Handing Out The Mid-Season Hardware

Now that the unofficial mid point of the 2009 season has arrived, The 2009 All-Star break, people can now debate who should receive the imaginary mid-season awards.

First we'll start with the American League:

AL MVP: Jason Bay (BOS, OF)—Jason Bay has put up some big numbers during his first season in the American League (.260, 20 HR, 72 RBI). He has played in the four and five spot in the Sox lineup, and when Ortiz was struggling, Bay put up some big numbers while the Sox missed Big Papi. Bay's average has fell a little bit, but every player has their slumps, and I believe after the All-Star break, Bay will tear it up.

AL Cy Young:  Zach Greinke (KC, SP)—This was a toss-up between Halladay and Greinke. Greinke did edge him out due to a lower ERA (2.12) and he has 129 Ks. Greinke has 10 wins playing for the lowly Kansas City Royals and just imagine if he was on a first place team!

Prediction to win the American League Pennant: Boston Red Sox—No other team in baseball has a deeper pitching staff and a deeper farm system than the Boston Red Sox. With the struggle of Dice-K this season, Penny and Smoltz have filled in just fine. And don't forget that the Sox can have Justin Masterson spot start at anytime. You also need to put in mind that the Red Sox are 8-0 against the second place New York Yankees, and they have put up some pretty big numbers against the Bronx Bombers.

The Sox offense has been pretty good this year so far, thanks to Bay and Youk for picking up the slack of Big Papi, but as of late Papi has been tearing it up like it was the '04 post-season. If the Sox can add another bat that can come off the bench, this team will be near impossible to beat in a best of seven or best of five series with such a deep pitching staff.

Now for the National League:

NL MVP: Albert Pujols (STL, 1B)—Are their any other competitors for this award? Take away Pujols from the NL All-Star lineup and the American League win 15-0 (rather than 15-3). He is the only true threat to win the triple crown. He has posted up some big numbers (.338, 32 HR, 85 RBI) this year for a team who doesn't really have any other bats. It would be a miracle to see another player win this award.

NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum (SF, SP)—The imcumbent's only competition would come from his teammate Matt Cain. Lincecum has put up some pretty solid numbers (10-2, 2.33 ERA, 149 K). Lincecum has had some pretty near no-hitters this year and has three CGs and two SOs. Lincecum could potentially lead the Giants into the NL Wild Card.

Prediction to win the National League Pennant: San Francisco Giants—Yes, I know this is a bold move, (Sorry Mannywood). But I truly believe if this team can add an Adam Dunn or a big bat to this lineup, this team could be a force to be reckoned with.

I would be terrified to go against this teams pitching staff in a best of seven series with the likes of Lincecum, Cain, Randy Johnson and Zito starting it with my hometown native of Londonderry, New Hampshire, Brian Wilson closing the door. All this team needs is a power threat to go along with Sandoval to close the gap in the NL West.

The remainder of the 2009 season will be a great one and there will be so many division races and let me say this, the best of the AL East will be the team to beat!