MLB 2010: Predicting Major League Baseball's Award Winners
Every single season, it all comes down to this: October (well, sometimes November, you get the point).
It is the biggest thrill for every major leaguer to win a World Series Championship, and be on the spotlight of Major League Baseball.
But who said a big chunk of metal with honors hurt?
Certainly not for these players, as they are all possible winners of 2010 awards.
These awards include Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and the MVP Award, for each league.
American League Rookie of The Year: Detroit Tigers Outfielder Austin Jackson
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Feel bad for New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman.
A young outfielder named Austin Jackson was traded to the Detroit Tigers during last year's offseason. It was a package that would send Curtis Granderson to the Yankees.
Most Yankees fans rejoiced: but some of them such as me, wanted Cashman out then.
Austin Jackson was considered one of the best prospects in the game, but all New York saw was faith in a guy that can't hit left handed pitching.
They missed Jackson's hitting, arm, fielding, and speed in top of their lineup. Seems like a lot they missed? Certainly.
These stats of Jackson do not lie:
- .293 batting average
- .345 on base percentage
- 27 stolen bases
- 103 runs scored
- 151 games played
These are all signs of something big in this young kid. Imagine his speed with his average at the bottom of the Yankees lineup: you certainly would see more runs scored. But it's too late for that now, as New York let go of AL's 2010 Rookie of the Year.
American League Cy Young: Seattle Mariners Pitcher Felix Hernandez
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As soon as fans see this, some will say it's an obvious choice. Some might beg to differ, saying how wins are the most important category when choosing a Cy Young Award winner. Also, they say he needs to be on a winning team to even have a chance at the most prestigious pitching award.
Even though King Felix was on maybe one of the worst teams this year, his stats do not lie.
He has an ERA of 2.27. So what you say?
In 249.2 innings. Allowing only 184 hits.
Adding to that, what about 232 strikeouts?
Just think about it, what if Hernandez was with the Yankees just like potential winner C.C. Sabathia is. Hernandez would overshadow him with maybe 25 wins.
Everything just doesn't add up to Felix Hernandez not winning the award.
American League Most Valuable Player: Detroit Tigers 1st Baseman Miguel Cabrera
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We all know Miguel Cabrera: a kid who dominated in Florida and was later sent to the Detroit Tigers. Ever since then, he still has been putting up dominant numbers.
When we think of Cabrera, we think, "oh he's having a good year." That's it. Many fans don't think anymore to it, and he doesn't get the credit he deserves: until now.
Cabrera, still only 27 years of age, hit for an average of .328 and a career high home run total of 38 bombs. These are All-Star stats, but these stats adds even more possibility of Cabrera winning the MVP this year.
He drove in a league leading 126 RBIs, and also led the league in OBP of .420. Not to mention the fact that he scored 111 runs himself.
All these stats show, that Miguel Cabrera is worthy of his first ever Most Valuable Player award.
National League Rookie of The Year: San Francisco Giants Catcher Buster Posey
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Everyone expected at the beginning of the season for Jason Heyward to win this year's Rookie of the Year Award. His first at bat with a home run made fans excited, and looked forward even more.
Well, the Giants traded away veteran catcher Bengie Molina to the Texas Rangers, and rookie Buster Posey slid in nicely into the 3rd spot in the lineup.
He also started working well with the pitchers.
Posey at the age of 23 is already the go to guy in a Major League lineup, as proven by his stats.
In only 108 games, he knocked out 18 balls and drove in 67 RBIs for a team that isn't a good offensive team.
Posey's go ahead home run in the last game of the regular season put the San Francisco Giants in the postseason for the first time since 2003. Anything more to say?
National League Cy Young: Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Roy Halladay
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Surprise, surprise.
"The Doc" pitching in the National League, and he dominates.
We all knew Roy Halladay would dominate, but not this much:
- W-L 21-10
- ERA 2.44
- IP 250.2
His wins total could have significantly increased if it wasn't for the Phillies injured offensive lineup.
Add a perfect game to his resume.
Pretty simple pick.
National League Most Valuable Player: Cinncinati Reds 1st Baseman Joey Votto
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The Cincinnati Reds would not have clinched a playoff spot if it wasn't for this 1st baseman.
Joey Votto, 27, was once in contention for the Triple Crown this season along with sluggers Carlos Gonzalez and Albert Pujols.
Even though he might have not won it, he certainly finished strong.
- Average: .324 (2nd in league)
- Home runs: 37 (3rd in league)
- RBIs: 113 (3rd in league)
These are MVP stats already, but Votto being the main part of the Reds' success this season will earn him some extra votes when the time comes.
His competition, such as Carlos Gonzalez, played half of his games at Coors Field which is maybe the most hitter friendly park in Major League Baseball. Albert Pujols finished 1st in home runs and RBIs out of the three players, but he finished last in average at .312.
Note the fact that none of these players were on playoff teams this year.
Joey Votto deserves the 2010 NL MVP.
