Duquette named Sporting News Executive of the Year

The Orioles' first division title in 17 years has brought more recognition to executive vice president Dan Duquette. Duquette has been named 2014 Major League Baseball Executive of the Year by the Sporting News, the announcement coming tonight during the annual general managers' meetings in Phoenix. Duquette received his award, which has existed since 1936, after being chosen by a panel of 33 major league executives. Voting concluded before the postseason. This is the second Sporting News award for Duquette, who also won it in 1992 with the Expos. Duquette signed Nelson Cruz to a one-year, $8 million deal in spring training and was rewarded with 40 home runs, the most in the majors. He also signed Delmon Young, who turned into baseball's best pinch-hitter and produced a big three-run double in Game 2 of the Division Series. However, his best work may have come while the Orioles were trying to overcome season-ending injuries to catcher Matt Wieters and third baseman Manny Machado. Not only did they refuse to yield ground, they won the American League East by 12 games. Duquette traded for left-handed reliever Andrew Miller, a dominant presence in the back end of the bullpen, and left fielder Alejandro De Aza. He also brought in backup catcher Nick Hundley, who teamed with Caleb Joseph to cover for Wieters' absence, and reliever Brad Brach, who became a valuable contributor. First baseman Chris Davis went on the disabled list with a strained oblique and later was suspended 25 games, but Steve Pearce filled in and put up career-best numbers across the board. Duquette brought Pearce back to the organization in April after the veteran exercised his right to refuse the Blue Jays' waiver claim. Duquette is the fourth Orioles executive to win the award, following Harry Dalton (1970), Hank Peters (1979, 1983) and Roland Hemond (1989). He received nine votes to edge out the Royals' Dayton Moore. Here are the results: Dan Duquette, Orioles: 9 Dayton Moore, Royals: 8 Jerry Dipoto, Angels: 5 Billy Beane, A's: 4 Mike Rizzo, Nationals: 3 Brian Cashman, Yankees: 1 Jack Zduriencik, Mariners: 1 Doug Melvin, Brewers: 1 Ned Colletti, Dodgers: 1 Duquette also is expected to be named Baseball America's Executive of the Year.