Washington Nationals' Davey Martinez snubbed for NL Manager of the Year
WASHINGTON - Washington Nationals manager Davey Martinez was not among the finalists for National League Manager of the Year despite leading his team to the postseason for the first time at his position.
While the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) voters submit their ballots prior to the start of the postseason, Martinez could have been considered as a candidate because of how the Nationals were able to get to the playoffs despite being under .500 at the beginning of the year.
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Martinez and the Nationals finished 82-80 in 2018. It was Martinez's first season as Washington's manager and when the team began the season 19-31 in the first 50 games, there were rumors about him getting canned in the middle of the season.
Dave Martinez #4 of the Washington Nationals argues as he is ejected by the umpire and is held back by Bob Henley #14 against the Houston Astros after the top of the seventh inning in Game Six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 2 (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
However, Washington won 74 of their next 112 games and miraculously fended off the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs to get the second National League Wild Card spot. The Nationals finished the dream season by defying the odds and winning the World Series.
The finalists include superb managers, including Milwaukee Brewers' Craig Counsell, St. Louis Cardinals' Mike Shildt and the Atlanta Braves' Brian Snitker.
Nationals Manager Davey Martinez (C) speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump (L) welcomes the 2019 World Series Champions, the Washington Nationals, to the White House November 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
The voting breakdown will be released after the winners are announced.
The Manager of the Year awards will be announced Nov. 12.