Latest news with #AmericanLeagueManageroftheYear


Newsweek
13-08-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees Ripped For Keeping Aaron Boone Over 3-Time Manager Of The Year
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The New York Yankees have had very public struggles recently, and seemingly everyone is weighing in on Aaron Boone's job status as a result. Boone has seen plenty of ups and downs in his eight years at the helm of the Yankees, and ultimately, the fact that the team hasn't won it all opens him up to criticism whenever things are going south. He's also a staunch defender of his players in any situation, which draws the ire of some purists. But while most of the conversation has centered on whether the Yankees should keep Boone beyond this season, one well-known baseball analyst is taking them to task for retaining him as long as they already have. MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone looks on during batting practice prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 02, 2025 in Miami, Florida. MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone looks on during batting practice prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 02, 2025 in Miami, a recent episode of "The Show" on New York Post Sports, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo ripped the Yankees for not hiring Terry Francona in the offseason. Francona came out of a one-year retirement to manage the Cincinnati Reds after a long, fruitful career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Guardians. "These are the New York Yankees. ... I know they didn't want to hire (Bruce) Bochy because then they have to listen to front office and all that nonsense. Francona gets a job again. You are telling me Boone is a better manager than Terry Francona? Are you freaking crazy?" Russo ranted. "How did Francona end up with the Reds? Did the Yankees put a call in to Francona? 'Hey Terry, we had a bad World Series. Our manager killed us in Game 1.' He killed them in Game 1, guys. And Francona ends up in Cincinnati? Listen, everybody loves Boone. He's not a bad manager, but he has been there a long time (without a) World Series win. In my opinion, there are seven managers in the sport better than Boone. And yet, here he is." Francona is the three-time American League Manager of the Year, and he oversaw two World Series wins with the Red Sox, including the 2004 run that included a 3-0 comeback in the American League Championship Series against the Yankees. The general reaction when Francona returned was one of surprise, but the Yankees had also just been to the World Series for the first time under Boone when the 66-year-old was hired. New York was much more focused on trying to retain the services of Juan Soto than it was on luring a Boone replacement out of retirement. Francona's Reds are 62-58, 1 1/2 games worse than the Yankees. Both teams are fighting for a wild-card spot, so they have little time to dwell on what could have been in the winter. More MLB: Red Sox's Roman Anthony Matches Ted Williams' 86-Year-Old Franchise Record


Canada News.Net
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Canada News.Net
A's pursue second straight win over banged-up Astros
(Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images) One of the foremost challenges facing Houston Astros manager Joe Espada and his injury-strapped roster is utilizing the revolving door of players recalled from the minors or acquired off waivers. In the opener of a four-game series against the Athletics on Thursday, the Astros started three players who weren't with the team as recently as July 1 -- Jon Singleton, Brice Matthews and Zack Short -- behind a pitcher, Jason Alexander, who began the season with the A's before Houston claimed him off waivers in mid-May. The Astros, who fell 5-2, will try to bounce back when the series continues Friday night in Houston. Espada has generated American League Manager of the Year consideration based on how he has handled the roster attrition, a skill derived from his desire to establish a rapport with as many members of the organization as possible. 'Trust starts with conversations and knowing who I am and my expectations as a manager,' Espada said. 'I think that's really helped me be in this position right now and stay calm through this entire process. It hasn't been easy, but it's been fun.' Rookie Ryan Gusto (6-3, 4.46 ERA) is slated to start for Houston on Friday. The right-hander has made three consecutive relief appearances since his last start, permitting two runs and striking out five across 6 1/3 innings in that span. In his most recent start, Gusto allowed one run on four hits and one walk with one strikeout over six innings in a 5-1 road win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 6. He is 5-3 with a 4.92 ERA in 12 starts this year, 1-0 with a 3.15 ERA in 10 relief outings. Gusto did not record a decision in his lone appearance against the Athletics. He allowed one run on three hits and one walk with eight strikeouts over five innings in the Astros' 3-1 road loss on June 16. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs (8-7, 4.18 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Athletics. He allowed five runs on a season-high nine hits with four strikeouts over four innings in an 8-2 road loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. It was his shortest outing since he worked two-plus innings in an 11-7 road loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on May 30. Springs is 1-0 with a 10.80 ERA in two career appearances against the Astros, both in relief. He tossed one perfect inning and was the pitcher of record in a 5-4 win over Houston on May 2, 2021, while with the Tampa Bay Rays. Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson did not play on Thursday as part of a plan designed to give him occasional days off to lessen his workload. The 23-year-old shortstop was batting .327 before going 0-for-17 over his past four games. 'Like we talked about going forward for the second half, for Jacob, it's really about managing the workload and making sure he stays physically strong,' Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. 'For Jacob, six (games) in a row, travel, getting in late, I think (Thursday) was the day to give him a blow and let him reboot.'


