CtPG Staff Votes: NL Manager of the Year

For the NL Manager of the Year, eight CtPG writers compiled top-three ballots, with a first-place vote valued at five points, a second-place vote valued at three points, and a third-place vote valued at one point.

1. Gabe Kapler, Giants

San Francisco Giants: 107-55, 1st in NL West

After a very interesting tenure in Philadelphia, some were surprised when the Giants hired Gabe Kapler prior to the 2020 season. However, in his second season at the helm, the Giants, who were projected to finish alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks at the back of the division, exceeded all expectations to win the division over the Dodgers and secure the number one seed. It was an impressive performance for a team that relied on resurgent seasons from Buster Posey, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, and others, all the while getting production from unexpected places. Kapler was nearly unanimous as the #1 guy for our writers.

2. Craig Counsell, Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers: 95-67, 1st in NL Central

Craig Counsell’s Brewers won a solid Central division, holding off teams like the Cardinals and Reds, even without a fully-powered Christian Yelich. Counsell rode the three-headed monster of Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, and Freddy Peralta, helped by the presence of Josh Hader out of the bullpen, to victory. Counsell’s four second-place votes were enough to secure second place in the balloting.

3. Mike Shildt, Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals: 90-72, 2nd in NL Central

The recently-fired Shildt led the Cardinals to a seventeen-game win streak late in the year to secure the second Wild Card berth, to run into the juggernaut that was the Dodgers. This team had hot and cold streaks, frustrating some fans who thought their team was more talented. Shildt was able to navigate all of that to the ninety-win plateau, a mark that would have been good enough to win the NL East. He picked up a first-place vote from Rick Souddress, carrying him to third.

4. Dave Roberts, Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers: 106-60, 2nd in NL West

Despite coming into the year with the most talented squad (as usual), the Dodgers had a tough task this year, facing massive injuries. They got a boost at the trade deadline, picking up Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, but they never had the opportunity to play stress-free baseball, as they were always chasing the Giants for the division title. I don’t think it can be understated how this team freaking won 106 games, which is absolutely crazy for a second-place team. Regardless of the in-game moves, Roberts held it together for another quality season, giving him plenty of down-ballot votes.

5. Brian Snitker, Braves

Atlanta Braves: 88-73, 1st in NL East

As this is a regular season award, Snitker’s postseason heroics do not factor in. For the longest time, it was a punchline to see which team would emerge from the chaotic ashes of the NL East and snatch a playoff spot. That team ended up being the Atlanta Braves, and they were rewarded for it.

Here’s what the actual voters thought!

You can see our full breakdown of ballots below. Let us know in the comments who you would have had in your ballot!

Title Image Screenshot from MLB Twitter