My 2011 MLB Awards

It's the end of another great baseball season. 6 out of 8 playoff spots are set, with only the AL and NL Wildcards left to be decided today and tomorrow. (Red Sox/Rays tied in AL, Braves up 1 game on Cardinals in NL) Here are my picks for this season's awards.

AL MVP: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox (.323, 31 HR, 103 RBI)
The catalyst for the Boston lineup, Ellsbury has had an amazing year, not only continuing to hit for a high average, play great defense in center field, and steal bases (38 steals), but also through his added power which has paid dividends in the amount of production he has provided at the top of the lineup. Honorable mention goes to Curtis Granderson of the Yankees and fellow Red Sox Adrian Gonzalez.
NL MVP: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers (.324, 38 HR, 123 RBI)
If Kemp were on a playoff team, this would be a no-brainer. Regardless, I think he is deserving for the ridiculous statistics he has put up despite having little to no protection in the lineup, and all the financial troubles the Dodgers franchise continues to have because of the idiotic McCourt divorce. Plus, it's not like LA is in last place; they're above .500. Honorable mention to Ryan Braun of the Brewers and Albert Pujols of the Cardinals.
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers (24-5, 2.40 ERA, 250 K)
Not even close, it's Verlander by a landslide. In addition to that ridiculous win-total (haven't seen 24 put up by a pitcher in a while), Verlander has been absolutely dominant, and has won his last 12 games for the AL-Central Champion Tigers. Add in the no-hitter he threw against Toronto, and he may even be AL MVP worthy.
NL Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (21-5, 2.28 ERA, 248 K)
Breakout season, anyone? The 23-year old southpaw will win the NL pitching Triple Crown, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts in just his 4th season in the big leagues. Honorable mention to Roy Halladay of the Phillies.
AL Rookie of Year: Jeremy Hellickson, Tampa Bay Rays (13-10, 2.90 ERA, 116 K)
Considering the extremely high expectations bestowed in him coming into this season, Hellickson has had a great year and lived up to all the hype. A solid anchor in Tampa's rotation, and pitching in the toughest division in baseball, he has held his own, and edges out the Angels' Mark Trumbo for the award.
NL Rookie of Year: Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves (46/53 SV, 1.00 WHIP, 126 K)
Only 23, Kimbrel broke Neftali Feliz's rookie-save record from last year, and has been untouchable in closing games for Atlanta. 126 strikeouts in 76 1/3 innings while in a playoff race is video game-like dominant.