2010 MLB Awards: The Races, Who Should Win, and Who Will Win

The 2010 Major League Baseball season is winding down. Here is who should win the major awards for each league and who will actually win the awards.

For each league, I'll examine the Most Valuable Player awards, Cy Young awards, Rookie of the Year awards, Silver Sluggers, and Gold Gloves.

Also included is the fringe players who should also be considered for the awards.

Who Should Win The AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers)

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NEW YORK - AUGUST 19: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers runs the bases after his first inning two run home run against the New York Yankees on August 19, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Im

Stats: .329 avg, 36 HR, 122 RBI, 1.039 OPS

The AL MVP race basically boils down to Miguel Cabrera vs. Josh Hamilton vs. Robinson Cano. With Hamilton departing the season a month early with injury, his chances should be evaporated (see: Carlos Quentin in 2008).

Cabrera's numbers are substantially better than Cano's and that justifies giving him the awards. Yes, he's not on a playoff team, but he's been the best player in the American League. It's amazing the numbers he's put up considering the weak lineup around him.

Remember that Magglio Ordonez was out with injury and Cabrera had to deal with the absences of Brandon Inge and Carlos Guillen. Not to mention that Brennan Boesch forgot to hit in the second half. And the Tigers are still over .500.

Who Will Win The AL MVP: Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers)

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OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 08: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers looks on against the Oakland Athletics during an MLB game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 8, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Stats: .361 avg, 31 HR, 97 RBI, 1.049 OPS

Josh Hamilton failed to play a month of baseball. But his Texas Rangers are in first place. And his numbers are spectacular.

We can look at two previous similar cases. In 2008, Carlos Quentin was the leading AL MVP candidate before an injury knocked him out for the rest of the season, while the White Sox still made the postseason. The award controversially went to Dustin Pedroia over Justin Morneau.

In 2009, Joe Mauer missed the first month of the season. He then proceeded to put up one of the greatest offensive seasons for a catcher and capture the AL MVP—with his Twins making the postseason after the 163rd game.

Who Else Should Be In Consideration For The AL MVP

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Robinson Cano #24 of the New York Yankees drives in two runs with a double in the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during their game on September 21, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo

Cabrera and Hamilton should be one and two for MVP candidates. Here's who should round out the top-ten:

3. Robinson Cano (New York Yankees): .319 avg, 28 HR, 104 RBI, .916 OPS

4. Jose Bautista (Toronto Blue Jays): .268 avg, 52 HR, 118 RBI, 1.021 OPS

5. Paul Konerko (Chicago White Sox): .314 avg, 38 HR, 106 RBI, .984 OPS

6. Adrian Beltre (Boston Red Sox): .322 avg, 28 HR, 99 RBI, .925 OPS

7. Joe Mauer (Minnesota Twins): .331 avg, 9 HR, 74 RBI, .846 OPS

8. Vladimir Guerrero (Texas Rangers): .303 avg, 28 HR, 111 RBI, .846 OPS

9. Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay Rays): .294 avg, 22 HR, 104 RBI, .879 OPS

10. Delmon Young (Minnesota Twins): .296 avg, 18 HR, 105 RBI, .811 OPS

Also considered: Alex Rodriguez (New York Yankees), Nick Swisher (New York Yankees), Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay Rays)

Who Should Win The NL MVP: Joey Votto (Cincinnati Reds)

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 19: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnatti Reds doubles in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on September 19, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Stats: .323 avg, 35 HR, 106 RBI, 1.018 OPS, 15 SB

This is literally a three-horse race between Joey Votto, Carlos Gonzalez, and Albert Pujols. I know I said for the AL MVP that playoffs shouldn't matter, but with a race this close, it should count as the tiebreaker. Also, the difference between Miguel Cabrera's stats and Robinson Cano's stats is a lot more substantial than these differences.

Votto has been amazing and helped carry the Reds to the playoffs for the first since 1995.

Who Will Win The NL MVP: Joey Votto (Cincinnati Reds)

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 19: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnatti Reds scores in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros on a single by Jay Bruce at Minute Maid Park on September 19, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Votto's MVP will be an award distributed that the writers get right.

The national attention he received over his original All-Star snub actually helped his case—as people kept an eye on him.

