Jim Tracy took over for Clint Hurdle in Colorado, guiding a struggling Rockies team to a 74-42 finish, and a postseason berth. It’s hard to argue with the selection of Tracy as the NL Manager of the Year. Twice before teams he’s managed have finished with 90+ wins (2004 Dodgers finished 1st), while three times his teams finished with 90+ losses (2007 Pirates finished 6th). So it just goes to show, being a successful manager has alot to do with being in the right place at the right time, and having the horses.
Mike Scioscia won the AL Manager of the Year Award. It was the 2nd time he’s won the award, the first coming in 2002, when his Angels won the World Series. Scioscia has averaged 90 wins per season in his ten years as the Angels skipper, and has finished in 1st place five of the last six years. The Angels have built a winning baseball philosophy around their manager’s belief in fundamentals, speed, & defense.