Managers of the Year & a Mark DeRosa update

The 2009 National League Manager of the Year is Rockies Jim Tracy. Tracy took over for Clint Hurdle in late May and compiled a 74-42 record, finishing 1st in the wild-card race. The announcement came with more news as the Rockies decided to give him a 3-year contract. Tracy won the award with 29 first place votes (151 Pts) with the Cardinals Tony La Russa finishing a distant second with only 55 Pts.

The AL Manager of the Year went to the Angels Mike Scioscia, who helped the Angels win their 3rd straight division title. Scioscia finished ahead of the Twins Ron Gardenhire, who was second in voting for the second consecutive season.

In other news, the Brewers claimed Canadian C George Kottaras off waivers from the Red Sox, last season Kottaras hit .237 for the Red Sox in only 107 plate appearances. Kottaras was injured most of the second half of the season with back trouble.

Looks as if the Cardinals & Mariners may be front-runners to sign INF Mark DeRosa. Last season, DeRosa hit .250, 23 HR & 78 RBI for the Cardinals & Indians.