Scioscia, Tracy voted top managers

Published 3:42 am Thursday, November 19, 2009

NEW YORK — Jim Tracy of Colorado won the NL Manager of the Year award on Wednesday — and earned a new contract, too — while Mike Scioscia of the Los Angeles Angels was selected for the AL honor.

Tracy became the second manager to win the award after taking over during the season, joining Jack McKeon for Florida in 2003. Less than an hour after the award was announced, the Rockies said Tracy had been rewarded with a three-year contract.

“One guy doesn’t win an award like this,” Tracy said in a conference call. “The Colorado Rockies won this award.”

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Tracy received 29 first-place votes and two seconds for 151 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Scioscia got 15 first-place votes, 10 seconds and one third for 106 points.

The Rockies promoted Tracy from bench coach after Clint Hurdle was fired in late May and won the wild-card race. Scioscia kept the Angels going after the death of pitcher Nick Adenhart, and they won their fifth AL West title in six years.

“This award is a true honor and a testament to the perseverance of our players and staff,” Scioscia said in a release. “As a team, we overcame several obstacles to put together a successful season in 2009.”

Ron Gardenhire finished second in the AL voting for the second straight year and fifth time during his eight seasons as Minnesota manager. He also placed third in 2002, when Scioscia was honored for the first time, but has never won the award. Tony La Russa of the Cardinals, a four-time winner, was a distant second in the NL with 55 points.

Lou Piniella of the Cubs and Joe Maddon of the Rays were honored last year.