MLB Midseason Awards: Winners in 50 Categories for 2011 Players and Teams

By
Lewie Pollis
(Senior Analyst) on July 11, 2011

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CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 9: Third baseman Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays signals to a teammate during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on July 9, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Jason Miller/Getty Images

Ladies and gentlemen, we've come to the All-Star break, and while the true 50-percent marker in the 2011 MLB season came more than a week ago, this is what most baseball people consider the halfway point.

As such, it's time to hand out some hardware.

In this slideshow are 50 awards, as I'd give them out if the season ended today. Rookies of the Year, Gold Gloves—plus a couple other unofficial categories.

The MVPs are at the end, but first are the Cy Youngs...

AL Cy Young: Jered Weaver, Angels

ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 07: Jered Weaver #36 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 7, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Weaver's been phenomenal this year, going 11-4 with a league-leading 1.89 ERA.

Beyond that, he has a sterling 0.91 WHIP and leads the league with a 2.39 FIP, a 2.36 tERA and 4.7 WAR.

NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Phillies

TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 2: Roy Halladay #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during MLB action at The Rogers Centre July 2, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)
Abelimages/Getty Images

Looking past his 11-3 record and 2.45 ERA, Halladay leads all of baseball with a 2.15 FIP, a 2.44 xFIP, a 2.24 tERA and an 8.1 K/BB ratio.

He's somehow been even better than last year.

AL Rookie of the Year: Michael Pineda, Mariners

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 4: Michael Pineda #36 of the Seattle Mariners makes his delivery against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on July 4, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Chad Ziemendorf/Getty Images)
Chad Ziemendorf/Getty Images

Everyone knew Pineda was going to be good, but this good?

He's 8-6 with a 3.03 ERA, a 3.17 FIP and 2.4 WAR.

NL Rookie of the Year: Danny Espinosa, Nationals

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 07: Danny Espinosa #18 of the Washington Nationals at the plate against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park on July 7, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Rob Carr/Getty Images

Espinosa's been a very pleasant surprise for the Nationals so far, hitting 16 homers with a .798 OPS and 3.3 WAR while playing solid defense at second base. 

AL Manager of the Year: Manny Acta, Indians

CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 6: Manny Acta #11 of the Cleveland Indians walks back to the dugout after a pitching change during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on July 6, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Yankees
Jason Miller/Getty Images

He doesn't always make the right choices, but Acta's leadership and sabermetric-friendly attitude have helped the Indians become real contenders for the AL Central championship.

NL Manager of the Year: Clint Hurdle, Pirates

PITTSBURGH - JUNE 26: Manager Clint Hurdle #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates argues with home plate umpire Greg Gibson about a play at the plate involving David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox during the game on June 26, 2011 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Penns
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Believe it or not, the Pirates are an above-.500 team and a legitimate threat to win the NL Central.

I don't know what Hurdle's doing in Pittsburgh, but it's definitely working.

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Josh Beckett, Red Sox

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 03: Pitcher Josh Beckett #19 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on July 3, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

Beckett's off to a great start this year, going 8-3 with a 2.27 ERA—a big improvement from last year, when he was 6-6 with a 5.78 ERA in roughly the same amount of innings.

His xFIP is actually higher than last year, though, suggesting the difference is largely luck.

NL Comeback Player of the Year: Carlos Beltran, Mets

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 08: Nick Evans #6 of the New York Mets hits a single that scored Carlos Beltran #15 of the New York Mets in the ninth inning of their game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on July 8, 2011 in San Francisco, California
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

All but left for dead after two years of decline and health problems, Beltran is hitting .289/.379/.509 with a 148 wRC+ and 3.4 WAR.

Suddenly he's an in-demand name on the trade market.

Surprise Player: Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 19: Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the Cleveland Indians bats against the Pittsburgh Pirates during their game on June 19, 2011 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Pirates 5-2 in 11 innings. (Photo by David
David Maxwell/Getty Images

Before the season, Cabrera already had a reputation as a speedy contact hitter.

Now that he's suddenly flashing power, he's got 14 homers, a 136 wRC+, and an already-career-high 3.3 WAR.

Surprise Team: Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 10: Neil Walker #18 of the Pittsburgh Pirates congratulates teammates Andrew McCutchen #22 after Walker scored on a sacrifice fly from McCutchen against the Chicago Cubs during the game on July 10, 2011 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pe
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

With apologies to the Diamondbacks and my Indians, no team has shocked the baseball world this year more than the Pirates.

