2009 MLB Award Predictions

Every sports fan loves predictions. They help fuel the competitive fire throughout the sports world.

So far, the 2009 baseball season has been a good one. Many players are having career years, or are having continued success from previous seasons.

Regardless of the reason, many players are in contention for some of baseball's awards, including the Most Valuable Player Award, the Cy Young Award, and the Rookie of the Year Award.

Here are my predictions of who will finish the season strong and win these awards.

(Note: All stats are going into Monday's games.)

Most Valuable Player

National League: Albert Pujols

Stats: .325 BA, 134 H, 38 HR, 104 RBI, 93 R, 11 SB

Albert Pujols has had a terrific year. He is batting .325 and is leading the league in home runs, runs scored, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage.

He also is second in the league in RBI.

Runner-Up: Ryan Howard

American League: Justin Morneau

Stats: .299 BA, 132 H, 28 HR, 94 RBI, 79 R

Justin Morneau has been a threat at the plate so far this year. He leads the league with 94 RBI, and is among the leaders in home runs and runs scored.

Runner-Up: Mark Teixeira (I wouldn't be surprised if he finishes strong and wins.)

Cy Young Award

National League: Tim Lincecum

Stats: 12-3, 2.19 ERA, 205 K, 171.1 IP, 24 GP

There is no debate in my mind that Tim Lincecum will repeat as the Cy Young Award winner, unless he gets injured.

He is leading the league in ERA, innings pitched, shutouts, complete games, and strikeouts. He's also among the league leaders in wins, H/9, K/9, and HR/9.

Runner-Up: Dan Haren

American League: Roy Halladay

Stats: 13-5, 2.65 ERA, 144 K, 173.0 IP, 23 GP

Earlier this season, there was probably no debate whether Roy Halladay would win the Cy Young Award. Now, there is.

He has pitched well so far this season. He leads the league in complete games and innings pitched. He is among the best in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.

Runner-Up: Zack Greinke

Rookie of the Year 

National League: J.A. Happ

Stats: 9-2, 2.66 ERA, 92 K, 128.2 IP, 28 GP

You may think I'm biased on this one, but the stats speak for themselves.

J.A. Happ has the sixth best ERA in the league and is second in win percentage. He leads the league in shutouts, which is good for anyone.

Runner-Up: Tommy Hanson

American League: Ricky Romero

Stats: 10-5, 3.70 ERA, 95 K, 121.2 IP, 19 GP

Ricky Romero is one of the hottest young pitchers in the majors. He doesn't have the greatest stats, but no other AL rookie really jumped out at me.

If Romero stays hot, he has a good shot at winning the Rookie of the Year Award.

Runner-Up: Rick Porcello