OWNED! Reflections of the Pre All-Star Break Season

. Unfortunately, Pujols missed some time this year, which will hurt him when the BBWA are handing out the award. However, the Cards stayed hot, and Pujols won't have to worry about not winning the award due to being on a losing team. Volquez on the other hand, does have that to deal with. 

 Prior to the start of the season, I predicted that Pujols would run away with the award. I claimed that the elbow injuries were more a concern of the media than they would be of Pujols.

Low and behold, Pujols hasn't had any elbow issues to deal with, and his power is only marginally worse then it had been in years past. However, for a player of Pujols' age, that isn't really a good thing.  

 

MVP by season's end 

This is a tough one to call. Currently, none of the top performers (aside from Pujols) are on teams that are performing at a high-enough level for a typical winner by BBWA standards. Keep an eye on the Mets-Phillies race in the National League East. Either David Wright or Chase Utley should walk away with the award for whichever team wins the division. Prediction: David Wright.  

 

Cy Young to date 

Tim Lincecum—It is simple. Lincecum has dominated. Despite the vote that I sent in for Volquez earlier in the week, Lincecum has simply taken over as the National League's best pitcher, and has arguably been the best pitcher in all of baseball. Leading the league in FIP, Lincecum is actually managing to get better as the season goes along. Simply put, I cannot gush over Lincecum enough. 

Volquez and Ben Sheets would still round out my top three. Volquez appears to be fading, although he will still merit an understandable amount of votes for Cy Young, simply because of how big of a surprise he has been.

Being on a losing team also will not help his cause. On the other hand, Ben Sheets is on a team that is looking to make a significant run to the playoffs.  

 

Cy Young by season's end 

I am curious what the BBWA will do with CC Sabathia. Are his numbers as an Indian not transferable to winning the NL Cy Young? If they are, Sabathia will make a legitimate argument to win the award. However, either he or Sheets will make a quality candidate for the Brewers.  

That being said, with how the Mets have played as of late, my preseason pick of Johan Santana may come to fruition if the Mets can pull out the division. I also anticipate this selection being the BBWA trying to say, "See, we were right." Prediction: Johan Santana.  

 

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