Complete MLB Awards and Postseason Predictions, Post-Trade Deadline

As we turn the calendar over to August, the baseball season is nearing the home stretch, with the trade deadline in the rear-view mirror and the division races becoming more and more defined with each passing day.

With that comes a much clearer picture of who will be playing when October rolls around, and with no more trade rumors to speculate about, let the playoff and award predictions begin.

So here is a look at my full playoff predictions, as well as the winners of the four major awards in each league.

NL East Winner: Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies were the odds on favorites to win both the NL East and National League entering the season, and despite the fact that they have run into some injuries, they are still the favorites as we enter August.

Despite holding the MLB's best record, the Phillies were not content to just stand pat at the deadline, as they pulled off a mega-deal with the Astros for the second straight season.

While it cost them two of their top prospects in Jonathan Singleton and Jarred Cosart, adding Hunter Pence to their lineup immediately makes the Phillies better, and could bode well for Domonic Brown's future as he can return to the minors and continue to develop.

While adding a pitcher would have been nice, they'll just go with Brad Lidge back in the bullpen, and could get Roy Oswalt back soon. Throw in the emergence of starter Vance Worley with his 7-1 record and 2.02 ERA and the Phillies should have no trouble holding off the Braves in the NL East.

NL Central Winner: St. Louis Cardinals

It has been a rocky season for the Cardinals to this point, as they lost ace Adam Wainwright in spring training, and have also had to deal with injuries to Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. Despite all that, they are just two games out of first place in the NL Central.

After two seasons of turmoil surrounding young center fielder Colby Rasmus, the team finally pulled the trigger on a deal, sending him to the Blue Jays in a three-team deal that landed them Edwin Jackson, Octavio Dotel, Marc Rzepczynski and Corey Patterson. Then they landed Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal in a separate deal.

Jackson will immediately bolster the rotation, and allow the team to move Kyle McClellan back to the bullpen, where he, Dotel and Rzepczynski will make the relief corps an area of strength after having to deal with the ineffectiveness of Ryan Franklin in the first half.

The Brewers and Reds are legitimate contenders, as are the Pirates, who have been the story of the year and were very active at the deadline. But the Cardinals have overcome a lot to get to where they are now, and with a healthy second half they are clearly the best team in the division.

NL West Winner: San Francisco Giants

The Giants have always had the pitching; there was no question about that. It was their offense that led many teams to believe that they had to pull the trigger on a deal at the deadline to upgrade their run scoring if they hoped to advance past the NLDS.

They did just that, landing the impact bat of the market in the Mets' Carlos Beltran, and while it could come back to haunt them after it cost top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler to get Beltran, the team is no doubt better for it in the short term and ready to make another playoff push.

Throw in the additions of Jeff Keppinger and Orlando Cabrera to a depleted infield, and the Giants look much better moving forward, despite the fact that they did not address their need at the catcher position.

The Diamondbacks added starter Jason Marquis and reliever Brad Ziegler to help their chances, and they still sit just two games behind the Giants in the West, but in the end, the Giants are just the better team, and are poised to repeat as NL West champs.

NL Wild-Card Winner: Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers kicked off the trade deadline action when they acquired Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez back on July 12th, and while they were relatively quiet after that move, they were a good enough team already that they should be in contention right down to the wire.

They currently lead the NL Central by two games over the Cardinals, and while I believe they will be overtaken there, I think they will make a push in the season's final months and overtake the Braves for the NL Wild Card.

With a stellar pitching rotation led by Yovani Gallardo, Shaun Marcum and Zack Greinke, as well as a lineup anchored by two of the best in the business in Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, the Brewers have the pieces to be playing in October.

The additions of Felipe Lopez and Jerry Hairston can't be overlooked either, as the left side of their infield in Casey McGehee and Yuniesky Betancourt has been awful all season. Throw in the fact that Rickie Weeks is currently on the DL, and the team clearly needed to add some depth in the infield, and did just that.

AL East Winner: Boston Red Sox

There is little doubt that the Red Sox have the offense to win it all, as they are the league's highest-scoring offense. However, their pitching will need to step it up if they hope to hoist the trophy at season's end.

While many believed the Red Sox would look to add an outfielder at the deadline, they instead have chosen to go with rookie Josh Reddick in right field the remainder of the season, as he has hit an impressive .333 BA, four HR and 21 RBI in 38 games since taking over for the ineffective and now injured J.D. Drew.

