Rangers' Jeff Bannister named AL Manager of the Year
— -- Texas Rangers skipper Jeff Bannister has been named the American League Manager of the Year.
Bannister led the Rangers (88-74) to an unexpected AL West division title despite losing ace Yu Darvish, who ultimately underwent Tommy John surgery, during spring training.
The first-year manager navigated the Rangers through injuries to pitchers Derek Holland and Darvish, the return of Josh Hamilton to Texas, the rejuvenation of a healthy Prince Fielder and the deadline acquisition of left-hander Cole Hamels for a postseason berth.
The Rangers scuffled through the first half of the season as they entered the All-Star break 42-46, however they turned it on in the second half, compiling a 46-28 mark to propel them into the playoffs.
Texas' unlikely run came to an end after a Game 5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS.
Bannister is the first Rangers manager to earn the honor since Buck Showalter was named manager of the year in 2004.
Bannister beat out A.J. Hinch of the Houston Astros and Paul Molitor of the Minnesota Twins to win the award. All three were in their first years with their current teams.
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