Chris Carpenter (21-5, 2.83) is elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America as the National League’s Cy Young Award winner. The Cardinal right-hander, who has been sidelined with injuries during the past two seasons, outpoints Marlins southpaw Dontrelle Willis (22-10, 2.63), becoming the first Redbird to cop the honor since Bob Gibson was selected in 1970.

Chris Carpenter (21-5, 2.83) is elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America as the National League’s Cy Young Award winner. The Cardinal right-hander, who has been sidelined with injuries during the past two seasons, outpoints Marlins southpaw Dontrelle Willis (22-10, 2.63), becoming the first Redbird to cop the honor since Bob Gibson was selected in 1970.

ByTom

Chris Carpenter (21-5, 2.83) is elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America as the National League’s Cy Young Award winner. The Cardinal right-hander, who has been sidelined with injuries during the past two seasons, outpoints Marlins southpaw Dontrelle Willis (22-10, 2.63), becoming the first Redbird to cop the honor since Bob Gibson was selected in 1970.

After leading a very young Braves team to the East Division title, Bobby Cox is named the National League’s Manager of the Year. The well-respected field boss becomes the first skipper, in either league, ever to win the award in consecutive years.

ByTom

After leading a very young Braves team to the East Division title, Bobby Cox is named the National League’s Manager of the Year. The well-respected field boss becomes the first skipper, in either league, ever to win the award in consecutive years.

Ozzie Guillen is selected as the American League’s Manager of the Year after guiding his team to a World Championship. The White Sox skipper joins his former field boss Bobby Cox, the NL’s selection, as a recipient of the honor this season.

ByTom

Ozzie Guillen is selected as the American League’s Manager of the Year after guiding his team to a World Championship. The White Sox skipper joins his former field boss Bobby Cox, the NL’s selection, as a recipient of the honor this season.

Bud Selig, after delivering his annual address to major league general managers, tells reporters he favors revised congressional legislation that would suspend players for a half-season for using steroids. Also, the commissioner, while admitting the postseason umpiring calls need to be examined, continued to state his opposition to use instant replay for baseball.

ByBaseball

Bud Selig, after delivering his annual address to major league general managers, tells reporters he favors revised congressional legislation that would suspend players for a half-season for using steroids. Also, the commissioner, while admitting the postseason umpiring calls need to be examined, continued to state his opposition to use instant replay for baseball.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Bartolo Colón wins American League Cy Young Award

ByThis Day in Baseball

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Bartolo Colón, who led the American League with 21 wins, receives the Cy Young Award. Colón is the second pitcher in Angels history to win the award. Dean Chance was the winner in 1964, back when there was one award for the two leagues. Colón receives 17 of 28 first-place votes cast and finishes with 118 points. Closer Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees finishes second with 8 first-place votes and 68 points, while Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins, who was the 2004 winner, is third with 3 first-place votes and 51 points.

Commissioner Bud Selig has made it clear he doesn’t want instant replay

ByThis Day in Baseball

Commissioner Bud Selig has made it clear he doesn’t want instant replay. Even Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who had a dreadful call go against his team in the American League Championship Series, says to leave calls to the human element of umpiring. That, however, won’t stop general managers from debating the issue this week.

The New York Yankees let Tino Martinez go

ByThis Day in Baseball

The New York Yankees let Tino Martinez go, declining their $3 million option on the popular first baseman. Martinez returned to New York in 2005 and hit .241 in part-time duty with 17 home runs and 49 RBI. He was a staple in the Yankees’ lineup from 1996 to 2001, helping the team to four World Series championships and five American League pennants with his clutch hitting and reliable defense.

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Oakland Athletics reliever Huston Street and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard are named the American League and National League rookies of the year

ByThis Day in Baseball

Oakland Athletics reliever Huston Street and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard are rewarded for their efforts by being named the American League and National League rookies of the year, respectively. Street became Oakland’s closer when incumbent Octavio Dotel went down in May with an elbow injury that required surgery. Street saved 23 games in 27 chances to go along with a 5-1 record and a 1.72 ERA. Only Mariano Rivera’s 1.38 ERA for the Yankees was better among AL relievers. Street had 72 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings pitched, and opposing hitters batted only .194 against him. Howard became the Phillies’ everyday first baseman in early July when slugger Jim Thome was sidelined for the season with an elbow injury. Howard, who led all major league rookies with 22 home runs, also posted a .288 average and 63 RBI in 312 at bats. He had 11 homers and 27 RBI in September and October as the Phillies battled the Houston Astros for the NL wild card until getting eliminated on the last day of the season.

five-ton wrecking ball smashes into Busch Stadium to make room for a new ballpark to house the St. Louis Cardinals

ByThis Day in Baseball

With a resounding thud, a five-ton wrecking ball smashes into Busch Stadium to make room for a new ballpark to house the St. Louis Cardinals. Hundreds of observers line nearby streets or dotted rooftops to watch the beginning of the demolition to the 39-year-old facility.