As teams are nearing 70 games, almost reaching the middle of the 2009 MLB Season, some players are really standing out as early favorites for the MLB Awards including MVP, Cy Young, etc. Here's my take:
MVP
American League:
Catcher - Joe Mauer - Minnesota Twins
(.425 AVG, .495 OBP, 1.245 OPS, 13 HRs, 41 RBIs, 38 Rs through 43 games)
This one was pretty obvious. The fact that through 43 games, the 2x batting champion is still keeping up these sort of godly stats is beyond me. Many have praised that he has one of the best swings ever, including Cal Ripken Jr. and other notable legends. He pretty much is single-handedly leading the Twins and keeping them only 2.0 games behind the division-leading Tigers. Mauer has also been solid defensively behind the dish, and if he can keep up both his offensive and defensive production by most importantly staying healthy, look for him to rake in this award for the 2009 MLB Season.
National League:
1st Baseman - Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals
(.329 AVG, .448 OBP, 1.169 OPS, 26 HRs, 68 RBIs, 56 Rs, 9 SBs through 69 games)
Although this seems like the cliché pick, I had to go with Pujols. He is currently on a ridiculous pace to hit 61 HRs and 159 RBIs, which he obviously will likely not keep up, yet still speaks to his consistency that he displays year in and year out putting up solid stats for the Cardinals. Albert has the rare power/low K's/high BB rate combo. So far this season, Phat Albert has posted a walk to K ratio of 2.04. Compare this to Ryan Howard's 0.32 and Carlos Peña's 0.54, and one can see this is a pretty big feat. In fact, none of the Top 25 leaders in BB:K ratio have a ratio over one (that is, no one has more walks than Ks, and Pujols has DOUBLE the walks as Ks). This guy is a flat out stud, and one day, I hope he will be the Homerun King. Without a doubt, MVP in the NL goes to Pujols.
Cy Young
American League:
Starting Pitcher - Zack Greinke - Kansas City Royals
(8 Wins - 3 Losses, 101.0 IP, 106 Ks, 18 BB, 1.96 ERA, 1.02 WHIP)
Sure, his performance has tailed off a bit in his last few starts, but come on, how can Cy Young NOT go to Greinke? He has more strikeouts, lower ERA, and lower WHIP in comparison to the favorable Halladay pick. Overall, (see earlier article) Greinke has proven that he is one of the big boys now and can be the Royals' ace and go-to-guy. The thing with Greinke is he has never really had any health problems, while Halladay consistently has had a few DL stints throughout the past few years which further gives confidence to the Greinke pick. Furthermore, Greinke has actually tossed more complete games than Halladay, a feat rarely accomplished by any pitcher. Ultimately, Zack at least provided some hope and competition for the Royals organization early in, keeping them afloat atop the AL Central for a few early weeks, yet now because of how terrible the TEAM is they have faltered back. Look for Greinke to hopefully continue his dominant performance of offenses, leaving them befuddled with his deadly mix of pitches. Other notables: Roy Halladay (Toronto Blue Jays) and Justin Verlander (Detroit Tigers).
National League:
Starting Pitcher - Dan Haren - Arizona Diamondbacks
(6 Wins - 4 Losses, 101.0 IP, 96 Ks, 18 BB, 2.23 ERA, 0.82 WHIP)
Although the Diamondbacks are out of contention, it is hard not to go with Haren. Sporting an MLB-best 0.82 WHIP, Haren is showing that he is getting it done on his own, rarely relying on his defense to save him or clean up his mess. He allows few walks and hits, keeps the bases clear, and keeps the ball in the park. His win-loss statistic is a tough reflection of the lack of run support provided by the failing D-Backs offense, which during Haren's first three starts of the season (in which he allowed a total of 4 ER in 3 games) provided him with exactly ONE run over those three starts, accounting for 3 out of his 4 losses. At age 28, this Pepperdine product is in his prime, and deserves the recognition. In order to stay ahead of the race, he has to continue his dominating pitching stats, regardless of his team's performance, much like last year's winner Tim Lincecum. Other notables: Josh Johnson (Florida Marlins) and Tim Lincecum (San Francisco Giants)
Comeback Player of the Year:
American League:
Catcher/1st Baseman - Victor Martinez - Cleveland Indians
08: (.278 AVG, .337 OBP, .701 OPS, 2 HRs, 35 RBIs, 30 Rs, 24 BBs through 73 games)
09: (.330 AVG, .407 OBP, .942 OPS, 12 HRs, 53 RBIs, 48 Rs, 37 BBs through 69 games)
This comparison is virtually perfect, as the total games between both seasons are almost equal. It is clear to see the comeback that V-Mart has made after coming off his worst season of his career. In 2009 so far, he has returned to form as one of the best hitting Catchers (second to Mauer of course) in the majors. Last season was both a both injury and drought plagued season for Victor, but now he returns as a switch-hitting threat in the rather bare Cleveland Indians offense. Congrats, Victor, on the turn-around! Other notable: Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay Rays).
National League:
Starting Pitcher - Chris Carpenter - St. Louis Cardinals
2007/2008: (Both very injury-plagued seasons, totaling 21.1 IP over two years)
09: (5-1, 58.2 IP, 43 Ks, 9 BBs, 1.53 ERA, 0.72 WHIP)
Although his 2009 campaign has featured a few trips to the DL or bench, some were just as a precaution. The Cards are hoping Carpenter can return to that ace/go-to-guy status that he solely possessed years ago which has now been relinquished to the younger Adam Wainwright. If and when healthy, Carpenter can be flat out dominant, as seen from his starts so far this season, supported by the statistics mentioned above. Having already eclipsed the IPs over two years in 07/08 this season alone, Carpenter looks to build off this momentum and swing, yet at the same time focusing on staying healthy, in preparations to returning to full form. Therefore, it was clear to see that he deservingly is the NL Comeback player of the year. Other notables: Troy Tulowitzki (Colorado Rockies) and Robinson Cano (New York Yankees).
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