Yesterday, Ron Gardenhire and Bud Black took home the AL and NL Manager of the Year Awards, respectively. Bud Black is no surprise, and a decision I agree with. He led a team of young players -- who were expected to finish last -- to a near-division title. The way he handled the bullpen, using each pitcher at just the right time, was most impressive. Had that bullpen been mishandled -- some relievers overworked and others not used enough -- they wouldn't all have the dazzling 2010 stats that they boast. What Black was able to do in spite of a relatively weak roster, was impressive.
I can understand sentiments of Giants fans who might be angry that Bruce Bochy didn't win the award, but it was voted upon before the postseason, and he was much more impressive during the postseason than he was in the regular season.
Ron Gardenhire comes as a surprise, but he deserves credit for managing the Twins to the best second-half record in baseball without Justin Morneau.
Meanwhile, Felix Hernandez took home the AL Cy Young Award, after leading the AL in ERA, finishing second in complete games, and finishing second in strikeouts.
