It’s still early in April, and most managers are not on the hot seat yet.  However, it’s only a matter of time before we start hearing rumors of replacements.

Many of the replacement managers are usually a coach on the team or an internal manager from one of the franchise’s Minor League teams.  I assume it’s because ownership wants to disrupt the team as little possible during the season, so they’ll temporarily name an interim manager and then do the whole interview thing as soon as October roles around.

While there are many capable coaches and managers in the Minors, there are a few skippers that may have left the game too early.  Here are my top 5 managers (that are still living) that I would like to see make a comeback – even if it’s on an interim basis only.

– Tommy Lasorda: He won two World Series championships with the Dodgers as well as being  named the National League Manager of the Year twice. He was a media favorite and the arch enemy of the Phillie Phanatic. At 83-years-young he still has some juice left in him.

– Tom Kelly: The only American League manager on my list.  He led the small market Minnesota Twins to two World Series Titles in 1987 and 1991. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since he last managed the Twins (time flies by quick). The 61-year-old is still a Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Twins.

– Roger Craig: Hummm Baby as Giant’s fans used to know him.  The 81-year-0ld stepped down from his job as Giant’s manager in 1992, but only after leading his team to a National League West title in 1987 and a National League Pennant during the 1989 Earthquake World Series.

– Davey Johnson: Johnson’s name has floated around anytime a high profile managerial job comes up such as the vacancy with his former employer, the New York Mets, last fall. He may be best remembered for leading the 1986 New York Mets to an improbably World Series title.  He hasn’t been too far away from the game since he stopped being a Major League manager. Johnson was the manager for Team USA  and the Netherlands’ National team.  He has also been involved as a Senior Adviser to the Washington Nationals.

– Bobby Valentine: We almost got Bobby back last year when the Marlins were close to hiring him.  He’s currently an analyst for ESPN, but my gut tells me he’s ready to jump at the opportunity to get back into the dugout. He’s still looking for a World Series title, so if a big name team comes calling where he can have creative control, then expect him to turn in his resignation letter to ESPN.

What do you think?  Who else should be on this list?