Melvin in position to repeat as AL's top skipper

OAKLAND -- For a second straight year, Oakland's Bob Melvin has been named a finalist for American League Manager of the Year.

Melvin won the prestigious award, as voted on by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, for a second time last year. He had previously received the award while with the D-backs in 2007, and he is the sixth manager to take home the honor in both leagues.

This year, he's up against the Red Sox's John Farrell and Terry Francona of the Indians. The winner will be revealed at 3 p.m. PT Nov. 12 on MLB Network.

Melvin is typically uncomfortable taking credit for the results of his team's success, instead handing it out to his players and general manager Billy Beane. But there's no denying the impact Melvin has made on an A's club that has won back-to-back AL West titles.

Armed with a handful of rookies and role players who combined for an unassuming roster, Melvin handled it with ease, running away with a division title many assumed would belong to either the Rangers or Angels.

"He's been great. Any time you're working together in an intense atmosphere on a regular basis, it really helps if you like each other," said a smiling Beane after the season. "We genuinely really like each other and enjoy each other's company.

"He's done an amazing job with this team, and it makes my job easier. You don't see me that much because Bob's so capable at what he does. All the parts of the job that you want -- great with the players, good at managing a game -- he does it all brilliantly."