Cubs' Joe Maddon Named NL Manager of the Year

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon won his third Manager of the Year award after guiding the Cubs to a 97-65 record and a berth in the NLCS.

Maddon, who also won the award in the AL with Tampa Bay in 2008 and 2011, got 18 first-place votes, for 124 points, from the Baseball Writers' Association of America in balloting announced Tuesday.

"It's really good to know that what you believe in works in other places," Maddon said during a break from his pizza-and-wine celebration with family and friends. "I didn't tweak anything. It was the same approach."

The Cardinals' Mike Matheny came in second, with nine first-place votes and 87 points, followed by Terry Collins of the Mets, who was listed atop three ballots and had 49 points.

Texas' Jeff Banister was given the AL honor and became the fifth first-year big league manager to win the award.

Maddon, 61, expertly guided a team loaded with talent but not much experience. After hovering just above .500 for more than half the season, the Cubs took off in August and September, finishing 19-9 each month. Maddon deftly handled the promotions of top picks Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber and newly minted rookie of the year Kris Bryant by giving them major responsibilities but keeping the pressure at a minimum and maintaining a relaxed locker room.

"To be the steward of this wonderful group of young players, I feel very fortunate," Maddon said on MLB Network.

Bannister Named AL Manager of Year

Texas Rangers skipper Jeff Banister was named the American League Manager of the Year on Tuesday.

Banister 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 to a postseason berth.

The Rangers scuffled through the first half of the season and entered the All-Star break 42-46. However, they turned it on in the second half and compiled a 46-28 mark to propel them into the playoffs.

David Ortiz to Retire After 2016 Season

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, affectionately known as Big Papi to baseball fans worldwide, will retire after the 2016 season, according to multiple media reports Tuesday.

His base salary of $11 million for the 2016 season was guaranteed when he reached 425 plate appearances, on Aug. 9 against the Tigers, last season.

Ortiz, a nine-time All-Star selection and six-time Silver Slugger Award winner, finished last season with a .273 average, 108 RBIs and 37 home runs -- his most for a season since 2006 when he set the team record with 54 homers.

He has hit 503 homers in his career, including 445 during his 13 seasons with the Red Sox, the third-most in franchise history behind Ted Williams (521) and Carl Yastrzemski (452). He ranks 27th on the all-time home run list, just one away from tying Hall of Famer Eddie Murray.