Terry Francona, who guided the Cleveland Indians to their first American League pennant since 1997, was named American League Manager of the Year on Tuesday.Francona wins the award, given by the Baseball Writers Association of America, after guiding the Indians --?beset by injuries and drug suspensions -- to a surprising first-place finish with a 94-67 record. Cleveland also made its first playoff appearance since 2013 and won their first division title since 2007.Im honored, Francona said. ... It also does give me a chance to brag about our guys. If somebody thinks its an individual award, its the furthest thing from the truth. One, its incredible players. Its front office, ownership. The coaches work so hard every day. I wish we could take a bow together.The Indians almost claimed their first World Series title since 1948 before the Chicago Cubs overcame a 3-1 deficit.It was an unbelievably satisfying year, Francona said.Its already been a busy offseason for him, too. The Indians picked up options for his contract in 2019 and 2020, then he had a right hip replacement operation.He received a first-place vote on 22 of the 30 ballots cast and was the only one to be named on every ballot. Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister finished second with four first-place votes, while Buck Showalter of the Baltimore Orioles and John Farrell of the Boston Red Sox had two first-place votes apiece and finished third and fourth, respectively.In Franconas fourth year managing the club, Cleveland overcame significant injuries to star outfielder Michael Brantley, catcher Yan Gomes and starting pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar to win the AL Central title by eight games and improve its win total by 13 games from a season ago.This is the second time Francona, 57, has been named Manager of the Year, having won the honor in 2013 after his first season with the Indians, and he is the only two-time winner in franchise history. He is now the sixth active manager to win the award multiple times, joining Dusty Baker, Joe Maddon, Bob Melvin, Mike Scioscia and Buck Showalter.The Associated Press contributed to this report. Wholesale Red Wings Jerseys . Fernandez, coached in Toronto by former two-time Olympic silver medallist Brian Orser, scored 267.11 points and is the first champion to successfully defend since Russias Evgeny Plushenko in 2005 and 2006. Cheap Adidas Red Wings Jerseys . Numbers Game examines the deal that sees Michael Del Zotto and Kevin Klein switch places. The Predators Get: D Michael Del Zotto. http://www.cheapredwingsjerseys.com/ .com) - The Calgary Flames aim to bounce back from their first regulation home loss of the campaign on Friday night when they host a Detroit Red Wings club that they swept in three meetings a season ago. Cheap Red Wings Jerseys . It was just business as usual for the Thunder at home. Durant scored 32 points and the Thunder beat the Bulls 107-95 on Thursday night for their eighth straight win. Cheap Red Wings Jerseys Authentic . Supported by three-run homers from Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos, the young right-hander went seven strong innings in the Washington Nationals 8-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. After the fourth week of internationals, its time to make your vote for player of the weekend.?Beauden Barrett (vs. France)The World Player of the Year showed once again why he is so crucial to the All Blacks in a fine display against France. Just another day out for Barrett, a cross kick to set up an Israel Dagg try and a breakaway try of his own.Chris Robshaw (vs. Argentina)Robshaw had to put in an immense shift with England down to 14 men. His work-rate secured him the man-of-the-match performance. His ball carrying and fierce tackling was crucial as Argentina threatened to fightback.Josh van der Flier (vs. Australia)After being drafted in at the last minute when Sean OBrien was ruled out, he put in a man-of-the-match performance to prove his ability once again. He led the Irish in tackles in defence, beat two Australian defenders in aattack and was everywhere.ddddddddddddRoss Ford (vs. Georgia)After Ryan Wilson, Ford was the biggest forward carrier for Scotland and matched Stuart Hogg by beating five defenders and was part of a pretty solid pack at set piece.Justin Tipuric (vs. South Africa)Tipuric put in a man of the match performance, blocking a clearance from Elton Jantjies, carried superbly and rounded off his display with a great try, stepping inside Johan Goosen to score, after bursting onto a Faletau pass.Sonatane Takulua (vs. Italy)The Tongan kicker was immense throughout to cause an upset against Conor OSheas fancied Italy team. His kicking kept them in the game and showed nerves of steel to seal the win with an injury-time kick. ' ' '