MLB
Brian Snitker and Bob Melvin Win Manager of the Year Honors
On Tuesday night, MLB announced their Manager of the Year Awards for the 2018 season. Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker won the award for the National League and Oakland A’s manager Bob Melvin won in the American League. Snitker beat out Brewers manager Craig Counsell and Rockies manager Bud Black. In the AL, Melvin beat out Rays manager Kevin Cash and Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
NL Manager of the Year: Brian Snitker
In Spring Training, who predicted that Brain Snitker would be the NL Manager of the Year in 2018? With the Braves thought to still be in “re-build” mode, Snitker was not expected to do much with the Braves this year. However, he and the Braves surpassed everyone’s expectations. The Braves won the NL East for the first time since 2013 and surprised the entire baseball world. He began his tenure with the Braves as a player, then filled various coaching roles in both the MLB and MiLB, then he took over as the interim manager in the 2016 season. Surprisingly, Snitker proved to be more than a “place-holder” for the next Braves manager. He led the young and talented Braves to 90 wins and the postseason.
AL Manager of the Year: Bob Melvin
With now his third career Manager of the Year Award, Bob Melvin looks to get the Oakland A’s back on top. Heading into the season, the Oakland A’s had the lowest payroll in baseball and were not expected to accomplish much in 2018. However, they had one of the most talented offensive weapons and their pitching staff/bullpen took a huge leap forward. They won 97 games and earned a Wild Card spot in the postseason. Melvin also won the award in 2007 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and again in 2012 with the Oakland A’s. Many fans expected Alex Cora, the manager of the World Series champion-Boston Red Sox to win, but Melvin proved otherwise with the surprising 2018 Oakland A’s.
Photo Credit to Scott U via Flickr
