Here is who I think is deserving of each award if the season ended today. Statistics, Sabermetrics, and Team Performance have all been considered in these picks.
(All stats via MLB.com)
MLB Awards at the Break
National League
MVP: Troy Tulowitzki (.345 21 HR 52 RBI)- Colorado Rockies
He’s healthy. Finally. It’s no secret anymore that Tulo’s injuries have barred him from MVP consideration before. That .345 average sits close to 20 points higher than the next closest in the National League. Those 21 home runs match Giancarlo Stanton in Miami for most in the NL. Yes, Tulo does play in the most hitter friendly environments, but with an OPS at 1.048 there is no way his production is a fluke. Simply put, he gets on base and he does damage.
Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw (11-2 1.78 ERA)- Los Angeles Dodgers
The man missed several weeks and is still only one win off of the league lead. His ERA is a little skewed right now because of low innings count, but once he logs enough will be right in line with Adam Wainwright’s NL leading 1.83 at the break. Kershaw is a once in a generation talent and should be marveled as such. Until someone shows me that they can outduel him on a nightly basis, I will continue to make the Koufax comparisons.
Rookie of the Year: Billy Hamilton (.285 47 Runs 38 SB)- Cincinnati Reds
The fastest man in cleats has certainly lived up to the hype on the paths, but has been more surprising with his bat. After a dreadfully slow start to the season, Hamilton has become one of the more consistent hitters in the Reds lineup. He is the ideal “take your first strike” kind of runner because he has shown the ability to run on two of the best catchers in the NL (Molina and Lucroy).
American League
MVP: Mike Trout (.310 22 HR 73 RBI)- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
It’s finally his turn. The best player in the game needs some hardware to show it. Trout is a great player that has defined a new generation of talent. Gone are the days of the big power guys who are just there to mash. Trout is the definition of a five tool player and might be one of the most humble in doing so. Take a look at the Angels as a ball club and you will see why he is the most valuable. He kept the team afloat until the rest of the lineup (Pujols, Hamilton, etc) woke up and were healthy again. Now they have the most dangerous lineup West of the Mississippi and are primed for a deep October run.
Cy Young: Felix Hernandez (11-2 2.12 ERA 154 K)- Seattle Mariners
This was a tough call, no doubt. On one hand, there’s Tanaka, there’s Price, there’s even Kazmir in the mix. But ultimately, Hernandez trumps them all for his dominance in almost every category. First in ERA, Second in wins and strikeouts makes for one attractive Cy Young candidate. As it stands, Seattle holds a 2.5 game advantage over Kansas City for the second wild card spot in the American League. Hernandez is going to have to continue this lights out style if the Mariners are going to make a long awaited return to October baseball. This is his time to shine and this is why he signed an extension with the club.
Rookie of the Year: Jose Abreu (.292 29 HR 73 RBI)- Chicago White Sox
From day one Abreu has burst onto the scene and done nothing but keep pitchers up at night. The sky is the limit for the Cuban Rookie who has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down. Other than Tanaka, there has been no one remotely close in Rookie production to Abreu. And at age 27, he still has a year or two to grab a hold of the league before he hits the “hitter’s prime”. Which could mean more sleepless nights for those who run the hill in the AL Central.
Last thing before I go: I know it’s been said a million times and has been said better than I could. But, I am going to say it anyway. One last tip of the hat to The Captain himself, Derek Jeter on an amazing career and final All-Star appearance. He has played the game the way it deserves to be played. Thank you, Derek.
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Main Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
