Even the best managers, for instance, Earl Weaver, admit that--at best--they can win an extra two or three games a year for their team.

Mike Hargrove didn't win a game today, but he saved a loss.

Background: A major league baseball game must go five innings to be considered official. If the home team is ahead, all they have to do is get the visiting team out in the top of the fifth.

So--in Cleveland today, it was snowing. The Mariners were down 4-0--down to their last strike in the snow, which was getting heavier and heavier.

The Times' Geoff Baker has the real-time report:

Play has halted again and Mike Hargrove and Indians manager Eric Wedge just had a heated discussion with the umpires and each other. Seattle had already loaded the bases on three Paul Byrd walks as the weather continues to deteriorate. With two out and a 1-2 count on Jose Lopez, Hargrove made a brilliant managerial move by charging out of the dugout to demand an answer to why play wasn't being halted. Lopez obviously can't see very well and was one strike away from ending what will possibly be Seattle's final chance to get back in this one. At the very least, Hargrove just managed to throw Byrd's rhythm off. Wedge is incensed, since this game was a pitch away from being official and his pitcher clearly had the upper hand in the at-bat. Give Hargrove credit. His timing was impeccable and the umpiring crew listened to him.

Two hours later, the game was called.

A tip of the cap sir, a tip of the cap.