MLB Season in Review: 2007 American League Awards

Baseball Prospectus has him listed among their "VORP for Rookie Pitchers"...and who am I to argue?

The service time and innings pitched looks very close, although I am uncertain how much September playing time takes this into account—if anyone does know, feel free to correct me.

Guthrie, somehow, did not receive a single vote in the AL's Rookie of the Year voting. Possibly the BBWA were confused as to his eligibility; possibly it was yet another instance where the BBWA failed to recognize true value.

In terms of WSAB, Guthrie ranked higher than all of those who received votes, logging nine and being tied for 17th among pitchers. Not only this, but Guthrie also ranked higher in BPs VORP, netting 38.2, the highest total of any rookie in either league.

My stat of choice for pitchers is The Hardball Times' Expected Fielding Independent Pitching (xFIP). Essentially, this statistic takes into account the numbers that a pitcher is directly responsible for, looking at variables such as fielding and ball park.

In any event, Guthrie had a relatively mediocre xFIP; however, so too did his fellow rookie pitchers.

(Runner Up: H. Okajima)

Manager - Joe Torre

This does seem unfair—that a manager with the highest-paid talent can be graded on the job he does versus two teams who fared better in the standings with lesser payrolls, and in one instance, a fraction of a payroll.

High-paid talent also brings experience. Experience often brings leadership.

So why Joe Torre?

To start, Torre manages in the league's biggest market for the league's most successful all-time franchise. These two factors have led the fans to feel as though it's their right to be winners.

However, when there's heat for the manager to be fired in the middle of May and still he leads his team to the playoffs, that's a pretty good job in my opinion.

In addition, the Yankees were one of the best teams in the American League from May 1st on. They were the best team in the Al East from May 1st on, despite being the worst team prior to this point (in terms of wins and winning percentage).

Obviously Torre had an easier road to go down then Sam Perlozzo, but he still managed to right the ship.

(Runner up: E. Wedge)

Executive - Mark Shapiro

I won't go at length here as I am not entirely thrilled with the job Shapiro did for the 2007 season.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?