Nick's Postseason Awards

The Cubs run to the World Series starts today. I am sure I will have a lot to say one way or the other on that subject no matter what happens. Anyway, here as I always do are my post-season awards.

NL

MVP – Albert Pujos St. Louis – Man this is a tough one. In all seriousness there are five guys that I considered besides King Albert. Lance Berkman was a one man wrecking crew with Houston. Geovany Soto had an amazing season with the bat and behind the plate. Carlos Delgado carried the Mets in the second half and Ryan Howard knocked in 146 RBI’s. Still I give it to Pujos. Pujos hit .357 and drove in 116 runs. He had a lot of amazing numbers this year and the most amazing was that in 524 AB’s he only struck out 54 times. It is close between him and Howard but I refuse to give the MVP to a guy who hit .251.

Cy Young – Brandon Webb Arizona – Another close one. You could make a case for Sabathia, Lincecoum and Santana as well. But, I give a slight edge to Webb. Sabathia should get consideration simply because of how dominant he was from July on. But in my opinion that screws Webb who was clearly the best pitcher in the NL from April. Lincecoum will win this award one day. The guy can be unhittable at times.

Rookie of the Year – Geovany Soto Chicago – A no brainier. This is a blowout. Edison Volquez of the Reds was good for awhile but Soto was the glue that held the Cubs together all year. To have the year he had behind the plate as a rookie is unheard of.

Manager of the Year - Lou Pinella Chicago – This is a tough one. Tony LaRussa should get some votes for keeping that Cardinal team in contention most of the year. Charlie Manuel also did a very good job as did Fredi Gonzalez of Florida. But to me Pinella did the best job. It was Lou who converted Dempster into a starter. It was Lou who named Wood his closer. It is Pinella who makes this team hum. It is close but Pinella should win it.

AL

MVP - Dustin Pedroia Boston – Another tough one. If Quentin had not gotten hurt I would have had to give it to him. Pedroia with the September he had passed him however. He was the catalyst for that team all year. He did it all. Hit for a little power stole some bases scored 118 runs and played great D. In a year with no obvious candidate I give it to Pedroia.

Cy Young – Cliff Lee, Cleveland – Lee was simply dominant as his 22-3 record and 2.54 ERA indicates. Halladay in Toronto had a great year and K-Rod set the save record but for my money no one had a better year in AL then Lee and he deserves this one.

Rookie of the Year – Evan Longoria Tampa Bay – This is a very tough one. It is basically a two horse race between Longoria and Ramirez of the White Sox. Longoria hit .272 with 27 homers and 85 RBI’s. Ramirez hit .290 with 21 bombs and 77 RBI’s. Those numbers are almost identical. They also both play stellar defense. Ramirez plays in a better hitting park and weaker division so, that is the only reason I give this one to Longoria but man is this a tough one.

Manager of the Year – Joe Maddon Tampa Bay – A close one between him and Gardenhire of the Twins. I give the slight edge to Maddon because the Rays actually made the playoffs in a tougher division. Where that team came from in a year is unbelievable.