIMSELF,...