MLB 2011 Awards

Here are my picks for the 2011 baseball post season awards

AL MVP Justin Verlander Det. – It takes a lot in my eyes for a pitcher to get the MVP.  But, this is one of those situations where all the stars have aligned.  Verlander has been simply out of this world this year.  A 24-5 record and ERA of 2.29 his whip is under 1.  You like the new metrics fine. He has a WAR of 8.5 an ERA+ of 177 and a FIP of 2.92.  You could make a case of Granderson of the Yankees but his .270 average is troubling for me.  Adrian Gonzalez also has had a big year but the power numbers I thought would be better.  You could make a strong case for Jacoby Ellsbury and in any other year I would say he is the guy but I just think Verlander has been so dominant this season he gets it. Also, where would the Tigers be without him?  They are not a postseason team that is for sure. 

AL Cy Young Justin Verlander Det. – See above for the reasons.  This has to be unanimous.  Sabathia and Weaver have also had fine seasons but this is beyond obvious. 

AL Rookie of the Year Jeremey Hellickson TB – Quietly Hellickson has had quite a year.  He has won 13 games and had an era below three.  His year was a tad better then Pineda’s in Seattle and Walden’s in Anaheim. 

AL Manager of the year Joe Maddon TB – The Rays lost Crawford, Pena and Garza.  All the experts had them taking a major step back this year.  Well, Maddon has willed that team into contention.  No ballclub takes on the personality of its manager more the then Rays.  Jim Leyland in Detroit would be my runner up.

NL MVP Ryan Braun Mil – I think he is a punk but there is no denying the type of year he has had.  Braun has hit .330 with 31 bombs and driven in over 100.  Plus he has stolen 31 bags.  He has 6.9 WAR which I thought would be higher.  Matt Kemp of the Dodgers is having an incredible season but sadly is doing so for a team that stinks so not many are noticing.  I give it to Braun as he is leading his team to the postseason. 

NL Cy Young Clayton Kershaw LA – Man is this a tough one.  Basically it is a three horse fight between Kershaw, Halladay and Cliff Lee of the Phillies.  I would not have an argument no matter who won as it is almost splitting hairs between the three.  I lean to Kershaw simply as he has a 20-5 record for a team that is under .500.  He has a better ERA then Halladay and Lee as well.  Halladay has a better WAR and again if he gets it I would not be surprised.  But, again I lean to Kershaw just a bit.

NL Rookie of the Year Freddie Freeman Atl – Craig Kimbrel also of the Braves will more than likely win this and I don’t have a huge problem with that.  He has had a great year saving as of now 45 games.  But I think Freeman’s year has been better.  Freeman has gotten better as the year has progressed.  An OPS over .800 for a rookie is quite impressive.  Also, I have a bit of an issue giving an award to a guy who only pitches one inning at a time as opposed to an everyday player.  When the numbers are close I am always going to go with the guy who plays the field. 

NL Manager of the year Kirk Gibson Ari – I was very skeptical of this hire when it was made.  But, man was I wrong.  Gibson has taken a cast of young players and cast offs and gotten them into the playoffs.  He stresses fundamentals and while not a brilliant in game manager you cannot argue with the results.