Just read on Twitter via Steve Gilbert that our very own manager, Kirk Gibson, has been awarded the 2011 NL manager Of The Year by The Sporting News. For the AL, the award went to Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon.

Here is the article for you all to check out:

Congratulations Captain Kirk! Totally deserving of this award!

[Edit by Jim: He's the second D'backs manager to win this - Bob Melvin did so in 2007. Note that this is not the one given out by the Baseball Writers' Association of America - it's a bit like the Golden Globes and the Oscars, basically. However, it's a good indicator, with six of the past seven BBWAA winners in the NL having also won the SN award, including Melvin, so things look good for Gibby. The exception was 2008, when Piniella got the BBWAA and Fredi Gonzalez took the SN. The BBWAA category will be announced on November 16]