What a season it has been in MLB during 2004! We have witnessed some
fantastic plays and some very talented players in action. At the same
time, managers have really had an impact on how this season has
played out. Whether it is Texas Rangers' skipper, Buck Showalter,
taking a last place team to the brink of the playoffs, or Ron
Gardenhire of the Twins leading his squad to their fourth straight
division crown, managers have played a huge part in the success of
their teams this season.

Pitching has become more and more of a factor in the Big Leagues, as
of late, and it has made the managers' job that much more important
in terms of the decision making that goes along with it.

There have also been some great seasons by managers of two teams, not
even close to the playoffs, which have improved tremendously this
season. Both Alan Trammell of the Detroit Tigers, and Eric Wedge of
the Cleveland Indians, have taken teams with dismal last season
records and improved them in leaps and bounds. Both managers will be
looking forward to 2005, but should not be counted out of the running
for this year's award based on their teams' overall improvement.

"I think what Buck Showalter has done this season with the Rangers
has been astounding." said Dave Johnson, CEO of WagerWeb.com. "A lot
of money has come in on him, but we have also received some action on
Red Sox Manager Terry Francona. I would guess that money is coming
out of Boston, and onto Yankees' skipper, Joe Torre, who seems to be
in the running every year."

This award will likely come down to which teams went into the
postseason the strongest, if it is given to a team that ends up in
the postseason. The big exception could come from the Texas Rangers
where, after losing all-world player Alex Rodriguez, Showalter and
his staff have taken the Rangers to the doorstep of the playoffs.
Even if the Rangers fail to make MLB's second season, he will still
most likely be the favorite to win the award.

WAGERWEB.COM IS PLEASED TO RELEASE ODDS ON: "WHO WILL WIN THE 2004
MLB AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD?"

MLB 2004 AMERICAN LEAGUE MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Buck Showalter-Texas Rangers 1:1 +$100
Mike Scioscia-Anaheim Angels 2:1 +$200
Terry Francona-Boston Red Sox 3:1 +$300
Eric Wedge-Cleveland Indians 5:1 +$500
Ron Gardenhire- Minnesota Twins 6:1 +$600
Ken Macha-Oakland A's 8:1 +$800
Joe Torre-New York Yankees 9:1 +$900
Alan Trammell-Detroit Tigers 10:1 +$1000
Field-Any Manager Not Listed 15:1 +$1500

Note: This wager applies to the 2004 MLB AL Manager of the Year Award
voted on by the BWAA and is in no way associated with any other media
award. The BWAA is an association of baseball writers that votes on
awards such as the MVP, Cy Young and Manager of the Year

Fore more information go to www.wagerweb.com