The did add a pitcher in Mariners starter Erik Bedard, and he will be counted on to fill out a rotation that is currently without Clay Buchholz, who is on the 15-day DL with a back injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Regardless, it seems as though the Red Sox will at worst be the AL Wild Card, but with an offense that is hitting .281 as a team and has scored 581 runs, they should have more than enough to take the division title.

AL Central Winner: Cleveland Indians

While the moves made by the Tigers cannot be overlooked, as they added a solid starter in Doug Fister and a terrific reliever in David Pauley, the Indians made the splash of the deadline by acquiring Ubaldo Jimenez from the Rockies.

Sitting 2.5 games behind the Tigers in the division, the Indians remained adamant that they would not move top position prospects Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis, and they did not have to. Instead, it cost them their top two pitching prospects in Alex White and Drew Pomeranz in a move that could look awful in a couple years.

Nonetheless, it has made them the favorites in the AL Central, and the addition of Kosuke Fukudome to hold down right field while Shin-Soo Choo is hurt is a solid move as well.

The Indians may have mortgaged their future and dealt two of baseball's top young pitchers, but it should net them the reward they were searching for this season in a playoff berth.

AL West Winner: Texas Rangers

The AL West appeared to be among the closest in all of baseball entering the deadline, and while the Rangers only lead the division by two games, there is no question who emerged as the favorite once the trade deadline wrapped up.

With an offense in need of a boost, the Angels instead decided to stick with what they have, as the deadline came and went without so much as a whisper from the Angels. The Rangers, on the other hand, pulled off a pair of moves that make them significantly better immediately.

The team acquired arguably the top two setup men on the market in Koji Uehara and Mike Adams. Not only that, but the team gave up starter Tommy Hunter in the Uehara deal. So what does this mean for the Rangers?

Well, it could mean a move to the rotation for Neftali Feliz, and a move to closer for Adams. Time will tell what the Rangers decide to do with their new arms, but they are undoubtedly a better team now, and should put some distance between themselves and the Angels in the weeks to come.

AL Wild-Card Winner: New York Yankees

For months, it has been widely accepted that if a team from the AL Central or AL West wants to make the playoffs, they will have to win their division, as the Yankees are battling it out for the AL East crown, but there's a great chance of both making the playoffs, regardless.

That said, the Yankees were uncommonly quiet at the deadline this season, although they could certainly still make a big move in waiver—perhaps for someone like Wandy Rodriguez, who is a possible waiver candidate with the $38 million he is still owed.

As they stand, however, they are the favorites not for the division, but for the Wild Card. Both the Yankees and Red Sox have potent offenses and question marks in their pitching staffs, but the Red Sox just look to be a little better off as a whole right now, especially if Erik Bedard can contribute.

Either way, the Yankees will have more than enough to make it to the playoffs, and with C.C Sabathia fronting their rotation they are dangerous in any series.

NLDS One: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Milwaukee Brewers

It looks as though the Phillies should have no problem securing the best record in the National League, which would match them up against the wild-card Brewers in my playoff scenario.

The Brewers actually match up better than most teams with the Brewers, as they have three terrific starters in Yovani Gallardo, Shaun Marcum and Zack Greinke to counter the Phillies' attack of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee.

The trouble is, the Phillies have the upper hand in each of those matchups, and while the duo of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder could certainly do some damage, the Phillies have a deeper lineup, and are significantly more experienced when it comes to postseason play.

Prediction: Phillies in four games.

NLDS Two: San Francisco Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals

The Giants made the splash by picking up Carlos Beltran, but it could be the Cardinals that pulled off the trade of the deadline in acquiring Edwin Jackson to bolster their rotation and Octavio Dotel and Marc Rzepczynski to fill out their thin bullpen.

While that move should be enough to win them the NL Central, the Giants are still the defending champions, and can throw the trio of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner out there and compete with anyone.

In the end, even with the addition of Beltran, the Giants just do not have the offense to match their opponents, hitting .240 as a team and scoring 382 runs on the season to rank 15th in the National League. Their pitchers will make it a series, but it won't be enough.

Prediction: Cardinals in five games.

ALDS One: Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Indians

In predicting that the Red Sox will have the American League's best lineup, that means that they will have to face a division winner, since the wild-card Yankees will come from the same division. The Rangers currently have eight more wins than the Indians, and while I think the Indians will catch the Tigers, I don't see them catching the Rangers, so they'll get the Red Sox.

This makes for an interesting matchup, as it would come down to whether or not the trio of Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin could do enough to quell the Red Sox's potent offense and get the ball to the Indians' terrific bullpen.

