MLB Predictions 2012: Picking Winners of Every Major Postseason Award

With the onset of spring training, there is new hope for many fans around baseball.

Some dream of their team making the World Series, or even just the playoffs, while others know their team has no chance of making either and instead hope that one of their favorite players wins an individual award at the end of the season.

Last year, there were a few surprises, including Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander winning the American League MVP Award in addition to the Cy Young Award.

Did he deserve the MVP? That will be a debate for years to come.

Here's a look at my preseason predictions on who will win all the postseason awards.

American League Silver Slugger

This award is given to the best offensive players at each position.

C - Carlos Santana, Indians

1B - Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox

2B - Robinson Cano, Yankees

SS - Jhonny Peralta, Tigers

3B - Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

OF - Jose Bautista, Blue Jays

OF - Josh Hamilton, Rangers

OF - Curtis Granderson, Yankees

DH - David Ortiz, Red Sox

National League Silver Slugger

C - Brian McCann, Braves

1B - Joey Votto, Reds

2B - Dan Uggla, Braves

SS - Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies

3B - Pablo Sandoval, Giants

OF - Mike Stanton, Marlins

OF - Matt Kemp, Dodgers

OF - Justin Upton, Diamondbacks

P -Yovani Gallardo, Brewers

American League Comeback Player of the Year

Justin Morneau has had trouble staying on the field for the Twins lately.

If all goes well, Morneau should play in 120-plus games this year. His presence alone will lift the Twins.

Although he won't hit 30 or 40 home runs, Morneau should still put up close to 20 home runs and 75 RBIs. If he does this, there's no doubt he'll win the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award.

National League Comeback Player of the Year

If Buster Posey doesn't have a huge comeback season this year, I think many Giants fans will be disappointed.

After his season was cut short last year after a collision at home plate with Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins, Posey has a lot to prove, and I think he'll come through.

Posey should hit close to .300 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs.

American League Manager of the Year

With the addition of Prince Fielder in the middle of his lineup to go with Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander still at the top of his rotation, Jim Leyland has all the tools to make a run at the World Series this year.

With that, Leyland and the Tigers should win 105 or more games.

Bold prediction, indeed.

National League Manager of the Year

With Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols now out of the National League Central, Dusty Baker and the Reds are in prime position to take the division title.

With Mat Latos in the rotation and Brandon Phillips playing in a contract year, the Reds will challenge the Cardinals for the title.

If Cincinnati does win the division, Baker will be a shoo-in for the top award for a manager.

American League Gold Glove Winners

C - A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox

1B - Mark Teixeira, Yankees

2B - Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox

SS - Erick Aybar, Angels

3B - Adrian Beltre, Rangers

OF - Carl Crawford, Red Sox

OF - Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox

OF - Jeff Francoeur, Royals

P - Jeremy Hellickson, Rays

National League Gold Glove Winners

C - Yadier Molina, Cardinals

1B - Freddie Freeman, Braves

2B - Neil Walker, Pirates

SS - Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies

3B - Chipper Jones, Braves

OF - Drew Stubbs, Reds

OF - Matt Kemp, Dodgers

OF - Andre Ethier, Dodgers

P - Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

American League Rookie of the Year

Everyone got a preview of Matt Moore in last year's Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Rangers.

This year, the Rays will insert Moore into the rotation on the full-time basis, expecting the same type of results over the course of the season.

Moore will likely get 15-plus wins and strike out close to 200 batters.

Not bad for a rookie season.

National League Rookie of the Year

Yonder Alonso no longer has his path to the big leagues blocked by Joey Votto.

Now in San Diego, it will be Alonso's time to shine.

The only question mark: How much will Petco Park affect his power?

Even with Petco Park being a pitcher's park, Alonso should hit 20 or more home runs and get 85-plus RBIs.

American League Cy Young Award

There's no doubt that Justin Verlander is the best pitcher in all of baseball.

He's proved that over the last few years, and last year he finally got the recognition he deserved.

Last year, he went 24-5 with 250 strikeouts. This year, I don't see any reason why his numbers won't be the same, or dare I say even better.

With the improved offense in Detroit, Verlander will be in position to win more starts.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him challenge for 28 or more wins.

National League Cy Young Award

I'm sure people will have a hard time believing that Arizona pitcher Ian Kennedy can have a Cy Young-type season.

But like last year, if Philadelphia pitchers Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee have the same type of seasons that are expected of them, voters are likely to go with a different guy, just like they did with Clayton Kershaw last year.

Kennedy should win 20 or more games this year and get over 200 strikeouts.

Should Arizona stay in the playoff race throughout the season, Kennedy will stay in the forefront on the Cy Young discussion.

American League MVP

Last year, Adrian Gonzalez finished seventh in MVP balloting in his first year in Boston. He hit .338 with 27 home runs and 117 RBIs.

This year, Gonzalez will be even better.

His average will stay above .330, but I foresee his home run total being close to 40 and his RBI total being near the 120 mark.

With it being his second season in Boston, Gonzalez should be even more comfortable and use the short fields to his advantage.

National League MVP

People may think that picking Miami Marlins outfielder Mike Stanton as the MVP is a bit of a reach.

However, Stanton has improved every year and I think this year will be no different.

I see him hitting 40-plus home runs and 120-plus RBIs. Although his average will stay around the .270-.280 range, Stanton will have the added advantage of having Jose Reyes in the lineup, giving him more RBI opportunities.