The internet has afforded many no account vagabonds the opportunity of opining on everything from A-Rod’s divorce to the 2008 US Presidential elections. I have chosen to take part in this information free-for-all that is the blogosphere and will now offer up my unsolicited opinion of the mid-season award winners. I make no claims of being fair nor balanced, but I will try to be reasonable in my selections. So, here goes -
AL MVP
Ian Kinsler- Though I am admittedly a Rangers fanboy, and have a heterosexual man crush on Mr. Kinsler, I am extremely excited about the fact that I can make this call without being call bat-sh*# crazy. Furthermore, Kinsler’s top competition for the honor at this point may be his teammate Josh Hamilton. Kinsler’s numbers certainly make him a valid addition to the conversation. With AL bests in AVG (.337), hits (134), runs (84), and placing at or near the top in a number of other categories; Kinsler has come into his own as one of the top offensive second basemen in the major leagues. Defensively 2008 has been a little up and down for Kinsler, but his play recently has improved from earlier in the season. Also in consideration is Grady Sizemore (BTW, does anyone else think that this guy has the best baseball player/porn-star name in the game right now? Maybe it’s just me).
NL MVP
Lance Berkman – The NL MVP is a much tougher call this year than the AL. There are several candidates that you could make a strong case for. I’ve succumbed to temptation and picked a Texas sweep of the MVPs. It’s hard to argue with Berkman’s numbers, although his team’s 44-51 record at the break would keep a lot of people from picking him. Berkman is still holding steadily within striking distance of all the triple crown categories. His .347 AVG/.443 OBP/.653 and 22 HRs stand up favorably to the other candidates in the NL, but arguments could certainly be made for Hanley Ramirez and Chase Utley as well.
AL Cy Young
Cliff Lee- Lee has had a heck of season on an abysmal Cleveland Indians team. His ERA, W-L record, innings pitched and strikeout to walk ratio are all top five in the AL, and his strikeouts are in the top 10.
NL Cy Young
Edinson Volquez – Outside of a couple of off outings, Volquez has been spectacular this year. Volquez is finally showing what tantalized Texas Rangers scouts and fans prior to being dealt to Cincinnati in exchange for Josh Hamilton. His 2.29 is tops in the NL and his 12-3 record is second only to Brandon Webb at the break. Also worth considering are Ben Sheets and Tim Lincecum.
AL Rookie of the Year
Evan Longoria - No doubt about it. Longoria has been a key component to the Rays success this season. Has produced at the plate (.275 AVG/.348 OBP/.513 with 16 HRs) and has made some great plays in the field. Longoria was deserving of being the final member selected by the fans to the AL All-Star team.
NL Rookie of the Year
Geovany Soto- Soto has been a boon for the Cubs at the plate and behind it. His line of .288 AVG/.370 OBP/.526 SLG, paired with his solid defensive play have made him a productive member of the Cubs lineup.
AL Comeback Player of the Year
Milton Bradley- Bradley has kept himself out of trouble and is putting up career numbers this season. He was selected to replace David Ortiz as the starting DH for the AL in the All-Star game. He has already surpassed his games total from last season and is hitting .316 AVG/.440 OBP/.610 with 19 HRs.
NL Comeback Player of the Year
Kerry Wood- Wood has adjusted well to the closer role in Chicago. He hasn’t been perfect, as he has already blown 5 saves this year, but he does have 24 saves on the year and has been pretty solid most of the year. It’s been a while since Wood has been healthy at the All-Star break, so that is a victory of sorts in itself.
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