Even if the Indians pitching can keep it close, it will be as big of an issue for the weak Indians offense to score enough against Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and either Clay Buchholz or perhaps Erik Bedard. The Indians had a good run, but the Red Sox are just too much for them. Get out the brooms.

Prediction: Red Sox in three games.

ALDS Two: Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees

In what would be a rematch of last season's ALCS, the Yankees would be looking to avenge their 4-2 series loss to the Rangers last season.

While the Rangers are not the team they were last season, the same can be said for the Yankees, as both teams have questions in their rotation. The difference could be in the health of the two teams, as the Rangers entered last season with a bevy of players coming off of injuries, but could be at full strength this postseason.

The Yankees could certainly change things by pulling off a deal in waivers, but if not the Rangers look to be more than ready to repeat against a Yankees team that would be the road team in what could come down to a pivotal fifth game.

Prediction: Rangers in five games.

NLCS: Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals

While the Brewers could match up well with Phillies in a five-game series, it becomes much harder to match up with them in a seven-game series, as the incredible talent at the back end of their rotation comes into play in the longer series.

While the Cardinals got much better at the deadline, their rotation simply does not stack up to the Phillies. Chris Carpenter, Kyle Lohse, Edwin Jackson and Jaime Garcia are all solid pitchers, but none are a true ace at this point, and the Phillies would have the advantage in the rotation in each game.

Any Tony LaRussa-run team will always be ready to play, but the Phillies are just too much for the Cardinals and for any team for that matter, and they will be in the World Series just as everyone expected at the beginning of the season.

Prediction: Phillies in five games.

ALCS: Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers

While many counted the Rangers out when they were unable to re-sign Cliff Lee this past offseason, they have gotten themselves right back into position to compete thanks in part to the emergence of C.J. Wilson as a legitimate ace.

The Red Sox have a ton of offense, but their bullpen is suspect, and their fourth starter spot could certainly be an issue. The wild card for the Red Sox could be Josh Beckett, who has shown in the past that he is capable of being the difference in a postseason series, and if he pitches like an ace, the Red Sox would be incredibly dangerous.

While the Rangers are better than many thought they would be, and they made a splash at the deadline, the Red Sox are simply too deep for the Rangers to come away with their second straight World Series appearance.

Prediction: Red Sox in six games.

World Series: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox

Sure, this is not the most original prediction, as these two teams were the consensus best in their respective leagues since spring training kicked off. However, they have done nothing to make me think otherwise so far this season, and all signs point to them meeting up in the Fall Classic.

Both teams have postseason experience, and both are deep offensively. You would have to give the Red Sox the edge on offense, as they are as complete a lineup as there has been from top to bottom in a number of years, especially if Josh Reddick can continue to produce in right field.

If Josh Beckett and Jon Lester are on their games, it is more or less a wash between them and the Phillies' top two starters of Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee. From there, however, the Phillies' trio of Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt and Vance Worley are all better than anyone the Red Sox would trot out for Game 3. Pitching makes all the difference in the postseason, and the Phillies rotation has certainly lived up to the hype.

Prediction: Phillies in six games.

NL Comeback Player of the Year: Lance Berkman

2010 Stats: .248/.368/.413, 100 Hits, 14 HR, 58 RBI, 48 R in 404 at-bats

2011 Stats: .286/.398/.595, 87 Hits, 27 HR, 69 RBI, 61 R in 304 at-bats

The Cardinals raised more than a few eyebrows this offseason when they inked the 35-year-old Berkman to a one-year, $8 million deal to serve as their everyday right fielder.

Coming off the worst season of his 12-year career, and having not played outfield regularly since 2004, it was a gutsy move to say the least. Boy has it paid off for the Cardinals.

The switch-hitter currently leads the NL in home runs and slugging, and he earned a starting nod in the All-Star Game. Not only that, but he was huge when the Cardinals lost Matt Holliday and Albert Pujols to injuries in the first half.

Others Receiving Consideration: Carlos Beltran, Matt Kemp, Todd Helton, Pablo Sandoval

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Bartolo Colon

2010 Stats: Did Not Play

2011 Stats: 8-6, 3.30 ERA, 127 ERA+, 1.229 WHIP, 98 Ks, 109 IP

Colon has been huge for the Yankees this season, as their starting pitching has been a constant cause of concern since Andy Pettitte retired and the team failed to land Cliff Lee in the offseason.

Not only did he not play all of last season, but he went just 14-21, with a 5.18 ERA, 172 Ks, 257 IP over the previous four seasons before that, as he has not been truly effective since his 2005 Cy Young season with the Angels.