Who'd've expected them to be in the hunt for the playoffs at the All-Star break?

Disappointing Player: Francisco Liriano, Twins

MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 25: Francisco Liriano #47 of the Minnesota Twins reacts after giving up a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers at the Miller Park on June 25, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)
Scott Boehm/Getty Images

Liriano entered the season with perhaps the highest ceiling of any pitcher in baseball.

Surely everyone expected better than his 5-7 record and 5.06 ERA.

Disappointing Team: Minnesota Twins

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 5: Scott Baker #30 and Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins speak on the mound during the fourth inning of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 5, 2011 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The Twins entered the season as heavy favorites to finish towards—if not at—the top of the AL Central once again.

Even after a recent hot streak, Minnesota is still seven games under .500.

AL Gold Glove, Pitcher: Mark Buehrle, White Sox

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 04: Mark Buehrle #56 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Kansas City Royals on July 4, 2011 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
David Banks/Getty Images

Is there anyone who is not yet convinced that Buehrle is one of the best-fielding pitchers in baseball?

His glove has been as good as ever in 2011.

AL Gold Glove, Catcher: Matt Wieters, Orioles

ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 06: Matt Wieters #32 of the Baltimore Orioles at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on July 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Wieters has yet to embrace his destiny as one of the best-hitting catchers in the game, but he's sure been great with the glove.

He's thrown out 44 percent of wannabe base-stealers this year.

AL Gold Glove, First Base: Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox

HOUSTON - JULY 01: First baseman Adrian Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Red Sox makes a diving stop on a ground ball against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on July 1, 2011 in Houston, Texas. Boston won 7-5. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

Gonzalez is making the most impact with his bat, but he's no slouch with the glove either.

He's got a fantastic 11.2 UZR/150 while playing first base.

AL Gold Glove, Second Base: Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox

BOSTON, MA - JULY 07: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox sends the ball to first for the out in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles on July 7, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Elsa/Getty Images

One of the most underrated fielders in baseball, Pedroia has 9.9 UZR and a 19.1 UZR/150 to his name.

AL Gold Glove, Third Base: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 03: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets during their game on July 3, 2011 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Al Bello/Getty Images

Rodriguez' defense has been in free fall over the last few seasons—at least, until this year.

A-Rod has an insane 23.1 UZR/150 to date.

AL Gold Glove, Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez, White Sox

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 19: Alexei Ramirez #10 of the Chicago White Sox makes a catch to end an inning against the Cleveland Indians at U.S. Cellular Field on May 19, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Last year's rightful Gold Glove winner at shortstop has been even better in the field this year.

He's got 7.9 UZR and a 12.7 UZR/150.

AL Gold Glove, Outfield: Brett Gardner, Yankees

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 02: Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets during their game on July 2, 2011 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Al Bello/Getty Images

Gardner has a 34.2 UZR/150 this year. Even if you're not a fan of sabermetric fielding stats, how can you not be impressed by that?

AL Gold Glove, Outfield: Denard Span, Twins

PHOENIX - MAY 20: Denard Span #2 of the Minnesota Twins makes a throw from the outfield against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 20, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Norm Hall/Getty Images

Span's been pretty good with the stick this year, but that doesn't compare to the incredible feats he's accomplished with his glove.

Not just anyone can achieve a 24.7 UZR/150.

AL Gold Glove, Outfield: Franklin Gutierrez, Mariners

SEATTLE - JUNE 27: Center fielder Franklin Gutierrez #21 of the Seattle Mariners leaps for a two run homer by Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning at Safeco Field on June 27, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

A perennially deserving Gold Glover, Gutierrez has 9.4 UZR and an absolutely mind-boggling 41.7 UZR/150.

NL Gold Glove, Pitcher: Jhoulys Chacin, Rockies

ATLANTA - JULY 5: Jhoulys Chacin #45 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on July 5, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

DRS has Chacin at five runs above average, tops among NL pitchers.

NL Gold Glove, Catcher: Chris Iannetta, Rockies

DENVER, CO - JUNE 13: Catcher Chris Iannetta #20 of the Colorado Rockies throws out Jason Bartlett #8 of the San Diego Padres on a sacrafice bunt at Coors Field on June 13, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Iannetta should be best known for his .911 power factor and 18.8 percent walk rate, but he's not bad on defense either.

NL Gold Glove, First Base: Joey Votto, Reds

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 6: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds flips the ball to first bas against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium on July 6, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

The reigning NL MVP has a 9.0 UZR/150—not quite matching his offensive contributions, but still.

