The All-Star break’s here, so that means it’s time for some reflection on what’s transpired through the first half of the season. My predictions aren’t set in stone or ironclad, rather they’re just my opinions of those players who deserve some trophies. So let’s get on with the predictions…
NL MVP – Lance Berkman, Houston Astros. I’m going to forget for a moment that the Astros, not the Pirates or Reds, are in last place in the NL Central. Their ace, Roy Oswalt, has been less than ace material, going 7-8 with an ERA of 4.56, a career worst. Then-starter Shawn Chacon and GM Ed Wade got into an altercation in which Chacon grabbed Wade by the neck and threw him to the floor. Need more gas poured on the fire? Look no further than Houston’s woeful stretch from May 25 – June 19 in which Houston went 4-18. But enough about the negative, let’s switch gears to the positive. That’s where Berkman comes in. Berkman is in the top three in six of eight batting categories, including leading the NL in slugging (.653) and OPS (1.096). The big puma ranks third in RBIs (73), average (.347) and OBP (.443). I know what you may be saying. He’s been really good and the Astros have been really bad with him, but just imagine how much worse off the Astros would be without him in their lineup.
Cy Young – Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati Reds. Boy this may be the toughest category to name a clear cut winner, and as tough as it is to hand the hardware to just one guy, there’s no real wrong answer when you consider the likes of Arizona mates Brandon Webb and Dan Haren, Tim Lincecum of San Francisco, Carlos Zambrano of Chicago, and Ben Sheets of Milwaukee. That being said, my nod goes to Volquez. He entered this season with only three career wins, but moving from the AL to the NL appears to be just what the doctor ordered and the Reds are reaping the rewards. Volquez has been that power arm Cincy has sorely been missing, leading the NL in ERA (2.29) and hits allowed per 9 innings with 6.88. He ranks second in wins (12), hits allowed (90), and strikeouts per 9IP (9.64). Volquez has only allowed a total of 38 runs, 30 of them earned, both of which are NL bests.
Rookie of the Year – Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs. A lot of the preseason rookie of the year ink was directed at this teammate, Kosuke Fukudome, but it’s Soto who’s grabbing all the headlines now. He’s displayed the power of fellow NL catcher Brian McCann and the numbers back it up. Soto leads all rookies in seven hitting categories: hits (91), doubles (24), homers (16), RBIs (56), average (.288), slugging (.5220 and OPS (891).
Manager of the Year – Tony La Russa, St. Louis Cardinals. Another tough call here between La Russa and Marlins first year manager Fredi Gonzalez, but the slight edge goes to La Russa. Call the Cardinals’ first half success whatever you please, but facts are facts, and the fact is St. Louis has the second best record in the National League. At 53-43, the redbirds have a better record than NL preseason pennant darlings Arizona, Philadelphia, New York and Milwaukee. The rotation is a hodgepodge collection of 3’s and 4’s with aces Chris Carpenter, Mark Mulder and Adam Wainwright spending time on the DL. But La Russa and Cards pitching coach Dave Duncan have managed to turn water into wine. Kyle Loshe is 11-2. Braden Looper is on the cusp of 10 wins (9-7) and Todd Wellenmeyer is 7-4. Not to mention retread Ryan Franklin has more saves (12) than struggling closer Jason Isringhausen, who has 11. Even though he missed 14 games, Albert Pujols is still, well, Albert Pujols. He’s on pace to hit .350 while hitting almost 40 homers and driving in over 100 RBIs. And he’s doing it without familiar protectors in year’s past, Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen. Ryan Ludwick’s 21 HR and 65 RBIs have made him an all-star. Rick Ankiel’s bat (20 HR, 50 RBIs) continues to make everyone forget about his pitching problems. And the biggest reclamation project has been Troy Glaus. Instead of being a big question, Glaus has played in 94 of the Cardinals’ 96 games and he’s on pace to be a 30 HR-100 RBI guy for the first time in two seasons. Other than the Phillies, the Cardinals are the only other team in the NL to have better than a .500 record at home and on the road.
