Most likely. Rookie managers lean heavily on their bench coaches, particularly for strategy. Tremblay was the guy with MLB experience as a manager, remember? Porter was probably listening to Tremblay on some of those decisions Luhnow didn't like and might have even told Porter when his authority was being usurped.

I really don't know many sports teams where the GM is the biggest focus of attention (except for Oakland) but it clearly is here. Luhnow and his scientists run the franchise. I'm sure when Luhnow started telling Porter how to set the lineup, Porter probably responded "And how many years did YOU play this game?"

Somebody decided to make Fowler the cleanup hitter. I can't tell you who but if that continues, you'll know it was the front office who decided that. If he's back in the 1 or 2 spot this week, you'll know that was Porter's idea.