Angels' Next Manager, Day 2: Battle of the Former Infielders!

I can already tell that this is going to be an AWESOME tournament.

Especially after the discussion that our opening match yielded. Oh, by the way, by a vote of 78-61 (56% to 44%), Roger McDowell has DEFEATED Tom Foley, and will move on to face the winner of today's match in the quarterfinals.

Like yesterday's match, the winner of today's match would be a guaranteed first-time MLB manager. We pit two former infielders against each other, with a combined 41 years of major league service between them. Let's get to biographies and then voting!

OMAR VIZQUEL (LAA) vs. TIM WALLACH (LAD)

Omar Vizquel played for 24 years in the major leagues, with the Mariners, Indians, Giants, Rangers, White Sox and Blue Jays (with 11 years spent in Cleveland). Known as one of the best defensive shortstops to ever play the game, the Angels very quickly hired Vizquel after his retirement to serve as a roving fielding instructor. He has taken on Angels new breed Grant Green as a fielding project at second base and third base. Vizquel, even years before his retirement, has been viewed as prime managerial material, and was even seen as a candidate to jump right into the managerial opening with the Blue Jays, straight off the lineup card, before it was announced that John Gibbons would return. As an in-house candidate, Vizquel would be sure to get one of the first looks at the managerial opening if Mike Scioscia's time were to end here in Anaheim. Could he be the face of the all-new Angels?

Tim Wallach spent 17 seasons as a third baseman for the Expos, Dodgers and Angels. A five-time All-Star, with three Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers to his name, it's safe to say that Wallach had an all-around decent playing career, and knows all facets of the game well enough to manage. Eight years after his playing career ended, Wallach became the hitting coach for the Dodgers in 2004. In 2009 the Dodgers transferred his services to AAA Albuquerque, leading them to the playoffs and being named PCL Manager of the Year. After the 2010 season, Don Mattingly named him the third base coach of his staff, where he has remained to this day. His success in the minor leagues, and very brief stint with the Angels, could put his name near the top of the team's short list of candidates for manager. Is Wallach part of that Dodger magic of this season--that which players like Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez have helped usher in? And could he bring that success down the 5 into Anaheim?

The poll will be open until 9 PM PDT tonight, folks--cast your vote and continue to discuss!