2007 MLB Midseason Awards and Predictions
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by Aharner
It's about that time of year again. 90 degree days, barbaques, and cold refreshing Coca-Cola. It's summer. And that means only one thing: it's time for the MLB Midseason Awards and end of season predictions to be handed out.
Midseason MVP - Magglio Ordonez (DET) - The best hitter on what may be baseball's best team thus far, Ordonez has carried the Tigers with a .367 average, 13 home runs, and 70 RBI.
Honorable Mention - Alex Rodriguez (NYY), Vladimir Guerrero (LAA), Ichiro Suzuki (SEA)
End of Season MVP (tie) - Alex Rodriguez (NYY), Vladimir Guerrero (LAA) - If Rodriguez can somehow carry the Yankees to the playoffs, he will undoubtedly be the MVP of the league assuming he continues hitting as he has (.317 average, 30 HR, and 86 RBI). But, if Rodriguez can't muster that feat, watch out for my preseason pick of Vladimir Guerrero. I can't see the Mariners catching the Angels, and Guererro is carrying the offense alongside Orlando Cabrera. He is on pace for his typical .320 average, 35 HR, 130 RBI season, and I won't be surprised to see him carry the Angels through the playoffs.
Midseason ROY - Hideki Okajima (BOS) - There's big argument for Boston's other Japanese rookie, but Okajima is a big part of Boston is where they are. With a 0.81 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 43.1 innings and 13 holds, Okajima has set-up Jonathon Papelbon brilliantly.
Honorbale Mention - Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS), Dustin Pedroia (BOS), Jeremy Guthrie (BAL)
End of Season ROY - Hideki Okajima (BOS) - Okajima doesn't look like he was stutter at all coming down the rest of the season. He and Papelbon will surly lead Boston to the AL East, if not the entire, AL crown.
Midseason Cy Young - Dan Haren (OAK) - Haren leads a stacked class of AL picthers with a 2.30 ERA, and also stands strong in strikeouts (101), wins (10), and walks (32) while working 129.1 innings.
Honroable Mention - C.C. Sabathia (CLE), John Lackey (LAA), Josh Beckett (BOS), Johan Santana (MIN)
End of Season Cy Young - Josh Beckett (BOS) - With 12 wins now, Beckett is sure to get to at least 22 without inury. He stands strong in the league with 21 walks, 92 strikeouts, and a 3.22 ERA at the break. Look for him to lead Boston down the stretch to that title we discussed earlier.
Midseason MVP - Prince Fielder (MIL) - If Colorado was any good, this would undoubtedly go to Matt Holliday, but Fielder has helped lead the Brewers to first place with 29 home runs and 70 RBI. It will be difficult for Fielder to hold this until the end of the season. Two things will have to happen. 1) The Brewers can't choke. 2) He has to improve on that .284 average.
Honorable Mention - Matt Holldiay (COL), Chase Utley (PHI), Alfonso Soriano (CHI), Miguel Cabrera (FLA)
End of Season MVP - Chase Utley (PHI) - I'm going to say it now: the Philadelphia Phillies will win the East. And it will be Utley who does the most leading, with Ryan Howard right behind as always. Utley's numbers at the break (.325, 15, 68) look to be right on pace for a solid season (much like Guerrero).
Midseason ROY - Hunter Pence (HOU) - If Houston can somehow win the Central, a lot of credit will have to be given to Pence. He's hitting .342 at the break and has amassed 11 home runs and 42 RBIs as well as some very nice defense.
Honorable Mention - Troy Tulowitzki (COL), Ryan Braun (MIL)
End of Season ROY - Hunter Pence (HOU) - I don't think Ryan Braun will have enough effect in Milwaukee's run or have better numbers than Pence by season's end.
Midseason Cy Young - Jake Peavy (SD) - With one more win and a bucket more of strikeouts, I'll give the nod to Peavy over teammate Chris Young. Peavy is 9-3 with a 2.19 ERA through 119.0 innings all while striking out 125 and walking just 34.
Honorable Mention - Chris Young (SD), Brad Penny (LAD), John Maine (NYM), Ben Sheets (MIL), Cole Hamels (PHI)
End of Season Cy Young - Chris Young (SD) - In the end, the only thing Peavy will have more of is strikeouts. The duo will carry San Diego to the West title, but it will be Young who comes out on top when the writers vote.
MLB:
Most Surprising Team - Milwaukee Brewers, Honroable Mention - Seattle Mariners
Best Brawl - Chris Young Vs. Derrek Lee,
Honroable Mention - Pizza Man Vs. Boston Fan
Biggest Disappointment - New York Yankees,
Honorable Mention - St. Louis Cardinals
