Awards and Thoughts

I started work on a ballpark-related post, but I don't have time to finish it right now. Instead, here are some random thoughts and notes.

My predictions for the major 2011 awards:

NL Rookie of the Year:
Definitely Craig Kimbrel. Teammate Freddie Freeman was very solid in his first year, but Kimbrel became the league's premier closer and was untouchable much of the season. We'll see later today when the award is announced.

AL Rookie of the Year:
Jeremy Hellickson. He had an ERA under 3.00 in a division with the Red Sox, Yankees, and Blue Jays. He is also helped by the out-of-nowhere success of his team. But Mark Trumbo of the Angels and Eric Hosmer of the Royals are definitely in the picture.

NL Cy Young:
Clayton Kershaw. I mean, he won the triple crown. Enough said.

AL Cy Young:
Justin Verlander. This is the most sure I've ever been about anything. 2.40 ERA, 24-5, 250 K, 0.92 WHIP.

NL MVP:
Ryan Braun. Matt kemp had more home runs and RBI's, won the gold glove, and is slightly faster. But Braun was close to Kemp's HR and RBI totals and had a higher average, Slugging, OBP, and led his team to their first postseason in 800 years. It's close, but I think it'll be Braun, because of what the teams did.

AL MVP:
Justin Verlander. Pitchers are almost never voted MVP, even if their wins-above-replacement metric shows that they should. As such, it should be a challenge for Verlander to overcome teammate Miguel Cabrera. But I think his mind-numbing numbers and the tantalizing concept of a pitcher MVP should go a long way. It will be a Tiger this year- No Red Sock stands a chance after their collapse.

NL Manager of the Year:
Kirk Gibson. He led Arizona from worst to first in the division with the reigning world series champions. He is also extremely popular among his players and with fans.

AL Manager of the Year:
Joe Maddon. Many will say Manny Acta, but I remember how much the Rays were decimated during last offseason. I didn't think they had a prayer, and yet they made it to the playoffs.

Some other notes:

I like the Marlin's new uniforms. The concept of remaking the franchise is bold and I really do respect that. I still think they should merge with the Rays, though.

Terry Francona left. Theo Epstein left. David Ortiz openly considered going to the Yankees. Jonathan Papelbon signed a $50 million deal with Phillidelphia.  Unequivocally, the era of the Red Sox, winners of the 2004 and 2007 world series, is over. It'll be a new feeling next year.