Guessing the preferred drinks of big league managers - MLB

It’s tough to say for sure from just looking at a cellphone picture, but I’m going to guess that Jim Riggleman was downing Jack and Cokes while “solving the world’s problems” with “some beautiful young ladies” last night.

He seems like a Jack and Coke kind of guy, although probably Diet Coke because he has to keep The Gun Show open at age 58.

All of which got me thinking about the preferred drinks of other managers. For instance, I’d peg Twins manager Ron Gardenhire as a Budweiser guy.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I’m mostly a beer or vodka guy, with “whatever else there is” coming in a close third. And we know Calcaterra is hooked up to a bourbon drip 24-7.)

I asked for suggestions on Twitter and they’ve been rolling in by the dozens with the hashtag #ManagerDrinks, so here are some of my favorites so far …

Jack McKeon: Metamucil, Prune Juice

Joe Maddon: Wine (for the sophistication), Pabst Blue Ribbon (for the hipster-ness)

Charlie Manuel: Chocolate Milk

Ozzie Guillen: Tequila, Four Locko, Wine (because he’s a romantic)

Bob Melvin: Whatever Billy Beane is having

Kirk Gibson: Whiskey and Tabasco Sauce

Bud Black: White Russian

Jim Leyland: Old Fashioned

Terry Collins: Tom Collins

Tony La Russa: Something with an umbrella

Don Mattingly: Jeremiah Weed

Joe Girardi: Apple Juice

Terry Francona: Hot Toddy

Clint Hurdle: Arnold Palmer

Ned Yost: Box of Wine

I’m fairly certain we could entertainment ourselves with this for the afternoon and it’s Friday, so why not …

PHILADELPHIA – Phillies slugger Bryce Harper will miss the start of the 2023 season after he had reconstructive right elbow surgery.

The operation was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.

Harper is expected to return to Philadelphia’s lineup as the designated hitter by the All-Star break. He could be back in right field by the end of the season, according to the team.

The 30-year-old Harper suffered a small ulnar collateral ligament tear in his elbow in April. He last played right field at Miami on April 16. He had a platelet-rich plasma injection in May and shifted to designated hitter.

Harper met Nov. 14 with ElAttrache, who determined the tear did not heal on its own, necessitating surgery.

Even with the elbow injury, Harper led the Phillies to their first World Series since 2009, where they lost in six games to Houston. He hit .349 with six homers and 13 RBIs in 17 postseason games.

In late June, Harper suffered a broken thumb when he was hit by a pitch and was sidelined for two months. The two-time NL MVP still hit .286 with 18 homers and 65 RBIs for the season.

Harper left Washington and signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies in 2019. A seven-time All-Star, Harper has 285 career home runs.

With Harper out, the Phillies could use Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber at designated hitter. J.T. Realmuto also could serve as the DH when he needs a break from his catching duties.