The regular season has ended, my Astros having another record-setting season for worst team ever. The playoffs begin tonight with the Wild Card Games (picks later today), but before then, here are my picks for the regular season awards.
AL MVP/AL Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (.326 AVG, 30 HR, 83 RBI, 49 SB)
The 20-year old phenom single-handedly turned the Angels' season around, and should win the MVP of the league because of his shear impact on his team. From highlight defensive plays in center field to his pure speed on the basepaths, Trout had a season for the ages, finishing with the highest WAR in the league. This is despite the fact that he played about 20 games less than everyone else. I know Miguel Cabrera won the Triple Crown, and any other year, he would have been crowned, but this year belonged to Trout.
NL MVP: Ryan Bruan, Milwaukee Brewers (.319 AVG, 41 HR, 112 RBI, 30 SB)
His positive steroid test and the fact that Matt Kemp should have won it last year aside, Braun has had an amazing year. The lone bright spot on a disappointing Milwaukee team, he has all the numbers to win MVP easily. However, the baseball writers are wary of his failed test, and probably will go against him in their votes. To me, that is ridiculous. They made a mistake last year by awarding him the MVP when he did not deserve it. To make another mistake this year by not awarding it to him because he does deserve it doesn't right the wrongs of the past. Honorable mention to Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates.
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers (17-8, 2.64 ERA, 239 K)
Not the dominant season of a year ago, but Verlander has quietly been the best pitcher of his league again this year, suffering from poor run support, but still leading the league in innings' pitched. Honorable mention to David Price of the Rays and Jared Weaver of the Angels.
NL Cy Young: R.A. Dickey, New York Mets (20-6, 2.73 ERA, 230 K)
What a season by the veteran knuckleballer, who has turned himself from a journeyman on the edge of retirement to his league's best pitcher. His consistency from start to finish this year, and the fact that he leads the league in ERA and innings pitched should give him the award. Honorable mention to Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers and Matt Cain of the Giants.
NL Rookie of Year: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals (.270 AVG, 22 HR, 59 RBI)
The phenom has lived up to the hype, being a mainstay in the Nationals' rise to their first NL East championship. Honorable mention to Wade Miley of the Diamondbacks.
No comments:
Post a Comment