The MLB season is coming to an end. Some teams were surprises this year, some were not. Earlier in the summer I made predictions for the Wild Cards in each league, and they were totally wrong. Instead of making predictions on games now, I will make predictions on players. Many players had breakout seasons, including Kendry Morales of the Angels and Mark Reynolds of Arizona. Here are some awards and who I think should win them:
American League MVP - Mark Teixiera
Mark Teixiera has gotten the Yankees back into the World Series talk like they have been in previous years, and no disrespect for the other Yankee players like Jeter, but Teixiera has come to New York and gotten the job done, especially in the second half. The New York 1st baseman has 37 home runs and 118 RBIs, and he is two runs away from having his first 100-run season since 2005.
Next on the list - Joe Mauer: Mauer is having a fantastic year with a .371 batting average and 28 home runs in just 127 games for Minnesota. If the Twins can pull off the comeback in the AL Central, I would pick Mauer for MVP.
National League MVP - Albert Pujols
Pujols has just been unstoppable this year. Leading the entire league in home runs with 47 and third in RBIs with 129, Pujols is tough to vote against. Also, many did not think the Cardinals would be good this year, but they are just one win away from clinching the NL Central, with Pujols leading the way. Pujols is also the league leader in runs scored and slugging percentage and has a .330 batting average.
American League Cy Young - Felix Hernandez
Now some people may question this pick, but Felix Hernandez has put up phenomenal numbers this year for the surprising Mariners. Hernandez has 17 wins (2nd in the league), a 2.49 ERA and his first career 200-strikeout season while allowing just 190 hits allowed in 224 innings. He has a had a quiet season, but I definitely think he is worthy of a Cy Young Award.
Next on the list - CC Sabathia: CC Sabathia had a rough start to the year, starting 1-3 in his first 6 starts, but hasn't lost since July 28. This is a very tough race in my mind and you can make just as big of a case for Sabathia as you can for Hernandez. Also, Sabathia's Yankees are the best team in the league.
National League Cy Young - Chris Carpenter
Carpenter is having a season similar to his 2005 Cy Young season. He has the second most wins in the NL with 16 (to his teammate Adam Wainwright) and an outstanding 2.34 ERA. while allowing just 7 home runs all year. His pitching for St. Louis this year has been more than they could ask for, especially because he is coming off of injuries the last two seasons. I think he needs to be put into consideration for the award, and he gets my vote.
Next on the list - Adam Wainwright and Tim Lincecum: Adam Wainwright leads the National League in wins with 18, while Lincecum leads the NL in strikeouts and complete games. Both of these pitchers have been great this year, but I think that Carpenter gets the edge. Still, one could easily make an argument for either of these two guys.
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