Three Reasons Why Miami Marlins' Skip Schumaker is a Dark Horse Manager of the Year Contender

As the MLB calendar transitions into its final stretch, playoff races across the league are beginning to heat up. With all but one division (the NL East) up for grabs several, familiar, powerhouse, clubs are rounding into form. However, a few surprise teams have a legitimate chance to shock the baseball world by earning a postseason berth. Chief amongst these is the upstart Miami Marlins. 

While the white-hot Atlanta Braves have a firm grasp of the division lead, the Marlins currently hold an above .500 record and sit just 1.5 games out of a wildcard spot. After adding several helpful pieces at the trade deadline, Miami has a legitimate chance to earn its fourth playoff berth in franchise history. This is a massive deal for the small-market franchise!

While several key players have led the club to success, manager Skip Schumaker deserves significant credit for leading this young roster toward the postseason. In fact, for the following reasons, the first-year skipper deserves legitimate consideration for the National League Manager of the Year award.