AL Awards: 3/4 Through The Season

AL Comeback Player of the Year Award: Jon Lester (Red Sox)

Lester was diagnosed with lymphoma just two years ago and his career was in jeopardy. However, this season he has been tremendous for the defending champs. The left hander has a record of 12-4 with a 3.17 E.R.A. along with 114 strikeouts. He has thrown two complete game shutouts, including a no hitter in May against the Kansas City Royals. He has become one of the most consistent starting pitchers in the league and has been a huge boost to the Red Sox rotation as their supposed ace Josh Beckett has had a disappointing season.

Runner Up: Josh Hamilton

AL Rookie of the Year Award: Evan Longoria (Rays)

Longoria has been outstanding in his rookie campaign. In 104 games, he has batted .278 along with 22 home runs, 71 RBI's, 56 runs scored and 7 stolen bases. He is also a great defensive third baseman who is going to win several gold gloves in his career. He also has a .352 on base % and a .533 slugging %. If he has a healthy career, he is going to end up as one of the greatest players of all time.

Runner Up: David Murphy (.275 avg, 15 hrs, 75 RBI's and 65 runs scored)

AL Manager of the Year Award: Joe Maddon (Rays)

The Rays weren't expected to contend at all this season, especially in the AL East which includes the mighty New York Yankees and the defending champion Boston Red Sox. However, through the development of several young players such as Evan Longoria, James Shields, B.J. Upton and Dioner Navarro the Rays are currently tied for the best record in the entire majors with the Cubs at a 77-48 record and are 4.5 games ahead of the Red Sox for the division lead.

Much of this success should be attributed to the managing of Maddon who has helped develop several of the younger players and has changed the entire atmosphere of a franchise that had never had a winning season in their short history by making each player believe that they are as good as the Yankees and the Red Sox.

Runner Up: Mike Scioscia (Angels - 76-48; 15.5 gms ahead of A's)

AL Cy Young Award Winner: Cliff Lee (Indians)

Lee has been by far the most surprising pitcher this season as he has had a tremendous season. He is currently 17-2 with a 2.43 E.R.A. and 134 strikeouts to only 24 walks. He also has a 1.08 whip and a .249 opponents batting average. He is leading the majors in E.R.A. and the American League in wins. He has also done all this on a very bad team. The Indians are only 57-67 and are at the bottom of their division. The left hander has become one of the best pitchers in the game.

Runner Up: Roy Halladay (14-9 with 2.64 E.R.A. and 159 k's) (Blue Jays)

AL Most Valuable Player Award: Carlos Quentin (White Sox)

Quentin has come from nowhere to become one of the best power hitters in the league. He is batting .296 along with 35 home runs, 97 RBI's, 90 runs scored and 6 stolen bases. He also has a .398 on base % and a .589 slugging %. He is leading the AL in home runs and is in the top 3 in RBI's and is 2nd in the AL in slugging % only behind A Rod. He is the main reason why the White Sox are currently at the top of their division.

Runner Up: Josh Hamilton (.300 with 28 HR's, 114 RBI's, 80 runs & 7 SB's) (Rangers)