Schedule Change: Manager of the Year AL

Here comes the first of many shakeups in the lineup here at The Card. The AL Manager of the Year award was officially clinched last night, so we might as well jump right into it.

Winner: Joe Maddon

The Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays have been such a phenomenal story in 2008. They clinched a playoff spot last night, and they will likely clinch the division before all is said and done. They jumped from worst to first, and they are a true story of why sports is so great.

Even in the A.L. East, where owners like Steinbrenner and Henry spend money like it has "Monopoly" written all over it, the (Devil) Rays were able to resurrect their team in just one season. Never has wait 'til next year meant so much. Everyone has a chance every season, and the (Devil) Rays are that proof.

Maddon has long been known as one of the great minds in baseball. He does anything to win, including playing a four-outfielder shift against David Ortiz a few years back. Most of all, his group of young and talented, but vastly inexperienced, players believe in him. 

Note: Maddon gets bonus points for succeeding in a town that seemingly doesn't even know his team exists. Shame on Tampa for not supporting this club. 

Runner up: Terry Francona

Not because the Red Sox are heading to the playoffs. Really, I just give him credit for not having a heart attack throughout the whole Manny saga.