Charlie NL Manager of the year??

Could Charlie Manuel really win the Manager of the Year Award?

Seems unlikely. Here's why:

The votes came in after the regular season ended and what happens in the playoffs has no bearing on the winner. When you look at it that way, it is tough to see Charlie winning it based on his competition:

Lou Pinellea- Sweet Lou managed a fairly talented team with irate fans who desperately wanted a World Series. Pinella was able to manage a team to clinch a playoff berth with the best record in the league despite the injury troubles. If you think about what I said before, I think Pinella is the favorite. 

Joe Torre- The Yanks' former skipper, with the help of Manny Ramirez, led a struggling Dodgers team on a late-season run to clinching the NL West. Sure, much of the credit goes to Manny Ramirez, but Torre will get some votes. 

Other candidates include Marlins' manager Fredi Gonzalez and St. Louis' Tony LaRussa.

As much as I'm pulling for Charlie, I think it will be Pinella. But who knows? Crazier things have happened...