Lou Piniella isn't simply managing a baseball team, he's managing the entire Cubs monster — the mood swings among fans and media, the turbulent emotions of Carlos Zambrano, the relentless questions about Alfonso Soriano's hip, Rich Harden's health, etc. For all the money the Cubs have spent, Piniella has done an outstanding job incorporating young talent, from Geovany Soto to Ryan Theriot, Carlos Marmol to Jeff Samardzija.

Tony La Russa did one of his best jobs this season, transforming the injury-depleted, seemingly outmanned Cardinals into a surprise contender. Joe Torre's steady hand had a similar calming effect on the Dodgers as it did on the Yankees, and the Marlins' Fredi Gonzalez should get a few votes — you try finishing above .500 with a $22 million payroll.

One veteran Ray tells me that Joe Maddon never mentions performance when talking to players. He'll simply tell players to relax and play their game, occasionally suggesting some type of adjustment. Maddon's confidence and communication skills are unusual, particularly for a first-time manager. He made the Rays believe.

Ron Gardenhire lost Torii Hunter, Johan Santana and Carlos Silva in the offseason, then setup man Pat Neshek and right fielder Michael Cuddyer to injuries. Delmon Young underperformed and the left side of the infield is a patch job, but the Twins enter the final weekend in first place. Wow.

I'm tempted to go with Alexei Ramirez, the Cuban defector who had to adjust to an entirely new culture as well as major-league pitching. Two rival GMs who bid for Ramirez told me in spring training that they considered him too raw for the majors and planned to start him at Class AA. What a waste that would have been.

While Ramirez is worthy, Evan Longoria is otherworldly. The five weeks he missed due to a fractured right wrist is all that prevented him from a 30-homer, 100-RBI season, and his defense at third base has been a revelation. Like all the great ones, he simply slows the game down.

Armando Galarraga, a 12-game winner whom the Tigers acquired from the Rangers, rates a slight edge over Royals shortstop Mike Aviles for the final spot on the ballot.

Geovany Soto has emerged as a terrific two-way player, capable of separating his defense from his offense when necessary and handling a staff of hard throwers with big movement.

Los Angeles Angels News News » Izturis, Angels avoid arbitration with $1.6M deal 2009-01-29
Izturis, Angels avoid arbitration with $1.6M deal 2009-01-29
My picks 1. Lou Piniella, Cubs 2. Tony La Russa, Cardinals 3. Joe Torre, Dodgers