The Houston Astros have announced that they have hired A.J. Hinch to become their next manager. 

Hinch, 40, was the Diamondbacks manager from 2009 to 2010. At the time of his naming, the 34-year-old (357 days) Hinch was the youngest manager to accept a managing position since Eric Wedge (34 years, 275 days). He was fired the next season, in 2010, after starting the season 31-48. His overall 89-123 record in 212 games. His .420 winning percentage ranks second lowest in Diamondbacks history.

He has a lot of experience within the managerial side of baseball. Prior to the 2005 season, he was hired  as the Diamondbacks manager of minor league operations. In July 2006, Baseball America named him as one of the "10 to watch" in the next 10 years to become a farm director or general manager. In August 2006, the Diamondbacks named him their director of player development.

On September 21, 2010, he was hired by the San Diego Padres to become their vice president of professional scouting. He resigned from his position on August 5, 2014. His experience within the front office makes him a great choice to become the Astros' next manager. He'll fit in well with Jeff Luhnow and the rest of the Sabermetric oriented front office. 

Luhnow prepared this statement, offering praise for Hinch:

The Astros made changes to their coaching staff earlier this month, firing ex-manager Bo Porter, while naming Tom Lawless interim manager. Hinch will now be handed the task of trying to bring the Astros back to contention into the future. 

--Devan F.

The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have fired long time manager Ron Gardenhire. He has been offered another position within the Twins organization, GM Terry Ryan said at a press conference. The Twins new coaching staff will be decided by the team's new manager and Ryan. 

Gardenhire has managed the Twins for 13 seasons, winning the 2010 American League Manager of the Year award. The Twins finished their fourth straight season with 90+ losses and not much improvement has shown, even with the farm system that is fairly deep. Over his career as manager, the Twins have gone 1068-1039, finishing in an average 2.5 place in the AL Central. 

He was named manager of the team in 2002, replacing Tom Kelly, who had won two World Series with the club. He was initially hired by the Twins in 1988 as a manager in Minnesota's farm system. Then, in 1991, he became the Twins first base coach, a position he held for 11 seasons.

This is the Twins first managerial search since 1986, when they hired Kelly. USA Today's Bob Nightengale predicts that either Terry Steinbach or Paul Molitor (both members of the Twins coaching staff) will be the team's next skipper. Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo could also be a name for the Twins position, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports. 

Gardenhire would be a prime candidate to become a manager immediately for another team, as his major league longevity and success are two factors that many teams are looking for. 

--Devan F.

The Marlins may become closer to contention next season, as their young team is improving and the leadership of Redmond is fantastic. By keeping him under control through 2017, the Marlins are doing a great job of keeping the same voice in the clubhouse and it seems that the team could really go far under his discretion. Redmond has done a fantastic job in his position. 

--Devan F.

Jordan Zimmermann put on a show today, tossing a no-hitter, the first in Nationals history since moving to Washington in 2005. His nine brilliant innings came in Washington's 1-0 win over the Miami Marlins. He will forever reside in the record books. 

Zimmermann's no-hitter is the second consecutive no-hitter on the final day of the season. Last year, Marlins pitcher Henderson Alvarez tossed a no-no in Game 162 against the Detroit Tigers. He was starting against Zimmermann today, so he gets to be a part of history for the second straight season. 

My brother Gavan was at the game today. He witnessed Nationals history. 

"What a game," he said. "I can't believe that Jordan Zimmermann, on the last day of the year, got the first no-hitter in Washington Nationals history." 

"The fans were so loud I thought that the stadium was going to explode. The Nats sure have some good fans...It was awesome being there and I am so glad that he was able to do it."

On the offensive side, it was a Ian Desmond home run in the second inning that led to the Nationals lone run today. They did get 11 hits overall, but were not able to string any of them together to put a real dent in the scoreboard. 

But it wasn't necessary. 

Jordan Zimmermann retired the first 14 Marlins batters before walking Justin Bour in the top of the fifth. He and Garrett Jones -- who reached on a strikeout wild pitch -- were the only base runners the Marlins got all day. Zimmermann struck out 10, lowering his season ERA to a career-best 2.66. He finishes with a 14-5 record in 32 starts on the season. 

Zimmermann was through 8 2/3 innings and only Christian Yelich stood in his way between him and history. Then, Yelich hit a hard line drive to left center field, and Steven Souza Jr. made an unbelievable jumping catch, crashing to the ground to wrap up history. You can view the video of Souza's catch here. 

"A magnificent catch," Gavan said. "Seeing it in person was just amazing."

Congratulations to Jordan Zimmermann on throwing the first no-hitter in Nationals history.

--Devan F.