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MLB Award Predictions

So here it is everyone’s favorite time of the year. The ivy at Wrigley has changed colors (but no one will see it), The weather in Anaheim is perfect (but no one will feel it) and C.C. doesn’t have to pitch on 3 days rest anymore (his agent sent a thank-you to the Phillies already)

so here we go my predictions for the 2008 MLB Awards

NL Rookie Of The Year

Geovany Soto, Catcher-Chicago Cubs

Soto was outstanding this year and pretty much had the award locked up at the All-Star break. He hit .285 with 23 HRs and 86 RBIs. Solid offensive numbers for a team that had the best record in the NL

AL Rookie Of The Year

Evan Longoria, Third Base-Tampa Bay Rays

Longoria (who didn’t start the season in the bigs) has been spectacular for the Rays, you could even make a legit MVP argument for him. He hit .272 with 27 HRs and 85 RBIs. But his biggest impact has been his energy and overall presence in the Rays clubhouse. Management took notice and locked him up longterm. At least one team in Florida is trying to keep its talent and be a constant contender

NL CY Young

Tim Lincecum, Pitcher- San Francisco Giants

This may be one of the closest races this award has seen in quite a while. Lincecum is an all out stud. He posted a 2.62 ERA (2nd in the NL) Had 18 wins (only 4 behind Brandon Webb) had a 1.172 WHIP, Averaged 7.22 H/9 (first in the NL) But the most impressive to me is his league leading 265 K’s…almost 60 more than the next closest picther. While some voters may be swayed by Webb’s record (keep in mind that Lincecum had a worse bullpen and a worse offense behind him) and other’s by Santana’s late season heroics (where were they all year) You cannot deny Timmy’s dominance on the mound.

AL CY Young

Cliff Lee, Pitcher- Cleveland Indians

This is a no brainer, and I won’t waste your time with a rehash of his stats. But just keep in mind that the Indians could’ve had the 1-2 punch of Sabathia and Lee and with that they would’ve posed a serious threat in the AL Central. If the thought of those 2 picthers sounds impressive that is reason enough for Lee who already has the stats.

NL MVP

Manny Ramirez, Left Fielder- Los Angeles Dodgers

I’ve gone back and forth on this one for quite a while. Is it fair to give the MVP to someone who only played half a season in that league? The best argument I can give is the same one Colin Cowherd gave about Manny “add Manny to the Dodger lineup and suddenly that’s an impressive lineup”. In 100 games in Boston Manny hit .299 with 20 HRs and 68 RBIS. Now consider that in 53 games with LA Manny hit .396 with 17 HRs and 53 RBIs. Granted his batting average is a bit infalted since he played fewer games, but the fact that in half the time he has been able to match his offensive production is impressive especially against tough picthers and defensive ballparks (PETCO, AT&T)

AL MVP

Dustin Pedroia, Second Base- Boston Red Sox

Dustin Pedroia in a line-up filled with power hitters David Ortiz and Kevin Youkillis spent most of the time after Manny left for LA as the Red Sox’s clean-up hitter. Think about that for a second. The Red Sox’s replacement for the power of Manny Ramirez was DUSTIN PEDROIA. Dustin was third on the team in RBIs but lead the team in Doubles (next to the HR the greates RBI producing hit) He also has great eye for drawing walks and his 20 stolen bases (out of 21 attempts) made him a defense’s worst nightmare. A guy who has the power to jack the ball, the speed to run one out, and once he’s on base can take another one. The Red Sox could’ve easily collapsed after losing Manny but they didn’t and Pedroia is this reason.