Wedge, Melvin named managers of the year

NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Cleveland's Eric Wedge and Arizona's Bob Melvin were voted the American League and National League managers of the year.

Both took their teams to the playoffs in 2007 but both also were eliminated from the league championship series.

Wedge became the first Cleveland Indians skipper to win manager of the year honors after he guided the team to a 96-66 record and the first division title in six seasons.

He received 19 first-place votes, six votes for second and three thirds for 116 points. Los Angeles Angels Manager Mike Scioscia was second with 54 points.

Melvin helped the Diamondbacks to the NL West title, despite putting one of the youngest lineups in the league on the field every day. The 90 victories Arizona piled up was the most in the National League in 2007.

Melvin was mentioned first on 19 ballots, second on seven and third on three for 119 points. Philadelphia Manager Charlie Manuel was second with 43 points.

Manager of the year voting is conducted by the Baseball Writers Association of America. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second-place mention, three points, and third-place, one.