2008 MLB Awards

diculously competitive East division, he also led the league in WHIP (1.05), using his excellent control and command to shut offenses down every fifth day.

Credit also must be given to Mike Mussina, who joined the 20-win club for the first time of his Hall-of-Fame career on Sunday by beating the Red Sox. Mussina had one of his best seasons ever to anchor a New York rotation decimated with injuries, going 20-9 with a 3.37 ERA for a defensively challenged Yankees team.

Daisuke Matsuzaka should also garner some votes, after finishing 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA despite walking 94 in 167.2 innings.

Francisco Rodriguez shattered the single-season saves record, but set the record for most opportunities as well. Rodriguez has actually had better seasons before, but just without as many save opportunities, and would not even get my pick for Rolaids Relief Man of the Year—which I would give to Mariano Rivera or a few other relievers. I would have no problem voting for a closer, by any means. But just not in this particular example, as his save conversion rate is not even in the top three in the AL.

My picks:
1. Cliff Lee
2. Roy Halladay
3. Mike Mussina
4. Daisuke Matsuzaka


Rookie of the Year:

Evan Longoria is perhaps an easier choice than Lee in the Cy Young category. Since Longoria was promoted to the Rays in early April, he has done nothing but produce and has emerged as one of the best young third baseman in the game. Although he missed some time on the disabled list and is still nursing his wrist injury, he put up excellent numbers for a rookie: 27 home runs, 85 RBIs, .874 OPS. Not to mention, he has played excellent defense at third base, allowing Akinori Iwamura to move across the diamond to second. His arrival, combined with a few other defensive changes, has enabled the Rays to make the move from worst-to-first in team defense. The Rays’ run prevention efforts, in fact, are the ulitmate reason why the Rays won the AL East for the first time in their 11-year history.

And Longoria’s play has been a major reason why the club converted more balls put into play into outs than any other team in the majors, as the Rays finished the regular season with the best defensive efficiency rating. Throw in a slash stats line of .272/.343/.531 and a lot of big hits along the way, and then you have Tampa Bay’s real MVP and the easy choice for top rookie.

Fans in Chicago probably have a different take, though, as Alexei Ramirez has exceeded all expectations with his first-year performance for the White Sox. Ramirez, a nifty defender in his own right and a sensational athlete, currently has 20 homers, including several big grand slams, and 73 RBIs headed into Game 162 against the Detroit Tigers this afternoon. However, he needs to improve his on-base skills (.313 OBP) and has not been as productive as Longoria.

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