BY SCOTT LAUBERTwo weeks ago, after the Phillies paraded through Center City, Charlie Manuel told an amusing story, as only he can. He recalled a meeting with team president David Montgomery, presumably after the 2006 season when the Phillies finished second (again) in the NL East and wild-card races.
"Charlie, you've got a whole lot of seconds," Montgomery said with a smile.
"Well," Manuel said on Oct. 31, the World Series trophy at his side, "I ain't second no more."
Today, though, he finished second again.
For a second consecutive year, Manuel was runner-up in the NL Manager of the Year balloting. This time, he came in behind Cubs manager Lou Piniella, who got 15 first-place votes, eight second-place votes and four third-place votes for 103 points. Manuel received eight first-place votes, six second-place votes and nine third-place votes for 67 points. Last year, you'll recall, Manuel finished second to Arizona's Bob Melvin. (Keep in mind, the voting is conducted before the postseason, so at the time that ballots were due, the Cubs were a 97-win favorite to reach the World Series, not a first-round choke job). For the full voting, click here.
But, sometime soon, Manuel will have something that neither Piniella nor Melvin will -- a 2008 World Series ring on his finger. He may also have a contract extension. Manuel has one more year, plus a club option for 2010, on his contract. Last week, Ruben Amaro Jr. said the Phils may begin to explore an extension that will keep Manuel in the dugout for a while longer.
"We're very, very pleased with Charlie," Amaro said. "He's proven to everybody that he's the right person for this group of players."
2 comments:
Scott
I think that this years voting for MOY is a sham.Charlie deserved the award as Lidge deserved the Cy Young.You know I saw the article and I noticed that Cubs managers have won the award THREE TIMES!Wasn't CM in the playoffs last year and did he not just miss the playoffs the year before?The most nagging part of this years voting was that the Marlins manager
came in third!And of course La Russa got a first place vote!What?
Scott I dont trust any voting done by baseball writers.Sorry HOF balloting should give you an idea that there are real problems in that group.Sorry but I just feel CM deserved the award.
Man
Deprey, I can't agree with you about Lidge deserving the Cy Young. Maybe if his ERA and WHIP were lower and he saved another 10-15 straight. But Lincecum deserved it and Santana should have been right behind him.
But I will agree that the voting system is flawed, much like several other things that surround the game of baseball. I mean, three writers voted for Edinson Volquez, a non-rookie, for Rookie of the Year.
I hope I get the job of one of those undeserving guys.
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