We all have our favorite players we keep close to our hearts, but sometimes we forget about the skippers that lead the way in their success; the managers. When a team is on fire, or sizzling out, the managers are usually the first ones to be recognized or ridiculed. Let’s take a moment to talk about the managers who deserve honors, and with a season that has been filled with surprises and controversy, this should be interesting.

Kirk Gibson, Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks have been a solid team this season. They have been winning games in a tough division and surprising a lot of people. I know Diamondback fans are pleased. Gibson is running a strong team with great arms on the bump in a standout like Patrick Corbin (94.2 innings pitched, 74 strikeouts, 2.28 ERA), and a solid hitter and heartbreaker to the Diamondbacks ladies in Paul Goldschmidt (62 RBI, .304 batting average, .384 on base percentage). Gibson is a former NL Manager of the Year, and part of that reason is because he led a team that most sports writers thought would come in last, to an NL West Title. With a 38-33 record, and still proving themselves in a tough division, Gibson’s name will be mentioned as a Manager of the Year candidate.

Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals: If your favorite team is not in the NL Central Division in Major League Baseball, you should thank your lucky stars. This means you do not have to face the Cardinals. The team is 46-26 and led by Mike Matheny. Matheny has a great roster, and the wins prove that. Catcher Yadier Molina is batting .365/.406/.514 with six bombs and 43 RBI’s and an early NL MVP candidate.  Matt Carpenter is not doing too bad himself with 85 hits, 25 RBIs, and a .314 batting average.  Add in standout rookie Shelby Miller (2.08 ERA and Rookie of the Year candidate) and I think it’s safe to say Matheny will be one of the managers in the World Series this year.

Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians: Francona’s resume is impressive to say the least.  Not only did he manage a very talented Red Sox team for several years, but he is the only manager in Major League history to win his first eight consecutive World Series games and just the second manager to guide two Red Sox clubs to World Series titles.  This year, his leadership role has taken over the Indians organization, and he has surprised a lot of baseball fans.  The team is a little over .500 but that does not mean they are a team to play lazily against.  Francona is doing a phenomenal job with a team many were not expecting much from.  Mark Reynolds has been known to strike out often, but this year he’s been lethal at the plate with 14 bombs and 56 hits.  Jason Giambi, who has his share of experience, brings leadership to the team in addition to Francona.  Ubaldo Jimenez (73.1 innings pitched with 1.35 WHIP) and Mike Aviles (44 hits, 23 RBIs, .278 batting average) also add a ton of talent.  Francona will be mentioned when it comes time to name a Manager of the Year.

Bob Melvin, Oakland Athletics: Even though certain parts of the locker room may be crappy, this is far from the case when it comes to Bob Melvin. The Oakland A’s have been called a team with “no-names.” Those no-names have been getting wins and every time Melvin steps on to the field, you can see the passion he has for the game. Bob Melvin is the reigning AL Manager of the Year, and expect him to be in the talks for another honor this time around.  Josh Donaldson has numbers players can be nothing but envious of (82 hits, 10 bombs, 45 RBIs, and a .304 batting average).  You read those numbers correctly.  Bartolo Colon is coming off a suspension, and he is doing quite well with a 2.89 ERA in 90.1 innings pitched.  Melvin has taken these “no-names” and made them into household names.  Melvin should be considered for honors as well this year.