…AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME
The Post Season Awards with a month to go
By John Leon
It’s the end of August and as the pennant races are in full boil, it’s time to throw my 2 cents worth in for the post-season awards as they stand right now. There’s still a month to go, but the candidates look pretty locked up and there are always wild cards, so here we go.
MVP
AMERICAN LEAGUE – Kevin Youkilis-Boston (.319-24-90) and Carlos Quentin-Chicago White Sox (.292-36-100) – These are far and away the two best in my opinion. I base my criteria on the Most Valuable Player for his team, and therefore the League. Safe to say that without Youkilis, the Red Sox would not have been able to weather the Manny storm and let’s not forget, he plays first AND third base. That is very valuable especially with Mike Lowell being out a bit. Quentin has been nothing short of a revelation for the White Sox and without him they wouldn’t be anywhere close to the top of their division.
NATIONAL LEAGUE – Albert Pujols- St. Louis (.356-28-87), Ryan Ludwick- St. Louis (.304-31-95) and Ryan Theriot- Chicago Cubs (.314) The first two are no-brainers. Pujols is well, Pujols, but Ludwick is the NL’s version of Quentin. Injured for the better part of his career and having a healthy (read productive) season. Theriot has been the glue that’s propelled the Cubbies to their first run deep in the playoffs in a long, long time. The stats may be skewed but the value he brings to the team is immeasurable.
CY YOUNG
AMERICAN LEAGUE - Cliff Lee-Cleveland (19-2, 2.43 ERA, 145 K’s, 27 BB). Even before Cleveland shipped CC of to Milwaukee, it was Lee who was the stopper for the Indians. Francisco Rodriguez is a close 2nd with 50 saves as we speak and will obliterate Bobby Thigpen’s mark for saves in a season.
NATIONAL LEAGUE – Brandon Webb- Arizona (19-5, 2.96 ERA) and it’s not close for second place, except for the guy in Milwaukee who’s been absolutely lights out since his trade there. The comparisons are astounding with guys that have been unreal after a major trade. Doyle Alexander went 9-0 for the Tigers (BTW he was traded for John Smoltz); Randy Johnson was 9-2 for the Astros and now Sabathia. Brad Lidge may get some consideration but only if the Phils can hang on.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
AMERICAN LEAGUE – Evan Longoria-Tampa Bay (.278-22-71) AND 2nd in the AL in fielding among third basemen.
NATIONAL LEAGUE – Giovanny Soto-Chicago Cubs (.285-20-78). Along with Theriot, would the Cubs be anywhere near the top without them? He’s caught 116 games already.
There you have it. I don’t think I went out on a limb but these are my picks with approximately 30-35 games to play. Changes will be coming but if these guys play as they have been it shouldn’t be that different come October.
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