Winner: Mike Scioscia, Angels -- Story | Voting Results
User Choice:: Ron Gardenhire, Twins
Scott Miller's prediction: Mike Scioscia, Angels.
This is going to be an interesting vote, because I don't think there is a clear favorite. To me, Scioscia should win given all that he managed the Angels through this year: Severe pitching injuries, the tragic death of Nick Adenhart, key midseason injuries to Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero. Scioscia is one of the best but, to me, he did the best job of managing of his career in 2009. Minnesota's Ron Gardenhire should get some votes -- how did he maneuver the Twins to the one-game playoff with Detroit while building a rotation on the fly. Seattle's Don Wakamatsu proved this summer that he's a future star.
The candidates
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Mike Scioscia, Angels |
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The Angels had high expectations heading into the season, and looking back now it appears they’ve met those expectations after Scioscia’s first season of a 10-year contract extension. They did clinch their fifth AL West title in six seasons but that’s not why Scioscia is the top pick for Manager of the Year. He met those expectations while faced with extreme adversity and obstacles that would throw any other club into a spin. Hit with stifling injuries to his pitching staff, he juggled around his pitchers and used 14 different starters during the season. Also, Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero were out for a good chunk of time. And, he found a way to appropriately honor Nick Adenhart after his untimely death in April.
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Ron Washington, Rangers |
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Before the season, Washington was on the hot seat in his third season with the Rangers. They weren’t supposed to be contenders, but somehow managed to stay in the race until late in the season despite inconsistent pitching and injuries. His starters went the distance (can you say ace Kevin Millwood), injuries mounted (think Michael Young and Josh Hamilton) and developed rookie Elvis Andrus. It looks like Washington is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
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Don Wakamatsu, Mariners |
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Somewhat of an unknown, Wakamatsu stepped into Seattle after the club finished 2008 with 101 losses – the worst Mariners finish since 1983. Seattle needed a complete makeover and a fresh start and that’s what they got with Wakamatsu, the league’s first Asian-American manager. For the second time in the past six seasons, Seattle finished above .500. Most importantly, he restored faith in the franchise and the fans that they can rebuild.
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Ron Gardenhire, Twins |
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Like Scioscia, Gardenhire was faced with crippling injuries to the roster and still managed to force an AL-tiebreaker, their second extra game in as many years. They overcame All-Star catcher Joe Mauer’s absence in April, 3B Joe Crede’s season-ending back surgery, numerous pitching injuries and Justin Morneau’s late-season exit during the crucial home stretch. Behind Gardenhire’s leadership, the Twins overcame the seven-game gap in the final month to clinch their fifth division title in eight years. After finishing runner-up in this category for the fourth time in his career, could he possibly get the award for 2009?
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Poll
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Who will be the AL Manager of the Year?
| 23% | Mike Scioscia LAA |
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| 12% | Ron Washington TEX |
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| 9% | Don Wakamatsu SEA |
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| 38% | Ron Gardenhire MIN |
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| 18% | Other |
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| Total Votes: 832 |
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| Past Results | | Year | Winner | | 2008 | Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay | | 2007 | Eric Wedge, Cleveland | | 2006 | Jim Leyland, Detroit | | 2005 | Ozzie Guillen, Chicago | | 2004 | Buck Showalter, Texas | | Complete list | |
