Padres' Mike Shildt, Jackson Merrill Finalists for Awards

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt and outfielder Jackson Merrill have both been nominated for prestigious awards, with Shildt vying for the National League Manager of the Year Award and Merrill for the National League Rookie of the Year. Despite leading the team to a 93-69 record and a postseason appearance in his first year, Shildt is expected to lose to Brewers' Pat Murphy, who is favored due to his team's lower payroll and performance. Merrill has had an impressive season, leading all rookies in several categories including batting average and RBIs, contributing significantly to the Padres' success. Shildt's achievements are often overshadowed by biases towards small-market teams, despite overcoming significant player losses this past season. The winners for both awards will be announced shortly, with supporters hopeful for Shildt's recognition despite the challenges he faces in the voting process.