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.
If a player has to be motivated to go out there and do his job then I dont want him on our team.
Yes the manager should help lead the team, motivation for player performance is a seperate issue.