My Picks for MLB's 2008 Awards

Analyst Written on September 30, 2008

(Page 2 of 4)

10. Josh Hamilton, Rangers

Justin Morneau, a controversial choice over Derek Jeter in 2006, would be a controversial choice over Dustin Pedroia, Joe Mauer, and perhaps Kevin Youkilis, too. But as breathtaking as Pedroia's all-around game has become—he improved from 21st last season to fourth this season in the Bill James Online plus-minus ratings for second basemen—Morneau is the Twins' rock. Yes, even more than the incomparable Mauer.

In most cases, I lean toward middle-of-the-diamond players in MVP discussions. Morneau, though, is more of an offensive force than Mauer and Pedroia. He also has appeared in every Twins game this season—and significantly, 17 more games than Mauer, who plays a more physically-demanding position. For a young team, Morneau's daily, steadying presence is invaluable, if difficult to quantify.

Francisco Rodriguez was difficult to place. Most sabermetricians would rank him lower, contending that he was not even the best closer in the A.L. Still, K-Rod's record should not be dismissed as a mere byproduct of circumstances. Yes, he also set a record for save opportunities, but who can argue with his results? The job is not that easy.

I feel bad for Carlos Quentin, but not too badly. He was the front-runner on Sept. 1, but the injury he suffered that day was self-inflicted, if somewhat flukish. True, his absence only reinforced his value—look where the White Sox are without him!—but that's not how you win the award.

Miguel Cabrera was the one player I wanted to squeeze into my top 10, and Milton Bradley deserves some type of honorable mention, despite playing in fewer than 130 games. Alex Rodriguez and Carlos Pena were the only top 10 finishers from last season to make this list. The ones who didn't: Magglio Ordonez, Vladimir Guerrero, David Ortiz, Mike Lowell, Jorge Posada, Victor Martinez, Ichiro and Curtis Granderson.

NL Cy Young

My picks

1. Tim Lincecum, Giants
2. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks
3. Johan Santana, Mets

Brandon Webb has won 22 games, five more than Tim Lincecum. But Lincecum's 2.66 ERA is more than a half-run per game lower than Webb's. Lincecum also has allowed fewer baserunners per nine innings, and he leads the league in strikeout rate.

The run support of the two pitchers is about even, but the Giants' bullpen has blown five leads for Lincecum. The award is for best pitcher, and Webb made three-straight poor starts in the middle of the pennant race, marring an otherwise terrific season.

Johan Santana, 7-0 with a 2.34 ERA in 14 starts since the All-Star break, belongs in the thick of this, too.

AL Cy Young

My picks

1. Cliff Lee, Indians
2. Roy Halladay, Blue Jays
3. Ervin Santana, Angels

Roy Halladay actually has allowed fewer baserunners per nine innings than Cliff Lee, but do you want to argue with Lee's 22-3 record and league-leading 2.54 ERA? Daisuke Matsuzaka's 18-2 record and 2.80 ERA are most impressive, but any pitcher who leads his league in walk rate does not belong in a Cy Young conversation.

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written on September 30, 2008 Rankings/List