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AL Awards Race May 13th

by Bball3345

created May 13, 2008, last edited February 10, 2009

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As of May 13th, here are my American League frontrunners for the major MLB awards:

MVP

With no offensive players standing out in the American League, I must choose, with apprehension, a pitcher. Cliff Lee showed promise earlier in his career and after being sent back down to the minors for his struggles last season, this stardom may be for real (remind anyone of Roy Halladay's story?). Youkilis is a guy that you can be sure will get on base and this season he has added some more power. Whether or not the power remains will determine if he can stay in the MVP discussion. Josh Hamilton continues his amazing comeback story and stud talent. Kinsler started hot last year so it remains to be seen if he can continue this play for a full season. Manny is just being Manny, which equals one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game.

Cy Young

Not even close, Cliff Lee is the clear frontrunner for the Cy Young. It's nice to see former sure-thing superstar Zack Greinke back on track. Hopefully his early season performance is for real. Marcum has good skills, but his perfrmance thus far is probably most likely explained by a "lucky" .172 Batting Average on Balls In Play. Expect that number to rise along with Marcum's ERA. Saunders' performance probably won't last much longer since he lacks the ability to strike anyone out. I don't think anyone is surprised to see Dice-K in the Cy Young discussion this year.

Rookie of the Year

Smith has solid strikeout numbers and a 3.00 ERA in his first 7 starts. Carlson has been lights-out, blowing people away in the Twins bullpen. Jacoby Ellsbury has not shown much power, but his OBP and defense place him at the top of the Rookie class for AL hitters. Johnson has been nearly unhittable for Baltimore, but his low strikeout numbers are reason for concern (and for why he is not my #1 pick). Joey Devine has been similar to Carlson, a filthy strikeout guy in the pen.

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Niteowl049AAA-er

561 days ago

Score 0

Have to agree with Greg Smith at top of the list. He has helped keep the A's near the top in the AL West. I am partial to Smith though since he lived across the Red River from us when we used to live in Louisiana.

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Niteowl049AAA-er

561 days ago

Score 0

Youkilis has good numbers across the board this year. It would be refreshing to see someone like Youkilis who isn't mentioned that much in media except for his errorless streak.

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Manny StilesMajor Leaguer

561 days ago

Score 5

No Rays? tsk, tsk...

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Falcon02520Legend

561 days ago

Score 3

Just look away Manny, just look away...

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BigPPupMajor Leaguer

561 days ago

Score 0

Isnt this just a bit early?

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TrizzAll-American

561 days ago

Score 1

i came here jus to say that same thing...and in the AL who knows as for the NL its pretty clear cut Utley MVP Webb Cy Young Upton ROY unless injuries come in

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Pas493JV Squad

561 days ago

Score 0

yea its way to early and im pretty sure we won't see any Texas Rangers on this list in september

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Bball3345Draft Pick

561 days ago

Score 1

Every year I make predictions and someone always says, "It's too early." How can it be too early to predict something? I'm not actually awarding anyone anything. I'm just saying, "if the season ended today, who would win?" It's all for fun.

P.S. People make predictions before the season even starts; is that too early?

P.P.S Trizz, you said it was too early and then went ahead and made your own predictions. I though it was too early???

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KelsdadAll-Star

560 days ago

Score 2

Justin Upton is not a rookie, Trizz

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Pas493JV Squad

560 days ago

Score 0

this isnt a prediction its saying if the season was over today who would win unless your predictions are Cliff Lee (Al MVP/CY Young), and Greg Smith for ROY, so can I write that down?

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RomiezzoLegend

561 days ago

Score 0

No Ervin Santana? 6-0, 2.63 ERA, 0.970 WHIP. I'd say he's a pretty good Cy Young candidate.

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RomiezzoLegend

561 days ago

Score 0

Chipper Jones for MVP? .406 batting average.

Or Lance Berkman? .800 slugging percentage. 13 homers

Or Chase Utley? 13 homers...

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Bball3345Draft Pick

561 days ago

Score 0

It's just the American League and Ervin Santana has a higher ERA than anyone I picked, although he is definitely in the Top 8 or 9.

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Bball3345Draft Pick

561 days ago

Score 1

for what it's worth, I think Santana has a better chance of being in the Top 5 in the near future than Marcum or Saunders. As of today though, I'm going to have to leave him out. It's a close call though.

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RomiezzoLegend

561 days ago

Score 0

Don't count Marcum out. I think he's got great potential. He's really showing everyone that he's got some stuff. Santana and Saunders? Judging by the record that the Angels currently have, I don't think they're going to stay lossless for a while. Their pitching might still be good, but I just can't see either one of them as a Cy Young winner. It's kinda like the John Lacker and Kelvim Escobar situation...

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