NewsTracy, Tulowitzki contending for hardware
Manager of Year honors might be Rockies' best bet
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com
11/11/09 3:05 PM EST
DENVER -- By now, Rockies manager Jim Tracy is used to the drill: Someone announces he's the National League's top manager for 2009, he thanks everyone, then he clears a spot for another trophy. Barring unforeseen crazy votes, he'll be honored again this time next week when the Baseball Writers' Association of America announces its award.
But there are no assumptions when it comes to Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, the on-field leader of the turnaround that made Tracy such a logical honoree.
Tulowitzki, in his third full season, turned in a campaign worthy of consideration for Rawlings Gold Glove and Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger honors. However, competition for both is stiff, and on Wednesday, Tulowitzki was not on the Gold Glove list. Tulowitzki overcame a slow start to hit .297 with 32 home runs, 92 RBIs and 101 runs scored. He became the sixth NL shortstop in history to exceed 30 homers. However, the NL batting champion was Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who hit .342 with 23 home runs, 106 RBIs and 101 runs scored. Ramirez had 27 steals in 35 attempts, and Tulowitzki had 20 steals in 31 attempts. The Silver Slugger Awards in both leagues will be revealed on Thursday. The presence of Tracy, however, assures that the Rockies will be represented when the BBWAA hands out awards. Sporting News named Tracy its NL manager of the year, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum selected Tracy for its manager of the year award, the Charles Isham "C.I." Taylor Award. After a slow start led the Rockies to replace Clint Hurdle as manager, Tracy led the team to a 74-42 finish and an NL Wild Card berth. The BBWAA award will be handed out Nov. 18.Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
