Orioles manager Buck Showalter led the club to a remarkable turnaround in 2012 and now he's receiving postseason honors for his achievement. Showalter was named Sporting News' American League Manager of the Year Wednesday after leading the Birds to a 93-69 record, despite having a +7 run differential.

Throughout the season, the Orioles lost players such as Tsuyoshi Wada, Nolan Reimold and Nick Markakis for the season because of injuries. The Birds' Opening Day pitcher wasn't on the postseason roster after a sub-par campaign, and the team started a 20-year-old third baseman during the playoffs. Showalter's juggling act and decision-making during the situational moments often made him look like a genius.

The Birds returned to the postseason after a 15-year absence that included 14 straight years of losing. The Birds were in the AL East chase until the last series of the season and claimed one of the wild-card spots. After taking out two-time AL champion Texas during the wild-card round, the Orioles took the Yankees to a five-game Division series.

Showalter, who was working for ESPN two years ago, once again became one of the game's top managers in 2012. He has the Orioles poised to stay in the postseason chase for several years to come and changed the sports culture in Baltimore.

Posted Oct. 24, 2012