SEATTLE - Turning a 101 loss team into a winning baseball club wasn't enough to get Seattle Mariners rookie manager Don Wakamatsu the American League Manager of the Year award.
Instead, the Baseball Writers' Association of America gave it to Los Angeles Angels Manager Mike Scioscia, who led his team to its third consecutive division title and the American League Championship Series. Scioscia kept the Angels going after the death of pitcher Nick Adenhart.
Scioscia got 15 of the 28 first-place votes. Minnesota's Ron Gardenhire finished second in the voting, followed by New York's Joe Girardi, then Wakamatsu.
Wakamatsu picked up one first place vote.
After becoming the first team with a $100 million dollar payroll to lose 100 games in 2008, Wakamatsu and General Manager Jack Zduriencik were brought in and led the Mariners to an 85-77 record in 2009.
Jim Tracy of Colorado has won the NL Manager of the Year. He took over in mid-season following Clint Hurdle's dismissal in May and led the Rockies to the wild card.
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