With the major league baseball season winding down it is time for the playoffs and awards. Everyone knows the names of the guys who are leading the way to receive some of the awards, I will attempt to make the argument for some of the guys who probably won’t get the award when they are handed out and I will try to predict who actually will win.
Manager of the Year
AL- Ozzie Guillen- He is having a fantastic year during the wrong season. With the Angels so far ahead in there division and the Rays making their first playoff appearence in franchise history there is just simply no room at the table for Guillen. Why not Guillen though? His team is in first place, and the team is not very good. Right after the All-Star break the White Sox looked like they were done, but one rant by Ozzie Guillen seemed to turn this thing around for the White Sox. winner- Joe Maddon
NL- Tony La Russa- This pains me to say this, but La Russa has done a fantastic job managing this team. His team has less talent and his pitching staff is held together by scotch tape, but La Russa has simply gotten it done. No one thought that the Cardinals would still be in the race (not really) this late in the season which is an incredible feat for this team. winner- Lou Piniella
Rookie of the Year
AL- Alexi Ramirez- This is one where my guy might actually win it. Ramirez has played an outstanding second base for the White Sox this year, and has added power and speed to an aging lineup. He gets lost in the shuffle with all the big names of the American League but may finally get some of that credit back. winner- Evan Longoria
NL- Jeff Samardzija- He won’t win it, his teammate Geovany Soto will. Samardzija has been a spark in the Cubs bullpen though this year much like Joba was for the Yankees last year. Samardzija ultimatly will end up in the rotation in the next couple of years but at least for now he has done a great job in the pen. winner- Geovany Soto
Cy Young
AL- Daisuke Matsuzaka- Daisuke has drastically improved over last year. He has posted an 18-2 record with an ERA under 3. His striekout numbers are down but he is pitching better to American hitters than last year. He falls in to the same category as Ozzie though as it is just a crowded table for this award this year so Daisuke will be left out. winner- Cliff Lee
NL- Ryan Dempster- If the Cy Young was given for pitching at home, he would be a unanimous decision for this award, but it’s not so unfortunatly for Ryan there too goes his chance. What should not be overlooked though is that Dempster was a CLOSER last year and has made a smooth transtion back to the rotation posting 17 wins. Dempster should be in a very interesting conversation between Webb, Lincecum, and CC. winner- Tim Lincecum
MVP
AL- Dustin Pedroia- The Red Sox’ offense was not supposed to be able to keep up when Manny left. Enter Dustin Pedroia who has stepped in and been a huge contributor for the Red Sox by contributing in ways Manny didn’t: get on base, move guys over, score runs, play tough sound defense, steal bases, and most importantly play TEAM baseball. winner- K-Rod
NL- Aramis Ramirez- His numbers are good, near 30 homeruns, 100 RBI, close to 100 runs. What he does in the clutch is what is the most impressive. He has come through countless times for the Cubs this year when the game is on the line. His defense is drastically improved and he is one of leaders on a club that is looking to make a serious run in the playoffs (crossing our fingers). winner- Albert Pujols
The awards won’t be handed out until after the World Series, but keep an eye out for the players I have named because they will be the difference makers in the post-season.
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