NL Gold Glove, Second Base: Brandon Phillips, Reds

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 6: Brandon Phillips #4 of the Cincinnati Reds turns a double play over Skip Schumaker #55 of the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 6, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Phillips is overrated offensively, but he lives up to his rep with his glove.

He's got a 16.0 UZR/150 this year.

NL Gold Glove, Third Base: Pablo Sandoval, Giants

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 08: Pablo Sandoval #48 of the San Francisco Giants can't reach a ball hit by R.A. Dickey #43 of the New York Mets, but Brandon Crawford #35 was able to field the ball and throw Dickey out at first base in the third inning at AT&T
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Believe it or not, Sandoval has an insane 36.4 UZR/150 in just 44 games at the hot corner.

NL Gold Glove, Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies

DENVER, CO - JUNE 29: Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Colorado Rockies fields a ground ball against the Chicago White Sox during Interleague play at Coors Field on June 29, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The White Sox defeated the Rockies 3-2. (Photo by
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

A five-tool stud, Tulowitzki's glove has been impressive for years, but he's taken it to a new level this year.

He's got a 16.2 UZR/150.

NL Gold Glove, Outfield: Gerardo Parra, Diamondbacks

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 7: Gerardo Parra #8 of the Arizona Diamondbacks catches a fly ball against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 7, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Parra's having a career year on offense, but his glove's been pretty sharp too.

He has a 19.7 UZR/150.

NL Gold Glove, Outfield: Shane Victorino, Phillies

SEATTLE - JUNE 17: Center fielder Shane Victorino #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies makes a leaping catch at the wall on a ball hit by Miguel Olivo #30 of the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 17, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule J
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Victorino is looking like an MVP candidate this year, and he's got a 22.5 UZR/150.

NL Gold Glove, Outfield: Andrew McCutchen, Pirates

HOUSTON - JUNE 15: Center fielder Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates makes a sliding catch against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 15, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

Great as McCutchen has been with the bat, he's been similarly noteworthy in the field with 14.4 UZR/150.

AL Silver Slugger, Catcher: Alex Avila, Tigers

DETROIT - JUNE 30: Alex Avila #13 of the Detroit Tigers hits a sacrfice fly in the third inning scoring teammate Victor Martinez #41 during the game against the New York Mets at Comerica Park on June 30, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Ge
Leon Halip/Getty Images

Avila has been phenomenal this year, hitting .289/.372/.510 with 10 homers, 46 RBI and a 140 wRC+.

AL Silver Slugger, First Base: Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox

HOUSTON - JULY 03: Adrian Gonzalez #e28 of the Boston Red Sox and catcher Carlos Corporan #22 of the Houston Astros watch as Gonazlez flies out in the third inning at Minute Maid Park on July 3, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

Now that he's out of Petco Park, A-Gone is hitting .355/.414/.594 with 17 homers, 77 RBI and a 173 wRC+. He's no pitcher's best friend.

AL Silver Slugger, Second Base: Howie Kendrick, Angels

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Kendrick is enjoying a career year, hitting .305/.361/.466 with eight homers and a 134 wRC+.

AL Silver Slugger, Third Base: Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox

BOSTON, MA - JULY 06: Kevin Youkilis #20 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his solo home run in the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 6, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Elsa/Getty Images

Youkilis is hitting .282/.397/.502 with 12 homers, 61 RBI and 147 wRC+.

His defense at third hasn't been great, but his bat is doing just fine.

AL Silver Slugger, Shortstop: Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians

CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 1: Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the Cleveland Indians bats against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 1, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Indians won 8-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Cabrera's hitting .293/.347/.489 with 14 homers, 51 RBI and a 136 wRC+.

His 1.02 WPA leads AL shortstops.

AL Silver Slugger, Outfield: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays

CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 9: Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays watches a solo home run during the tenth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on July 9, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Blue Jays defeated the Indians 5-4 in 10 innings
Jason Miller/Getty Images

Bautista's been the best player in baseball this year, hitting .332/.468/.702 with 31 homers, 63 RBI and an insane 214 wRC+.

AL Silver Slugger, Outfield: Curtis Granderson, Yankees

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 03: Curtis Granderson #14 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets during their game on July 3, 2011 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Imag
Al Bello/Getty Images

Granderson's coming into his own this year, hitting .271/.362/.578 with 25 homers, 63 RBI and a 156 wRC+.

