Awards season is upon us this MLB offseason. Just last week, we saw the Washington Nationals be crowned World Series champions, but now it’s time for the individual awards. All finalists for Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards for both the American and National League have been announced and will be revealed beginning November 11th. Now it’s time for the End of the Bench’s predictions for each award. Here, we are going to look at the Manager of the Year award in the American League
AL Manager of the Year:
Rocco Baldelli, MIN
Aaron Boone, NYY
Kevin Cash, TB
Here’s a race that seems pretty even. All three managers led their respective teams to a winning record and postseason appearances. Baldelli, a first year manager who previously worked on the Tampa Bay coaching staff, led his Twins to an AL Central title, winning over 100 games for just the second time in franchise history. Along the way, the Twins broke the single season home run record previously held by the 2018 Yankees, smacking 307 home runs. Minnesota would ultimately be swept by the Yankees in the ALDS. In his second year, Boone led the Bronx Bombers to another 100 win season and an AL East title. In the midst of the division winning season, Boone and the Yanks were able to overcome an unusual influx of injuries with 30 players hitting the Injured List throughout the year, a Major League record. Even through all the bumps and bruises, Boone’s players embodied the term “next man up” to remain savages in the box throughout 2019. New York would eventually be bested by the Astros in 6 games in the ALCS. Kevin Cash managed the Rays to their second straight 90 win season Two consecutive 90 win seasons for any team is impressive, but Tampa Bay having the lowest payroll in the majors adds to the achievement. The Rays ended up surprising many again, besting the defending champion Red Sox and finished 2nd in the AL East.
Pick one of these names out of a hat and you wouldn’t necessarily be frustrated with the winner as each one has the case. Ultimately, it is truly impressive what Kevin Cash has been doing down in Tampa Bay with the payroll he’s been given.
Winner: Kevin Cash, TB
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