Who Else Should Be In Consideration For The NL MVP

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PHOENIX - SEPTEMBER 22: Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on September 22, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Joey Votto should win the award. As I said before, Carlos Gonzalez and Albert Pujols should be two and three. Here's the round-up of the top ten:

2. Carlos Gonzalez (Colorado Rockies): .340 avg, 33 HR, 113 RBI, .988 OPS, 25 SB

3. Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals): .310 avg, 41 HR, 112 RBI, 1.005 OPS, 13 SB

4. Troy Tulowitzki (Colorado Rockies): .318 avg, 26 HR, 90 RBI, .957 OPS, 10 SB

5. Matt Holliday (St. Louis Cardinals): .315 avg, 27 HR, 100 RBI, .931 OPS, 8 SB

6. Adrian Gonzalez (San Diego Padres): .303 avg, 29 HR, 97 RBI, .911 OPS

7. Ryan Howard (Philadelphia Phillies): .278 avg, 30 HR, 104 RBI, .853 OPS

8. Dan Uggla (Florida Marlins): .288 avg, 31 HR, 99 RBI, .878 OPS

9. Corey Hart (Milwaukee Brewers): .281 avg, 30 HR, 96 RBI, .871 OPS, 7 SB

10. Adam Dunn (Washington Nationals): .267 avg, 37 HR, 101 RBI, .914 OPS

Also considered: Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers), David Wright (New York Mets), Aubrey Huff (San Francisco Giants)

Who Should Win The AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners)

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CHICAGO - JULY 26: Starting pitcher Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners delivers the ball against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on July 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Mariners 6-1. (Photo by Jonathan Danie

Stats: 12-12, 2.31 ERA, 227 Ks, 1.06 WHIP

King Felix doesn't have the wins, but he plays on the Mariners. If he had actual run support, he would be easily running away with the Cy Young award

Hernandez leads the American League in strikeouts and ERA and he's second in the league in WHIP. 

Who Will Win The AL Cy Young: CC Sabathia (New York Yankees)

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: CC Sabathia #52 of the New York Yankees looks on against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 23, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Stats: 20-7, 3.26 ERA, 189 Ks, 1.21 WHIP

Sabathia leads the American League in wins, and voters love wins. There is precedent for this same situation with Bartolo Colon over Johan Santana in 2005, but let's hope the voters have matured:

2005 Colon: 21-8, 3.48 ERA, 157 Ks, 1.16 WHIP
2005 Santana: 16-7, 2.87 ERA, 238 Ks, 0.97 WHIP 

Who Else Should Be In Consideration For The AL Cy Young

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: David Price #14 of the Tampa Bay Rays delivers a pitch in the first inning against the New York Yankees on September 23, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

I really don't think CC Sabathia should be a serious candidate, but he will get the votes because of wins. Felix Hernandez should be the number one. Here's who else should be considered:

2. Trevor Cahill (Oakland A's): 17-7, 2.81 ERA, 109 Ks, 1.07 WHIP

3. David Price (Tampa Bay Rays): 18-6, 2.84 ERA, 179 Ks, 1.07 WHIP

4. Cliff Lee (Texas Rangers): 12-9, 3.29 ERA, 177 Ks, 1.02 WHIP

5. Jered Weaver (Los Angeles Angels): 13-11, 2.99 ERA, 220 Ks, 1.07 WHIP

6. Clay Buccholz (Boston Red Sox): 16-7, 2.39 ERA, 115 Ks, 1.23 WHIP

Also considered: Jon Lester (Boston Red Sox), Justin Verlander (Detroit Tigers)

Who Should Win The NL Cy Young: Adam Wainwright (St. Louis Cardinals)

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 09: Starting pitcher Adam Wainwright #50 of the St. Louis Cardinals against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on September 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Stats: 20-11, 2.42 ERA, 213 Ks, 1.05 WHIP

This is literally a tie between Adam Wainwright and Roy Halladay. Josh Johnson hasn't pitched enough to win the award.

It's amazing that their last games could literally determine who wins the NL Cy Young.

Who Will Win The NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay (Philadelphia Phillies)

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LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 30: Roy Halladay #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 30, 2010 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Stats: 20-10, 2.53 ERA, 213 Ks, 1.07 WHIP

I don't think as of now too many people outside of St. Louis would be upset if Halladay won the award over Wainwright.

Halladay is a beast and a workhorse with eight complete games. He will win with all the (legitimate) hype coming into the season, making the best team in the NL even better.

