Winner: Lou Piniella, Chicago -- Story| Voting Results
User Choice: Charlie Manuel, Philadelphia
Danny Knobler's prediction: Lou Piniella
Fortunately for Piniella, votes were due before the Cubs' stunning playoff collapse. But if the three-game playoff fall showcased the worst of Piniella, the 162-game regular season helped show him at his best. The Cubs aren't an easy team to manage, because you keep getting reminded that they're supposed to lose. Piniella led the Cubs to the league's best record and won his sixth division title in 18 years as a big-league manager. Now he should win his third Manager of the Year award, although I couldn't blame voters if they choose Philadelphia's Charlie Manuel.
The candidates
 |
Charlie Manuel, PHI |
|
Charlie is no stranger to the Manager of the Year voting ballot. He was second in 2007 and also received votes in 2006 and '05. He certainly gets respect for bringing Philadelphia back-to-back division crowns, its second World Series title in club history and the city's first major sports championship in 25 years.
|
 |
Jerry Manuel, NYM |
|
Manuel took over after the mid-June middle-of-the-night firing of Willie Randolph. Manuel was handed a club that was 34-35 and quickly running out of contention in the NL East. Talk about a turnaround. The Mets went 55-38 under Manuel, who was also awarded the yearly honor in the AL when he was with the White Sox. The Mets have already rewarded Manuel with a two-year deal.
|
 |
Lou Piniella, CHC |
|
Sure Sweet Lou started out with a sky-high payroll and just as high expectations, but Piniella and the Cubs lived up to most of the hype. The Cubs dominated the NL during the season and finished with the league's best record and a repeat division championship. Piniella became the second manager in major league history to collect 90 wins with four different clubs.
|
 |
Tony La Russa, STL |
|
La Russa's accomplishments this season are much-deserved. Despite having MVP candidate Albert Pujols on his side, La Russa had to overcome an offseason with no big acquisitions, a shaky rotation and a roster filled with injuries. La Russa has won the award four times, most recently in 2002.
|
|
|
Poll
|
Who will be the NL Manager of the Year?
| 8% | Jerry Manuel NYM |
| |
|
| 22% | Lou Piniella CHC |
| |
|
| 7% | Tony La Russa STL |
| |
|
| 63% | Charlie Manuel PHI |
| |
|
|
| Total Votes: 3254 |
| |
|
| Past Results | | Year | Winner | | 2007 | Bob Melvin, Arizona | | 2006 | Joe Girardi, Florida | | 2005 | Bobby Cox, Atlanta | | 2004 | Bobby Cox, Atlanta | | Complete list | |