AL Silver Slugger, Outfield: Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox

BOSTON, MA - JULY 07: Jacoby Ellsbury #2 of the Boston Red Sox watches his two run homer fly out of the park with Matt Wieters #32 of the Baltimore Orioles on July 7, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Elsa/Getty Images

Ellsbury's hitting .314/.374/.490 with 11 homers, 48 RBI and 141 wRC+.

AL Silver Slugger, Designated Hitter: David Ortiz, Red Sox

BOSTON, MA - JULY 05: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox hits a double in the second inning as J.P. Arencibia #9 of the Toronto Blue Jays catches on July 5, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Elsa/Getty Images

Big Papi's having quite the resurgence this year, hitting .304/.391/.579 with 19 homers, 53 RBI and a 162 wRC+.

NL Silver Slugger, Pitcher: Chad Billingsley, Dodgers

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 5: Chad Billingsley #58 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 5, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Billingsley's hitting .267/.333/.467 with a homer and a 123 wRC+.

Not bad for a pitcher.

NL Silver Slugger, Catcher: Brian McCann, Braves

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 09: Brian McCann #16 of the Atlanta Braves hits a two-run home run in the top of the 11th inning during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves won
Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

McCann's hitting .312/.381/.517 with 15 homers, 50 RBI and a 146 wRC+. Not many teams get that kind of production from behind the plate.

NL Silver Slugger, First Base: Prince Fielder, Brewers

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 30: Prince Fielder #28 of the Milwaukee Brewers in action against the New York Yankees during their game on June 30, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Al Bello/Getty Images

Fielder's having a career season this year, hitting .300/.417/.580 with 22 homers, 72 RBI and an awesome 172 wRC+.

He's due for a huge free-agent payday this winter.

NL Silver Slugger, Second Base: Rickie Weeks, Brewers

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 30: Rickie Weeks #23 of the Milwaukee Brewers in action against the New York Yankees during their game on June 30, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Al Bello/Getty Images

Weeks has quietly been tearing up the Senior Circuit this season, hitting .278/.348/.485 with 17 homers and a 131 wRC+.

NL Silver Slugger, Third Base: Aramis Ramirez, Cubs

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 05: Aramis Ramirez #16 of the Chicago Cubs hits a home run in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Greg Fiume/Getty Images

Ramirez is enjoying a nice comeback this year, hitting .302/.350/.503 with 15 homers, 50 RBI and a 129 wRC+.

NL Silver Slugger, Shortstop: Jose Reyes, Mets

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 01: Jose Reyes #7 of the New York Mets against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on July 1, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Nick Laham/Getty Images

Reyes is tearing the cover off the ball this year, hitting .354/.398/.529 with a 164 wRC+.

He's hitting better than newly minted 3,000-hit club member Derek Jeter has. 

NL Silver Slugger, Outfield: Matt Kemp, Dodgers

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 05: Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers strikes out to end the game with the New York Mets on July 5, 2011 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Mets won 6-0. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Kemp's been one of the best hitters in baseball this year, hitting .317/.403/.591 with 22 homers, 66 RBI and a 179 wRC+.

If only Kemp wasn't so bad in the field (-7.6 UZR) he'd be the front-runner for MVP.

NL Silver Slugger, Outfield: Ryan Braun, Brewers

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 30: Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers in action against the New York Yankees during their game on June 30, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Al Bello/Getty Images

Braun's swung quite the mighty lumber this year, hitting .320/.402/.559 with 16 homers, 62 RBI and a 172 wRC+.

NL Silver Slugger, Outfield: Lance Berkman, Cardinals

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 9: Lance Berkman #12 of the St. Louis Cardinals looses his bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Busch Stadium on July 9, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Berkman's hitting .291/.405/.604 with 24 homers, 63 RBI and a 172 wRC+ in what's been a terrific comeback campaign.

AL MVP: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays

BOSTON, MA - JULY 05: Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a two run homer in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox on July 5, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Elsa/Getty Images

The two best ways to quantify value in baseball are wins above replacement and win probability added.

With 6.5 WAR and 5.50 WPA, Bautista leads all of MLB in both.

NL MVP: Roy Halladay, Phillies

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 15: Roy Halladay #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on May 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Halladay's been the best pitcher in the game this year. He's got 5.1 WAR and 3.27 WPA.

With apologies to Jose Reyes, Doc is the league's most valuable player.

For more of Lewie's work, visit WahooBlues.com.

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