For the second straight year, I will be sharing my opinion of the award winners for the two leagues before the end of the season. The same argument still stands…I want to judge people on how they do during the regular season, not the playoffs (though there are some out there that think the 19 playoff games tell more than the 162 seasonal games). Today, I begin with the managers of the year.

National League Manager of the Year

3. Jim Tracy (LAD) 86-64

As you will read ahead, I picked all the division winners. I think it should be noted that the concensaus pick for the winner of each division is not represented on this list. Tracy righted a ship with no offense. DePodesta gave him better tools this year, but Tracy has utilized them well enough not to be the worst offense in baseball again.

2. Tony LaRussa (STL) 98-52

Was supposed to be an also ran, a small daliance that kept the Astros and Cubs from mingling with the Milwaukees of the Central. All he did was guide his team to the best record in baseball. As a note, I still think his career is overrated, but he’s done an excellent job this year.

1. Bobby Cox (ATL) 89-62

This was supposed to be the year the reign ended…for the 4th year in a row. The Schuerholz/Cox/Mazzone triumvrate might be the most successful in baseball history at taking questionable pitchers and making them useful again. If only Cox didn’t handcuff himself in the playoffs by carrying unnessecary parts on his bench.

American League Manager of the Year

3. Ron Gardenhire (MIN) 88-63

The Twins have clinched their third straight division title, despite having a team that isn’t as talented as the White Sox, who now sit 12.5 games out. His candidacy is being supported by Johan Santana, who is having an exceptional season. How Santana goes in the playoffs is how the Twins go.

2. Eric Wedge (CLE) 73-78

Wedge has the Indians being frisky a whole year a head of schedule. Next year, they will be an official pain in the ass, and year after, I bet they win the Central.

1. Buck Showalter (TEX) 83-67

Who expected this? They traded their best player, Alex Rodriguez, for a player that has hit worse than Mark Bellhorn this year. If you said you believed, you’re a lier.

Also recieving consideration: Felipe Alou, Terry Francona, Phil Garner, Mike Sciosca.

Without any comments, here are my worst managers of the year:
NL
1. Al Pederique
2. Larry Bowa
3. Frank Robinson

AL
1. Bob Melvin
2. Ozzie Guillen
3. Tony Pena