It looks like Wally Backman will be named the new manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks today.

Known for his fiery temperament during his 14-year career as a major league infielder, Backman apparently is just as intense as a manager. As he managed Lancaster to the best record in the California League — the JetHawks lost in the deciding game of the championship series — he reportedly had six ejections, two suspensions and some clubhouse tirades.

So is he going to be another Larry Bowa?

But he also won strong reviews for his managing ability and relationships with players. The Sporting News named Backman its minor league manager of the year, and Baseball America cited Lancaster as its team of the year and Backman as the top managerial prospect in the league.

Backman, 45, has never managed or coached in the majors but worked his way up from independent leagues to affiliated ball.

Before joining the D-Backs organization earlier this year, he spent three seasons in the Chicago White Sox organization, going to the Class AA Southern League playoffs twice and winning one title. His overall record is 410-396.

He has a history of sucess and good reviews. I remember liking Backman as a player. He was the left-handed part of the Mets 2nd base platoon in 1986, a year he posted a .376 OBA. The manager who gave him a steady job after four years as a part time player was Davey Johnson. If Backman turns out to come from the Earl Weaver/Davey Johnson mold, the DBacks will do just fine with him at the helm.