The case for each NL Manager of the Year finalist

The Dodgers may have represented the National League in the World Series for the second straight season, but the remainder of the NL Division Series field was comprised of a trio of more unexpected teams led by this year’s finalists for NL Manager of the Year. Brian Snitker’s Braves overcame the Nationals and Phillies to reach the postseason ahead of schedule, while Bud Black’s Rockies took the next step with a win over the Cubs in the NL Wild Card Game. But most significantly, Craig Counsell and the Brewers embraced the unorthodox, opening and bullpenning their way to within one game of the NL pennant.