The Morning Line

By PRISCILLA PAINTON/

The baseball season is only six weeks old, but already America's second favorite game is in full swing: guessing which manager will be fired first. Here are the top contenders:

John Wathan, Kansas City Royals

The sport's highest payroll, including free-agent flop Mark Davis, has failed to produce a team strong enough to challenge the powerhouse Oakland A's.

Russ Nixon, Atlanta Braves

Managing this traditionally mediocre club is bad enough; having coach and heir-apparent Phil Niekro looking over your shoulder is worse.

Davey Johnson, New York Mets

Last year's second-place finish diminished his genius reputation, and this year's slow start and constant press scrutiny could cost him his job.

Doug Rader, California Angels

Take one hobbled infield, add an impotent batting lineup and struggling pitchers, and it probably results in another also-ran year for millionaire owner Gene Autry.

Bucky Dent, New York Yankees

There have been 17 managers in 17 years, and this former shortstop is just the latest subaltern to think he'll last the season in baseball's prime hardship post.

With reporting by DAVID ELLIS