When it comes to the manager challenge, Joe Girardi (left) and John Gibbons are seeing very different results. (USATSI)
Joe Girardi and John Gibbons are seeing very different results with their challenges. (USATSI)

The 2014 season of course marks the first time that managers can challenge calls on the field and force a replay review. While doing so is ultimately the manager's decision, much depends upon the information he's given by the replay assistant and coach in the dugout. Challenges come with a potential cost, as an unsuccessful appeal means no more challenges for that game, while a successful effort yields an additional challenge. 

With all that in mind, let's take a quick look at which skippers (and their relevant lieutenants) have had the most and least success when it comes to challenging umpiring decisions this season. 

First up, the guys who are doing it right ... 

Highest percentage of successful challenges, 2014
Manager, team No. of challenges % successful
Joe Girardi, Yankees 24 79.2
Mike Redmond, Marlins 23 73.9
Bruce Bochy, Giants 32 65.6
Fredi Gonzalez, Braves 28 64.3
Bo Porter, Astros 25 64.0
 Data: Baseball-Reference.com

Girardi is pretty well lapping the field, as you can see. Since replay-review decisions are sourced from New York, feel free to read into these numbers the conspiracy theory of your choosing. 

Now, for those who'd be better off just staying in the dugout and keeping quiet ... 

Lowest percentage of successful challenges, 2014
Manager, team No. of challenges % successful
John Gibbons, Blue Jays 40 30.0
Mike Matheny, Cardinals 23 30.4
Bryan Price, Reds 20 35.0
Rick Renteria, Cubs 48 39.6
Joe Maddon, Rays 39 41.0
 Data: Baseball-Reference.com

So Gibbons is somehow 12-for-40 when it comes to challenging calls. Maybe his replay assistant needs to sit closer to the monitor, or perhaps Gibbons needs to go over his signals with his coaches. Elsewhere, Renteria seems to take a preternatural delight in challenging calls, as his 48 grievances tops the loop by a comfy margin. Or maybe he's just grouchy.

As mentioned, I don't think this "skill" is reducible to the manager himself -- it's collaborative -- but some teams certainly do it better than others, at least thus far.