Who Is the AL Manny Ramirez?

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

NL Rolaids Relief Award: Fransisco Rodriguez, RP, New York Mets

K-Rod may have lost his fastball but as he proved last year, he can still be very effective.  With the Mets strong lineup he will get plenty of opportunities to show the NL the havoc he caused in the AL all of these years.

Other Possibilities: Brad Lidge, Jose Valverde, Kevin Gregg, Jonathon Broxton

Sleeper Picks: Trevor Hoffman, Heath Bell, Mike Gonzalez

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Troy Percival, RP, Tampa Bay Rays

Percival was on his way to a fabulous comeback season last year before injuries sidelined him for the stretch run and playoffs.  If he stays healthy he should have a shot at it.

Other Possibilities: Chien-Ming Wang, Jorge Posada, David Ortiz, Paul Konerko

Sleeper Picks: Alex Rodriguez, Nomar Garciaparra, B.J. Ryan

NL Comeback Player of the Year: Ivan Rodriguez, C, Houston Astros

Pudge Rodriguez has many accolades and will retire one of the greatest catchers of all-time however not one team would sign him until Spring Training began.  That motivation should be enough for a veteran like Rodriguez to bounce back with a strong year.

Other Possibilities: Randy Johnson, Trevor Hoffman, J.J. Putz, Todd Helton

Sleeper Picks: Chris Carpenter, Aaron Harang, Pedro Martinez*

*If Pedro ever plays again, and if he goes to the American League put him up one paragraph.

Now, that we did the customary awards that will be given out after the World Series is completed, it is time for the awards I have created. Do not fear, I will also add in explanations in case they are not obvious.

AL Manny Ramirez of the Year: Alex Rodriguez, 3B, New York Yankees

(Award given to the player who causes distraction to his team on the field by the way he acts.)

He has already gotten a head start, this year taking up most of Spring Training with steroid allegations and his hip injury.  Also, expect his ex-wife Cynthia to get more involved as the season goes on.

Other Possibilities: Ichiro Suzuki, B.J. Upton, Jose Guillen, Miguel Cabrera

Sleeper Picks: Delmon Young, Jermaine Dye, Michael Young

NL Manny Ramirez of the Year: Elijah Dukes, OF, Washington Nationals

The very talented, very dumb player has to battle for playing time this year and I really do not see him responding well. 

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