MLB Awards

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American League

Most Valuable Player: Alex Rodriguez, NYY (.314 avg, 54 hr, 156 rbi)

The AL MVP race becomes a no-brainer with Rodriguez leading the league in home runs, RBIs and runs this season. He was by far the most dominant hitter in the AL and arguably in all of baseball. Now after the intense focus on Rodriguez this season, the spotlight will remain steadied on him as everyone debates on where he will play in 2008.

 

Honorable Mention: Magglio Ordonez (DET), Ichiro Suzuki (SEA), David Ortiz (BOS) 

 

Cy Young: Josh Beckett, BOS (20-7, 3.27 era)

This race seems to be a landslide, but when considering only his regular season performance there is some shred of an argument for other hurlers. Nevertheless Beckett was the only pitcher in with 20 wins and was a stopper for the Red Sox the entire season and pitched himself to the upper echelon of pitchers.

 

Honorable Mention: Fausto Carmona (CLE), C.C. Sabathia (CLE), John Lackey (LAA)

 

Rookie of the Year: Delmon Young, TAM (.288 avg, 13 hr, 93 rbi)

Even though Young may still be best known as the guy who threw a bat at an umpire, if he keeps up his great play that label may soon fade. Another hidden gem has emerged in Tampa Bay. Now if the D-Rays can only find some pitching…

 

Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia (BOS), Jeremy Guthrie (BAL), Reggie Willits (LAA)

 

National League

Most Valuable Player: Matt Holiday, COL (.340 avg, 36 hr, 137 rbi)

Amazing postseason run or not, Holiday has officially reached household name status. His numbers this season placed him in the top 5 of all three major offensive categories. His numbers have improved each season in the majors and if that trend continues, we may be in for even more entertainment in Colorado.

 

Honorable Mention: Ryan Howard (PHI), Prince Fielder (MIL), Jimmy Rollins (PHI)

 

Cy Young: Jake Peavy, SD (19-6, 2.54 era)

His regular season did not end the way he wanted, but overall Peavy put together his best season to date. His overpowering stuff dominated the NL all year long and he lead his Padres to a fantastic season where they were competing for the very competitive NL West title for the entire season. Do not be surprised to see more of the same in 2008.

 

Honorable Mention: Brandon Webb (ARI), Brad Penny (LAD), Aaron Harang (CIN)

 

Rookie of the Year: Ryan Braun, MIL (.324 avg, 34 hr, 97 rbi)

If you followed the playoffs, you would think Troy Tulowitzki was the only candidate here, but Ryan Braun’s season is one not to ignore. Tulowitzki beat out Braun in RBIs this season, but you must remember Braun also had 150 fewer at-bats. Braun helped lead the resurgence in Milwaukee this season and that leads Braun to my NL Rookie of the Year award.

 

Honorable Mention: Troy Tulowitzki (COL), Hunter Pence (HOU), Chris Young (SD)