Morning Marquee: Matt Williams, Buck Showalter named top managers

The Nationals Matt Williams and the Orioles Buck Showalter were named Manager of the Year in their respective leagues. Williams became just the fourth rookie manager to take home the award, and the first since Joe Girardi with the Yankees in 2006. Showalter became a three-time winner, winning this year as well as in 1994 (Yankees) and 2004 (Rangers). All six finalists took their teams to the playoffs, but Williams and Showalter’s teams had decisive wins in their divisions. The Nats won the NL East by 17, while the Orioles won the AL East by 12.

Diamondbacks former general manager Kevin Towers appears to be headed to Cincinnati to join the Reds in a TBD role. Diamondbacks Chief Baseball Officer Tony LaRussa has a good relationship with Reds GM Walt Jocketty from their time together in St. Louis, so he likely came well recommended. After high expectations in 2014, the Reds found themselves near the bottom of the NL Central, and will look to rebuild to compete with the perennial contender Cardinals, and the newly regular-to-the-postseason Pirates.

With the New York Mets searching out every available option to solves their shortstop woes, reports are they have reached out to the Phillies about Jimmy Rollins. The Mets have also inquired about the Cubs Starlin Castro, per reports. rollins is entering the final year of his contract, and is due to make $11 million this year.

After winning the exhibition opener, the MLB All-Stars dropped the first game of the five game set 2-0, as Japan’s Kenta Maeda held the MLB squad scoreless through five innings. The Angels Matt Shoemaker took the loss. Since 1908, it’s the 36th time a team of Major Leaguers has toured Japan, and the 11th All-Star series in this format.

Here’s a look at yesterday’s headlines:

‘New York Mets inquired about Jimmy Rollins’ – Call to the Pen

‘Magruder: Kevin Towers to join the Cincinnati Reds’ – Venom Strikes

‘Shoemaker outdueled by Japan ace Maeda’ – MLB.com

‘Baltimore Orioles’ Buck Showalter wins Manager of the Year’ – Birds Watcher

‘Matt Williams named National League Manager of the Year’ – District on Deck