Who Else Should Be In Consideration For The NL Cy Young

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ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 13: National League All-Star Josh Johnson #55 of the Florida Marlins throws a pitch during the 81st MLB All-Star Game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 13, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Adam Wainwright and Roy Halladay are the clear number one and two. Josh Johnson was once the leader, but has pitched in substantially less innings (like Buchholz and Cahill in the AL). Here's the round-up:

3. Josh Johnson (Florida Marlins): 11-6, 2.30 ERA, 186 Ks, 1.11 WHIP

4. Roy Oswalt (Philadelphia Phillies): 13-13, 2.80 ERA, 189 Ks, 1.03 WHIP

5. Tim Hudson (Atlanta Braves): 16-9, 2.80 ERA, 132 Ks, 1.15 WHIP

6. Mat Latos (San Diego Padres): 14-8, 2.91 ERA, 179 Ks, 1.06 WHIP

Also considered: Jaime Garcia (St. Louis Cardinals), Brett Myers (Houston Astros), Cole Hamels (Philadelphia Phillies), Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Who Should Win The AL ROY: Austin Jackson (Detroit Tigers)

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NEW YORK - AUGUST 16: Austin Jackson #14 of the Detroit Tigers makes a catch for an out against the New York Yankees on August 16, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Stats: .295 avg, 4 HR, 37 RBI, .754 OPS, 25 SB

Austin Jackson has been the most consistent rookie in the AL. He's also played amazing defense. Danny Valencia has made a late push in the second half, as he started playing late in the season, but Jackson should win the award. He's been the complete package that makes the Tigers not regret giving up Curtis Granderson.

Who Will Win The AL ROY: Neftali Feliz (Texas Rangers)

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BALTIMORE - AUGUST 22: Neftali Feliz #30 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on August 22, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Rangers beat the Orioles 6-4. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Stats: 37 saves, 2.91 ERA, 67 Ks, 0.91 WHIP

Neftali Feliz has had a great season for a rookie closer. He made the All-Star team, has only blown three saves, and has kept his walks down.

Andrew Bailey proved last year that voters don't look at the everyday player distinction as much, which is why Feliz will win (and he could be deserving).

Who Else Should Be In Consideration For The AL ROY

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 10: Danny Valencia #19 of the Minnesota Twins runs after hitting the ball against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on August 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Twins defeated the White Sox 12-6. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

Austin Jackson and Neftali Feliz are the clear frontrunners for the award. But here's other candidates:

3. Danny Valencia (Minnesota Twins): .328 avg, 5 HR, 35 RBI, .828 OPS

4. Brennan Boesch (Detroit Tigers): .265 avg, 14 HR, 66 RBI, .764 OPS

5. Wade Davis (Tampa Bay Rays): 12-9, 4.13 ERA, 105 Ks, 1.38 WHIP

Who Should Win The NL ROY: Buster Posey (San Francisco Giants)

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PHOENIX - SEPTEMBER 06: Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants at bat during the Major League Baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 6, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Diamondbacks 2-0 in eleven

Stats: .320 avg, 16 HR, 64 RBI, .889 OPS

This NL rookie class is amazing. There are legitimately four candidates that could win deservingly win the award. Buster Posey has been spectacular offensively and defensively for the Giants.

He was inserted into a lineup without a powerful bat and helped lead the Giants—who currently hold first place in the National League West.

Who Will Win The NL ROY: Jason Heyward (Atlanta Braves)

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 15: Jason Heyward #22 of the Atlanta Braves against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field on September 15, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Stats: .282 avg, 18 HR, 71 RBI, .866 OPS, 10 SB

Jason Heyward will win. Nobody was more hyped besides Stephen Strasburg. Heyward has been amazing and has a bright future.

He is also the complete package who can hit, field, and run.

Who Else Should Be In Consideration For The NL ROY

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ST. LOUIS - AUGUST 22: Starter Jaime Garcia #54 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Busch Stadium on August 22, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Like I said before, there are legitimately four candidates who can win this award. Here's the rest of the talented class:

3. Jaime Garcia (St. Louis Cardinals): 13-8, 2.70 ERA, 132 Ks, 1.32 WHIP

4. Gaby Sanchez (Florida Marlins): .279 avg, 19 HR, 81 RBI, .807 OPS

5. Ike Davis (New York Mets): .268 avg, 18 HR, 69 RBI, .798s OPS

Also considered: Starlin Castro (Chicago Cubs), Ian Desmond (Washington Nationals), Neil Walker (Pittsburgh Pirates), John Axford (Milwaukee Brewers)

