Many surprises in the 25 Percent Awards
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Sure, the season is far from over, but with one-fourth of the 2008 campaign out of the way we can still hand out a few awards based on what's unfolded thus far. So these, then, are your "25 Percent Awards" for the season to date ...
AL MVP — Cliff Lee, Indians
Before we get busy justifying this one, a few words on MVP criteria ... Some fans and voters get hung up on the inane idea that an MVP must come from a contending team. The ballot instructions specifically say that this isn't the case, and common sense will tell you that, too. After all, dismissing the superior player because his team isn't successful is, in essence, penalizing him because his teammates aren't doing their jobs. The only objective stand is to give the MVP to, you know, the best player. Importing any other standard to the process is silly and illogical. Moving on ...
As you might surmise, Lee has been the best pitcher in the American League this season, and he's also been the best overall player (thus far, it's been a down year for individual offensive performances in the AL). Sure, position players are generally more valuable than pitchers, but on occasion that's not the case. The 2008 season to date is just such an occasion. Consider Lee's numbers: he's got an RA (runs allowed per nine innings) of 1.01 (!), he's struck out 39 against only two walks (!!), and he's given up only one home run in 44.2 innings of work. Certainly, he's not going to be able to keep runs off the board at such an amazing clip, but it's quite possible that Lee's long-awaited breakout season is upon us.
Also worth mentioning: Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
NL MVP — Lance Berkman, Astros
Berkman doesn't play a premium position, and he certainly isn't much with the glove. However, his numbers at the plate thus far are borderline obscene. Berkman has authored a batting line of .382 AVG/.463 OBP/.788 SLG, and he leads the NL in OPS, slugging percentage, total bases, doubles, and extra-base hits. Need more? At his current pace, Berkman will wind up with 52 homers, 65 doubles, 226 hits, 96 walks, and 26 steals. There's lots to choose from in the NL right now, but Berkman's tops.
Also worth mentioning: Rafael Furcal, Dodgers; Chipper Jones, Braves; Albert Pujols, Cardinals; Hanley Ramirez, Marlins; Chase Utley, Phillies
AL Cy Young — Cliff Lee, Indians
Obviously, Lee's the choice here, for reasons stated above. Wins and losses are a terrible way to evaluate pitchers, but by any standard you're having a dominant season when you're on pace for more wins than runs allowed. That's Lee in 2008.
Also worth mentioning: Zack Greinke, Royals
NL Cy Young — Carlos Zambrano, Cubs
Brandon Webb may have the gaudy record, but Zambrano's been the better pitcher thus far. He's fifth in the league in innings, and his ERA of 1.80 is second only to Edinson Volquez's in the NL. Zambrano has battled control problems in the past, but this season he's issued a mere 14 walks in 55.0 frames. That's the primary reason he's on his way to a career year.
Also worth mentioning: Aaron Cook, Rockies; Jake Peavy, Padres; Edinson Volquez, Reds; Adam Wainwright, Cardinals; Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks
AL Rookie of the Year — Greg Smith, A's
The 24-year-old lefty has been one of the many pleasant surprises in Oakland this season. Acquired from Arizona as part of the Dan Haren swap, Smith this season boasts a 3.40 RA, and he's on pace for close to 200 innings and 150 strikeouts. That's good enough for top rookie honors in the AL.
Also worth mentioning: Nick Blackburn, Twins; Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox; James Johnson, Orioles
NL Rookie of the Year — Geovany Soto, Cubs
No debate here. Soto plays a grueling defensive position and plays it well, and he's also hitting .322 AVG/.421 OBP/.602 SLG. Also, he's on pace for 94 extra-base hits and 103 walks. Soto raked in the minors, as well, so his skills are legitimate. If he maintains this level of production, then he'll find himself in the NL MVP debate by season's end.
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| Fredi Gonzalez has led the surprising Marlins to one of baseball's best records. (Eliot J. Schechter / Getty Images) |
Also worth mentioning: Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs; Jair Jurrjens, Braves; John Lannan, Nationals; Joey Votto, Reds
AL Manager of the Year — Bob Geren, A's
No one expected much out of the A's this season, but Geren's rebuilt squad is presently occupying first place in the AL West. Will it last? Maybe not, but it's hard to argue against the job Geren has done managing a young roster and winning despite a basement-level payroll.
Also worth mentioning: Joe Maddon, Rays
NL Manager of the Year — Fredi Gonzalez, Marlins
Speaking of winning despite a basement-level payroll ... Over the winter, the Marlins, at the bidding of their saboteur owner, traded away Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis from a team that won just 71 games in 2007. Still and yet, Gonzalez's charges hold the lead in the NL East, and they've got the highest winning percentage in all of baseball. That, needless to say, runs counter to expectations.
Also worth mentioning: Tony La Russa, Cardinals
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