MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Bustabad Named Manager of the Year

Published on August 24, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, MI - The Midwest League announced its end-of-the-year awards today, naming Loons Manager Juan Bustabad as the league's Manager of the Year. Also honored, as a part of the 2010 Midwest League (MWL) post season All-Star Team, were Loons outfielders Brian Cavazos-Galvez and Blake Smith.

Bustabad, whose team has boasted the best record in affiliated professional baseball for the majority of the second-half of play, was elected as Manager of the Year by the 15 other Midwest League managers as the result of his accomplishments this season.

One year after leading the Great Lakes Loons to its first post season in franchise history, Bustabad once again punched his ticket to the MWL's playoffs, this time clinching a spot in the first-half of play with a 43-26 record. In addition, Busty was recently rated by Baseball America as the Midwest League's Top Managerial Prospect in its Best Tools survey.

Busty's Loons currently sit at 81-44 and are one win away from setting a new Loons-high for wins in a single season. With one more win, Busty will reach the 700th win of his 15-year managerial career.

"It's exciting anytime you can get that award," Bustabad said after hearing the news at batting practice. "It's a big accomplishment and it's by far the biggest award that I've received as a manager."

In five seasons as a Midwest League skipper, this is Bustabad's first Manager of the Year honor. Among the marquee awards, the league named Cedar Rapids outfielder Mike Trout as its Most Valuable Player and Prospect of the Year.

Loons center fielder Brian Cavazos-Galvez was recognized as a post season All-Star outfielder for his .311 batting average (sixth-best in MWL), 69 runs, 13 home runs, and 68 RBI through 8/24. Cavazos-Galvez ranks second in the MWL in doubles (39) and extra-base hits (55), third in total bases (224), fifth in hits (140) and stolen bases (41). Similarly, Loons right fielder Blake Smith was named a post season All-Star, with a .286 average, 68 runs, 24 doubles, and 69 RBI. Smith is fourth on the MWL home runs list (18) and holds the fifth-best slugging percentage (.505).

Cavazos-Galvez and Smith's honors bring the Great Lakes all-time post season All-Star total to seven since joining the league in 2007. Former Loons post season all-stars include Kyle Russell ['09], Dee Gordon ['09], Tony Delmonico ['09], Andrew Lambo ['08], Clayton Kershaw ['07].

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