American League Silver Sluggers

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 15: Adrian Beltre #29 of the Boston Red Sox bats against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on September 15, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Catcher: Joe Mauer (Minnesota Twins) will win

First Base: Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers) will win

Second Base: Robinson Cano (New York Yankees) will win

Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez (Chicago White Sox) should win, Derek Jeter (New York Yankees) will win

Third Base: Adrian Beltre (Boston Red Sox) should win, Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay Rays) will win

Outfield: Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers) will win

Outfield: Jose Bautista (Toronto Blue Jays) will win

Outfield: Delmon Young (Minnesota Twins) should win, Ichiro Suzuki will win

Designated Hitter: Vladimir Guerrero (Texas Rangers) will win

National League Silver Sluggers

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PHOENIX - SEPTEMBER 22: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after striking out during the Major League Baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 22, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Get

Catcher: Brian McCann (Atlanta Braves) will win

First Base: Joey Votto (Cincinnati Reds) will win

Second Base: Dan Uggla (Florida Marlins) will win

Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (Colorado Rockies) will win

Third Base: Ryan Zimmerman (Washington Nationals) will win

Outfield: Carlos Gonzalez (Colorado Rockies) will win

Outfield: Matt Holliday (St. Louis Cardinals) will win

Outfield: Corey Hart (Milwaukee Brewers) will win

Pitcher: Yovani Gallardo (Milwaukee Brewers) will win

American League Gold Gloves

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 14: Alexei Ramirez #10 of the Chicago White Sox falls over Michael Cuddyer #5 of the Minnesota Twins after turning a double play at U.S. Cellular Field on September 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Catcher: Joe Mauer (Minnesota Twins) will win

First Base: Daric Barton (Oakland A's) should win, Mark Teixeira (New York Yankees) will win

Second Base: Orlando Hudson (Minnesota Twins) will win

Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez (Chicago White Sox) should win, Elvis Andrus (Texas Rangers) will win

Third Base: Adrian Beltre (Boston Red Sox) should win, Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay Rays) will win

Outfield: Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay Rays) should win, Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers) will win

Outfield: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners) will win

Outfield: Franklin Gutierrez (Seattle Mariners) will win

Pitcher: Mark Buehrle (Chicago White Sox) will win

National League Gold Gloves

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals smiles after beating the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on September 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals beat the Padres 4-1. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Catcher: Yadier Molina (St. Louis Cardinals) will win

First Base: Adrian Gonzalez (San Diego Padres) will win

Second Base: Brandon Phillips (Cincinnati Reds) will win

Shortstop: Brendan Ryan (St. Louis Cardinals) should win, Troy Tulowitzki (Colorado Rockies) will win

Third Base: Ryan Zimmerman (Washington Nationals) will win

Outfield: Andres Torres (San Francisco Giants) should win, Chris Young (Arizona Diamondbacks) will win

Outfield: Michael Bourn (Houston Astros) will win

Outfield: Jay Bruce (Cincinnati Reds) should win, Jason Heyward (Atlanta Braves) will win

Pitcher: Adam Wainwright (St. Louis Cardinals) will win

American League Manager Of The Year: Ron Washington (Texas Rangers)

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Manager Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers looks on against the Oakland Athletics during a Major League Baseball game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 24, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobso

Ron Washington has finally ended the Angels' stranglehold on the American League West. After cocaine problems emerged in the preseason, Washington has managed his team to compete with the big boys. The Rangers' consistent pitching has been a pleasant surprise for them, especially CJ Wilson.

2. Ron Gardenhire (Minnesota Twins) survived the loss of Justin Morneau and the Twins have already clinched a playoff spot.

3. Joe Maddon (Tampa Bay Rays) has the Rays competing for first place in the American League East again.

National League Manager Of The Year: Dusty Baker (Cincinnati Reds)

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 09: Manager Dusty Baker #12 heads top the mound to remove starting pitcher Travis Wood of the Cincinnati Reds against the Colorado Rockie at Coors Field on September 9, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Reds 6-5. (Pho

A lot of people expected that the Reds would blossom, just not this year. They have challenged the Cardinals and will make the playoffs with Baker's offense being amazing.

2. Charlie Manuel (Philadelphia Phillies) survived injuries to Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Placido Polanco to have the best record in baseball.

3. Bud Black (San Diego Padres) has his team in first place for the majority of the season, which is something nobody expected.