Mariners right-hander Hishashi Iwakuma, who helped Japan win the 2009 World Baseball Classic, has decided not to pitch in the upcoming 2013 WBC tournament in order to prepare for his second season in the Major Leagues.

Only one National League manager ran a team that was able to accomplish what amounted to a transformation. That manager was Davey Johnson of the Washington Nationals. Justice was served when the Baseball Writers’ Association of America named him the 2012 NL Manger of the Year.

Only one National League manager ran a team that was able to accomplish what amounted to a transformation. That manager was Davey Johnson of the Washington Nationals. Justice was served when the Baseball Writers’ Association of America named him the 2012 NL Manger of the Year.

The job Bob Melvin did with the 2012 Oakland Athletics, deserves recognition not only as American League Manager of the Year, but as Manager of the Year, period.

The job Bob Melvin did with the 2012 Oakland Athletics, deserves recognition not only as American League Manager of the Year, but as Manager of the Year, period.

Buck Showalter’s Orioles not only exceeded any reasonable expectations by winning 93 games, they were also historically good in close games, which should earn Showalter the AL Manager of the Year Award.

Buck Showalter’s Orioles not only exceeded any reasonable expectations by winning 93 games, they were also historically good in close games, which should earn Showalter the AL Manager of the Year Award.

Baseball had never had a player so hyped and so hounded so long before Bryce Harper’s debut. Kudos to him, then, for turning in a season worthy of an award and for carrying himself in a respectable manner in the process.

As Major League Baseball pauses with the rest of the nation on Veterans Day to honor and appreciate those who have served in the armed forces, it stands and salutes as a sport forever linked with the military, in many different ways and in many different eras.

R.A. Dickey accepted the Branch Rickey Award for humanitarian service in baseball and related his story of perseverance to a group of Denver schoolchildren.

The Twins agreed to terms on Minor League deals with right-handed reliever Tim Wood and catcher Eric Fryer, the Twins announced Saturday. The deals include invitations to Major League Spring Training.

A three-time National League Manager of the Year with the Giants (1993, ’97, 2000), Dusty Baker has been in the top five in the balloting seven times, with runner-up finishes with the 2003 Cubs and ’10 Reds.

A three-time National League Manager of the Year with the Giants (1993, ’97, 2000), Dusty Baker has been in the top five in the balloting seven times, with runner-up finishes with the 2003 Cubs and ’10 Reds.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish are finalists for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. In any other year, they would be anxiously awaiting Monday night’s announcement of the results from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting to see if they won.

There was never any doubt about Mike Trout as Rookie of the Year. The only question is whether he’s the Rookie of All Time.

There was never any doubt about Mike Trout as Rookie of the Year. The only question is whether he’s the Rookie of All Time.

If Arizona’s Wade Miley doesn’t win the National League Rookie of the Year Award there should be an investigation.