Surprise, surprise. Heyman writes that with just one year remaining on his contract, a package for Halladay might start with Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain, not both, as former general manager J.P. Ricciardi asked for leading up to the trade deadline. What might give the Yankees an edge, according to Heyman, is that Halladay could engineer his no-trade clause to a team amenable to an extension, much like Johan Santana did two years ago. Though new general manager Alex Anthopoulos hasn't acknowledged such a window is possible, the Yankees are one of a select few teams, as are the Red Sox, who could award Halladay with the long-term stability he seeks.

"He has earned the right to be a free agent. This is his first time and he wants to see it through," Francona said during an hour-long appearance on WEEI in Boston. "You know we're going to be a major player -- we always are. Do I hope it gets done? Yeah. I bet you Jason Bay hopes it gets done, but he's going to have other options, too." Boston's exclusive negotiating window with Bay comes to a close on Friday, but there's a pretty good chance he stays put.

The news, which has been expected for weeks, comes on the heels of Tracy being named the National League Manager of the Year on Wednesday. Tracy, 53, led the Rockies to a 74-42 record and the National League Wild Card after taking over for Clint Hurdle in May. In addition to the extension, Tracy's entire staff will return for 2010.

"Not saying it will happen, but I know I enjoyed my time there, my wife and kids loved it there, and I think they have some interest," said Washburn. "So, I see that as a possibility." The 35-year-old southpaw was 31-49 with a 4.17 ERA in parts of four seasons in Seattle, but was 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 2009 before getting dealt to the Tigers at the trade deadline. Washburn could also see the Twins and Brewers as a potential fit since they are close to his offseason home in Wisconsin.

Not bad for a guy who wasn't even a manager at the beginning of the season. Tracy took the helm in May after Clint Hurdle was fired and guided Colorado to a 74-42 record and the National League Wild Card in one of the most rapid turnarounds in major league history. Along with the playoff berth, the Rockies established a new club record with a 92-70 record. Tracy becomes the first Rockies manager to win the award since Don Baylor in 1995. Tony LaRussa (2) and Joe Torre (1) were the only other two managers to receive first-place votes.

Scioscia led the Angels to their third straight division title, their fifth in the past six seasons, despite a rash of injuries and the tragic death of pitcher Nick Adenhart in early April. Though the Angels fell to the Yankees in the ALCS, Scioscia is the first manager to lead his team to the playoffs six times in his first 10 years as manager. This is Scioscia's second recognition as AL Manager of the Year, as he also took home the award when the Angels won the World Series in 2002. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire came in a close second, earning six first place votes, while Joe Girardi, Don Wakamatsu, Ron Washington and Jim Leyland rounded out the AL ballot.

Gonzalez, 31, went 5-4 with a 2.42 ERA this season and converted 10 of 17 save chances. Soriano, 29, was 1-6 with a 2.97 ERA in 77 games and racked up 102 strikeouts in 75 2/3 innings. He converted 27 of 31 save chances. Both would serve as excellent setup men in the Boston bullpen.