2003 MLB AWARDS

This pick is a no-brainer as the Royals were in the race for the Central Division until the final weeks of the season posting a surprising record of 83-79 a year after losing 100 games.

After starting the season on baseball’s trash heap needing to sign a minor league contract, after getting no offers in the offseason, Loaiza won 21 games and led the AL in strikeouts.

The Big Hurt went into the season with everyone questioning if he had anything left, as he was asked to take a pay cut. It all may have provided motivation as Thomas had a MVP season with 42 Homers tied for 2nd in the AL.

First off Hideki Matsui should not be considered a rookie. Second, playing on a last place team Baldelli had a better year, with a better batting average and more runs scored, while stealing 27 bases and hitting 11 homers.

With a Major League best 145 RBI Carlos Delgado was the lynch pin in a top notch Blue Jays offense that posted a solid record of 86-76, while posting the season’s only 4-HR game.

With a Major League Best 22 wins and an unbelievable September ERA, Roy Halladay who went from relative unknown to one of baseball’s best young guns gets the nod over Loaiza, who struggled down the stretch.

In a year where there is no MVP front runner the steady consistent play of Jorge Posada gests the nod for his steady play while the Yankees battled through injuries and slumps, Posada was a steady influence all year hitting 30 HR and driving home 102 RBI.

When Jack McKeon took over for Jeff Torborg on May 11 the Marlins were a team in turmoil and in last place. Their turn around to win the Wild Card was simply miraculous and McKeon must be given the accolades for it.

After a 2002 season plagued by injury the Dodgers ace starting pitcher bounced back nicely posting a terrific 2.39 ERA, which was the second lowest in the National League.

After being dropped by the Texas Rangers, Ivan Rodriguez had to settle for a 1-year contract in Florida. He more then proved he could still play, as he hit near .300 and provided leadership for a young Marlins pitching staff.

With an impressive 14-6 record Dontrelle Willis is the choice for rookie of the year despite struggling in August. He was a key part of the Marlins run to the Wild Card, while posting a still respectable 3.30 ERA.

For winning this award for the 3rd year in a row, maybe it should be renamed the Barry Bonds award. Bonds had another stellar season playing through personal trauma.

Relievers hardly win the Cy Young. However Gagne is a no-brainer in a year without a dominant starter Gagne was a perfect 55 for 55 in save attempts falling just 2 short of the single season saves record and posting a scant 1.20 ERA.

Threatening to win the Triple Crown all year Albert Pujols won the NL Batting Title while finishing 2nd in HR and 4th in RBI, which should but him at the front of the pack of a crowded MVP field in the NL.