Dickie V's MLB Awards
I am a big baseball fan. A lot of people know I am a Tampa Bay Rays season ticket holder since day one. Since I love the sport, I have my share of opinions. OK, OK, I am not Peter Gammons, Steve Phillips or Karl Ravech, but I do want to give my views on the postseason awards.
Here we go ...
NL MVP: Ryan Howard, Phillies
I give Howard the nod over Albert Pujols. Howard put the Phillies on his back for the last month and a half of the season. Don't look at his batting average, check out his home runs and RBI, especially in clutch situations.
AL MVP: Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
The Red Sox have a couple of legitimate candidates in Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis. I am going with the tough second baseman, who was the catalyst for this team.
NL CY YOUNG: Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks
If Johan Santana received better support from the Mets bullpen, he might have pulled this out. Webb gets the nod.
AL CY YOUNG: Cliff Lee, Indians
I know K-Rod had a record-breaking season for saves. Lee was super, scintillating, sensational, going 22-3.
NL ROOKIE: Giovanny Soto, Cubs
The Cubs have been solid all season long and one reason has been behind the plate. Soto has lived up to expectations.
AL ROOKIE: Evan Longoria, Rays
He has done it with the bat and the glove. Remember, Longoria started the season in the minors.
NL MANAGER: Lou Piniella, Cubs
Wouldn't it be something if Piniella faced the Rays in the World Series.
AL MANAGER: Joe Maddon, Rays
The Rays are only the second team in major league history to win a division after 10+ straight seasons with losing records. That says it all.