Newsweek
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Former Big Leaguer Says MLB 'Protected' Shohei Ohtani in Betting Scandal
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Four months after Ippei Mizuhara was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for stealing from Shohei Ohtani to pay for gambling losses, the saga comes to life once again. Former three-time All-Star and 2005 American League Manager of the Year Ozzie Guillen is speaking out about the situation, and he believes Ohtani was the one secretly gambling. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat against the New York Mets in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Los Angeles,... LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat against the New York Mets in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. More"Everyone knows that Shohei Ohtani took a chance (by gambling) and they (Major League Baseball) protected him," Guillen told Fernando Ballesteros of Pure Baseball in Puerto Rico. Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in prison for stealing from Ohtani back in February just before the season started. The Dodgers have stood by Ohtani's side as prosecutors have stated multiple times Ohtani was the victim in this situation. However, many baseball fans on social media, particularly fans of rival teams, believe what Guillen is saying to be true. There is still some belief in the baseball world that Mizuhara took one for the team to prevent Ohtani from being banned. Ohtani has since moved on from the situation as he continues to produce a strong season at the plate for the Dodgers with a slash line of .295/.389/.648. He's totaled 23 home runs and 39 RBI as the designated hitter this season. Guillen has always been known by baseball fans for speaking his mind, so this statement shouldn't come as a surprise. As of now, though, there's zero evidence to support his claim. It could be out of spite, jealousy or a combination of both. More MLB: Dodgers' Max Muncy Remains Possible DFA Candidate as Trade Deadline Looms


Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Happy birthday skipper" – Reds fans celebrate Terry Francona's 66th birthday with heartfelt wishes
"Happy birthday skipper" – Reds fans celebrate Terry Francona's 66th birthday with heartfelt wishes (Image Source: Getty) It's the Reds' manager's birthday, and fans cannot keep calm. Terry Francona turned 66 on April 22, 2025, and fans are wishing their favorite manager all over social media. In his long tenure of 28 years with MLB, Francona has coached several teams and brought various accolades wherever he went. Due to his several achievements and demeanor, he has managed to be fans' favorite manager to date. Fans wishing Terry Francona on social media On April 22, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds took to their official X account and wished Francona on his birthday. The team even asked fans to join them in wishing the manager a very happy birthday . 'Join us in wishing Tito a very happy birthday!' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kelly Ripa's Daughter Steals the Show With Her Stunning Red Carpet Look BigGlobalTravel Undo Fans responded positively and wished the manager a happy birthday. One user went on to wish, 'Happy Birthday Skipper!' giving Francona the tag of being Reds' skipper aka manager. There were several fans who wished Francona by addressing him as Tito, the nickname that Terry inherited from his father, John Pasty Francona, who was a former MLB player. Fans went on to wish, 'Happy Birthday, Tito!' a sweet reminder of the baseball inheritance that goes on in the Francona family. Terry Francona's achievements as MLB manager Terry started his career as an MLB manager in 1997 when he joined the Philadelphia Phillies. During his tenure, the Phillies performed well and achieved several accolades. He left the Phillies in 2000 and joined Boston Red Sox in 2004. He remained with Sox till 2011 and brought several achievements to the team. He took the team to winning the World Series title twice during his tenure, once in 2004, and then in 2007. Besides, Francona is the only manager to win eight consecutive World Series games, making him one of a kind. After leaving Sox in 2011, Terry went on to guide Cleveland Guardians in 2013. He remained with Cleveland back when the team was named Cleveland Indians. He stayed with the team for a decade, the longest in the history of MLB. He was awarded the American League Manager of the Year in 2022. He stepped down as a manager in 2023 due to health issues. However, the Cincinnati Reds convinced Francona and the latter agreed to manage the team for at least three years. Whether he will continue beyond the three-year deal or not remains to be seen. For now, wishing the amazing manager a very happy birthday! Also Read: 'Just wanted it to be over'- Orioles manager Brandon Hyde reacts to 24-2 meltdown against Reds Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India , including match schedules , team squads , points table and IPL live score for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap .