The TSN awards

Sporting News, The, Oct 14, 1996 by T.R. Sullivan, Gordon Verrell

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Doug Melvin, Rangers G.M.

Doug Melvin was introduced as Rangers general manager October 10,1994. At his introductory press conference, he stepped to the podium and announced the team would no longer be totally dependent on offense.

"I believe the way to win a championship is by pitching and defense," Melvin said. "That's what we're going to try and do."

He also said he did not believe in four- and five-year building plans.

"I believe we can win now," he said.

It took two years, but Melvin fulfilled his promise. The Rangers led the league in team defense for the first time since 1983 and were tied for fifth in team pitching. Their balanced rotation, led by Ken Hill (16-10), Bobby Witt (16-12), Roger Pavlik (15-8) and Darren Oliver (14-6), won a major league-high 74 games.

But most important, the Ranvers won the first division championship in club history. For his work, Melvin, 44, has been named THE SPORTING NEWS Executive of the Year in a vote of major league executives. He finished with 16 out of 41 votes, well ahead of the graves' John Schuerholz (5) and the Twins' Terry Ryan (4).

"We've got our share of good hitters," first baseman Will Clark says. "But all season long we've had solid pitching and solid defense. That's the reason we won games and that's why we're in the playoffs. That's why this team is different from all the Rangers teams in the past."

Melvin admits he took over a strong nucleus of talented players. What Melvin specialized in was acquiring the proper supporting cast and building the depth that the team had always seemed to lack.

In the past, the Rangers would have been devastated to lose starting shortstop Benji Gil in spring training to a major back injury. But in the offseason Melvin had heard from reliable sources that Kevin Elster could still play. When Gil went down, Elster did a remarkable job, driving in 99 runs and finishing second in fielding among A.L shortstops.

Melvin also made two big trades in midseason. He acquired left-hander Mike Stanton to reinforce the bullpen and righthander John Burkett to steady the rotation. Burkett went 5-2 with a 4.06 ERA down the stretch and pitched a complete-game victory in Game 1 of the divisional playoff series against the Yankees.

A.L. MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Johnny Oates, Rangers

There was a stunning sight at the Rangers' training camp. On a cold February morning, the team took the field in Port Charlotte, Fla., with every starting player in camp. The surprising thing was, it was two days before position players were required to report.

"I don't think I've ever seen a training camp where every starter was in camp two days early," third base coach Jerry Narron says.

Especially not in the Rangers' camp, a place in the past where players seemed to have the freedom to come and go as they liked and do as they pleased. "I think what you're seeing now is a strong group of professionals and that's an attitude that starts at the top," DH Mickey Tettleton said.

The attitude started with Johnny Oates, who was beginning his second full season as manager. In just one year, he had changed the players from a me-first, underachieving group of highly talented players to a close-knit, team-oriented club that became known more for its grit and resiliency than its ability.

Clearly, things were going to be different. The Rangers jumped out to a quick start--best in team history--and held on down the stretch to bring the franchise its first division championship. As a reward for orchestrating this turnaround, Oates has been selected THE SPORTING NEWS American League Manager of the Year in a vote of A L. managers. Oates had nine of 14 votes, eclipsing the Yankees' Joe Torre (4) and the Indians' Mike Hargrove (1).

"It's an honor to be selected by your peers, especially since so many of them did such a great job," Oates says. "Hargrove did a great job in Cleveland; I know how hard it is when you're expected to win. Davey Johnson in Baltimore ... Torre in New York ... Lou Piniella did an outstanding job in Seattle.

"But really you have to give the credit to the players. They're the ones who go out there and play and do it. I just try not to screw it up."

Oates, 50, has amassed a .523 winning percentage in six seasons at Baltimore and Texas. He's got a reputation as a players' manager who earns the respect of his charges. "Johnny is a true friend, but yet he's someone who will get on your rear sometimes," Tettleton says. "He's tremendous. You're not going to find anybody better in the game."

N.L. MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Bruce Bochy, Padres

In just two seasons-including last year's strike-shortened season-Bruce Bochy has already won more games than nine of his 14 predecessors in San Diego. That's an indication of what this season's success means to the franchise, which made it to postseason play for only the second time in its 27-year history.

Bochy gave a clear impression early that he had a winning touch. After three years of managing in Class A, Bochy won his first championship in 1992 at Class AA Wichita, spent the next two seasons coaching with the Padres, then took over as manager in 1994. He took a 47-70 club in 1994 to 70-74 in '95, making the Padres the most improved club in the National League. And this year, he led the team to the N.L. West title, battling the Dodgers to the last day of the season.