The Game of Baseball

This is the first award for Maddon, who ironically took over for Piniella in 2005 who managed the Rays for 3 seasons; Maddon led the Rays to the 2008 World Series while Piniella led the Cubs to the NL Central division title. Below are the voting totals for both the AL and NL Manager of the Year:

Manager, Club 1st 2nd 3rd Points

Charlie Manuel, Phila 8 6 9 67

Fredi Gonzalez, Florida 5 6 5 48

Joe Torre, Los Angeles 3 8 6 45

Tony La Russa, St. Louis 1 1 3 11

Jerry Manuel, New York 3 1 10

Cecil Cooper, Houston 3 3

Dale Sveum, Milwaukee 1 1

Manager, Club 1st 2nd 3rd Points

Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota 1 15 8 58

Mike Scioscia, Los Angeles 12 9 45

Terry Francona, Boston 6 6

Ozzie Guillen, Chicago 3 3

Cito Gaston, Toronto 2 2

There's at least one suitor for Hoffman's services in the Cleveland Indians, as evidenced by GM Mark Shapiro stating that if Hoffman does in fact become a free agent, that he would be interested in talking to him. Initially, the Padres made a contract offer to Hoffman about two weeks ago; when Hoffman's agent responded, saying that Hoffman would want to talk to the team's owner, John Moores, to see what direction the team is taking, that's apparently when the offer was withdrawn.

If Hoffman leaves the Padres, expect the closer's role to go to Heath Bell; during the 2008 season, Hoffman had a shaky start but recovered to record 30 saves in 34 opportunities, pitching in only 45 1/3 innings, due to the lack of save opportunities during the season. Hoffman, as previously noted, is the MLB all-time saves leader with 554.

Holliday is expected to fly to Oakland to meet with A's officials, and barring any medical issues with Smith, Holliday will become a member of the A's. Both teams have denied the report yet Smith has said that he is headed to Denver. But there's a sub-plot to this trade - despite the fact that Street would fill a void with the inevitable loss of relief pitcher Brian Fuentes to free agency, Street may nopt remain a Rockie for long as it is being rumored that some other clubs are expressing interest in Street, including St. Louis, the New York Mets, Detroit, Cleveland and Tampa Bay. The Tigers seem to be the odd team out in the Street sweepstakes, assuming that the rumor is true, according to CBSSportsline.com.

Holliday had some injury issues last season, yet still played in 139 games, batting .321 with 25 home runs and 88 RBIs. Street was the American League's Rookie of the Year in 2005 and has saved 98 games in his four seasons in Oakland; in 2008, he was replaced in the A's closer role by Brad Ziegler. Smith was 7-16 with a 4.12 ERA while in the A's starting rotation while Gonzalez hit .242 with 4 HR and 26 RBIs in 85 games with the A's.