Pedroia, Lee Headline 2008 American League Award Winners

    The season is over and October starts tomorrow.  That can only mean two things: playoff baseball and postseason awards.  This year's playoff teams are: the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox.  There were some good races for both the playoffs and for the postseason awards.  Here are my original awards picks, as well as my new picks.

MVP:   Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox (New Pick)

          Alex Rodriguez, Yankees (Original Pick)

    Pedroia had arguably one of the best seasons in the American League, contending for both the batting title and a gold glove.  It also helps Pedroia's case that he plays for a team that will still be playing in October, something that can't be said for Rodriguez.  Last year's Rookie of the Year hit, .326 with 17 home runs 83 R.B.I.'s and 20 stolen bases.  He also led the American League in hits, doubles, and runs, and finished second in the batting race.  These stats and Pedroia's Gold GLove potential at second base should net him the MVP award.  Without Pedroia, the Red Sox, who dealt with several major injuries, would not be in the playoffs.

Cy Young:   Cliff Lee, Indians (New Pick)

                 Chien-Ming Wang, Yankees (Old Pick)

    Nobody saw this one coming.  Cliff Lee, who had a 6.29 E.R.A and was sent down to Triple A last year, had one of the most remarkable turnarounds in history.  Lee posted a 22-3 record with a 2.54 E.R.A. and 170 strikeouts in 223 1/3 innings.  Lee managed to lead the league in wins, E.R.A., walks per 9 innings, shutouts, and finished second in complete games and innings pitched.  Lee also gave Cleveland an ace after they shipped off C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona struggled with injuries this season.

Reliever of the Year:  Francisco Rodriguez, Angels (New Pick)

                              Francisco Rodriguez, Angels (Old Pick)

    I finally got one right.  This award, like the Cy Young, should be a no brainer.  Rodriguez posted a Major League record 62 saves with a 2.24 E.R.A. in 68 1/3 innings.  K-Rod also lived up to his nickname with 77 strikeouts this year.  The major league record holder in saves has a pretty solid lock on this award.

Rookie of the Year:  Evan Longoria, Rays (New Pick)

                            Evan Longoria, Rays (Old Pick)

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