At 38 years old, he has given the Yankees everything they could have asked for and more.

Others Receiving Consideration: Jacoby Ellsbury, Asdrubal Cabrera

NL Rookie of the Year: Craig Kimbrel

2011 Stats: 3-2, 31-of-36 Saves, 2.04 ERA, 84 Ks, 53 IP

It is never an easy thing for a pitcher to step into the role of closer, and it is even harder when that pitcher is a rookie. Add in the fact that that rookie is pitching for a playoff contender, and it is little wonder Craig Kimbrel is the front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year.

His strikeout numbers are ridiculous, and paired with second=year reliever Jonny Venters, the Braves could have the best one-two punch in all of baseball to close out a game for the next decade.

The only thing that could keep him from winning the award would be splitting votes with teammate Freddie Freeman, but he is on pace for better numbers than last year's AL winner Neftali Feliz, and should take home the hardware.

Second Place: Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves

Third Place: Danny Espinosa, Washington Nationals

Fourth Place: Vance Worley, Philadelphia Phillies

Fifth Place: Dillon Gee, New York Mets

AL Rookie of the Year: Michael Pineda

2011 Stats: 9-7, 3.53 ERA, 105 ERA+, 1.077 WHIP, 133 Ks, 130 IP

Pineda has done nothing but impress since forcing his way into the Mariners rotation out of spring training, as he has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous season for the Mariners.

An All-Star, Pineda currently leads all American League starters in strikeouts per nine innings, and the thought of him and Felix Hernandez atop the Mariners rotation for the foreseeable future is a cause for hope in Seattle.

Second Place: Jeremy Hellickson, Tampa Bay Rays

Third Place: Matt Trumbo, Los Angeles Angels

Fourth Place: Jordan Walden, Los Angeles Angels

Fifth Place: Eric Hosmer, Kansas City

NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay

2011 Stats: 13-4, 2.44 ERA, 157 ERA+, 1.010 WHIP, 152 Ks, 162.1 IP

It is not the most fun pick in the world, but there is nothing not to like about Halladay, as he proves start after start why he is regarded as the game's best pitcher.

The Phillies are advertised as a rotation of aces, but there is little question who the ace of their staff is as Halladay continues to dominate with the best repertoire of stuff in all of baseball. Just 19 walks in 162.1 innings—that is the definition of dominant control.

Second Place: Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves

Third Place: Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies

Fourth Place: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

Fifth Place: Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander

2011 Stats: 14-5, 2.34 ERA, 165 ERA+, 0.890 WHIP, 169 Ks, 173 IP

The AL Cy Young race is as close as it gets, but Verlander proved who the better pitcher was in his matchup with the Angels and Jered Weaver yesterday, as he just missed throwing his second no-hitter of the year and came away with the win.

That said, Weaver, Josh Beckett and C.C. Sabathia have all been phenomenal this season and the voting could be much closer than people expect.

In the end, however, there is a certain electricity surrounding every one of Verlander's starts this season, as he seems capable of throwing a gem every time he takes the mound.

Second Place: Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels

Third Place: Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox

Fourth Place: C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees

Fifth Place: Dan Haren, Los Angeles Angels

NL MVP: Matt Kemp

2011 Stats: .315/.393/.586, 121 Hits, 26 HR, 82 RBI, 64 R, 28 SB

While the MVP generally comes from a playoff team, and rightfully so, the fact of the matter is that there is no clear-cut candidate from any of the contenders and Kemp's numbers are simply too good to ignore.

Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder cancel each other out in Milwaukee, as do the trio of Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman and Albert Pujols in St. Louis. The Reds will need to win the NL Central for Joey Votto to contend, and the Phillies are where they are because of their pitching.

The voting will be close, and there will be a ton of people receiving at least one vote, but in the end it will be Kemp who comes out on top, thanks to a 30-30 line and a .300 average.

Second Place: Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals

Third Place: Jose Reyes, New York Mets

Fourth Place: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

Fifth Place: Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez

2011 Stats: .357/.418/.571, 153 Hits, 18 HR, 90 RBI, 75 R

After years of toiling in San Diego, Gonzalez is finally earning the respect he deserves in Boston, and he has been putting on a show all season.

Barring a major slump, the AL batting title should be his, and the same goes for the RBI title as he is finally reaping the rewards of having players around him in the lineup.

Second Place: Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

Third Place: Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees

Fourth Place: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

Fifth Place: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox