2008 MLB AWARDS

The ultimate no-brainer pick is this year’s AL Manager of the Year; Joe Maddon of the Tampa Bay Rays. Before this year the Rays never lost less the 91 games. Not only did the Rays post their first winning season at 97-55 they won their division, a division where four teams won 86 or more games, a division with the Yankees and Red Sox. Sure the Rays are a younger more talented team then they have been in years past, but it was Maddon’s leadership that led the way.

One of the big reasons behind the Rays stunning turnaround was their rookie 3B Evan Longoria, who was called up in late April and immediately became a key bat in the heart of their order. Voted to the All-Star Game Longoria hit 27 home runs with 85 RBI and a .272 in 122 games. He may have been even better with the glove, making big plays at the hot corner. If the young Rays develop a face of the franchise, Longoria will be a good candidate.

Even tough he tailed off in the second half, Hamilton’s power numbers were one of the best stories of the first half as he stole the show at the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium. His 32 Home Runs were five behind Miguel Cabrera the league leader, but his 130 RBI were second to no one in the American League.

The Cleveland Indians were one of baseball’s biggest disappointments this year as a slow start forced them to trade CC Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers. Injuries played a key roll, but one player provided a bright spot and was an automatic win practically every time out. That pitcher was Cliff Lee who spent part of 2007 in the minors. This year he posted an incredible 22-3 with an ERA of 2.54, and a whip of 1.11. Just imagine if the Tribe were a contender how many more games he could have won.

The Los Angeles Angels are the first team in three years to win 100 games. Many of those wins were one and two run games that came down to the bullpen and closer Francisco Rodriguez who set a new single season record with 62 saves. IN a year when there are no jump out MVP contenders in the American League, the day in day out reliability of K-Rod was a big reason behind the Angels success, and if you don’t think bullpen is important and valuable look at the Mets.

The Cubs are certainly the team to beat as the playoffs begin. Just two years ago the Cubs were finishing in last place, and looking aimless. Not many players have changed in two years, but their manager Lou Piniella a proven winner has taught them how to win. The Cubs posted a 97-64 record, their best mark in over 69 years. The Cubs enter the playoffs this year with their best chance to reach the World Series in years, and anything less will be a disappointment and Piniella made those expectations possible.

Another key contributor on a championship team Geovanny Soto helped lead the Cubs pitching staff from behind the plate, while providing a solid bat in the lineup. Like Longoria, Soto also was voted to the All-Star team as hit 23 home runs with 86 RBI, and a .285 batting average. The last rookie catcher to put up offense like this was Mike Piazza, who won the rookie of the year in 1993.

A slugger true and true, Ryan Howard is almost a Home Run waiting to happen when he steps up to the plate for the Phillies. With a MLB high 48 homers and 148 RBI, his slugging percentage was an impressive .543 to help his .881 OPS.

Another star pitcher on a bad team was Tim Lincecum who was 18-5 with an ERA of 2.62. When you consider that the Giants were 72-90 the number of Linecum are flat out incredible. His 18 wins were a full one quarter of his team’s win total. While Brandon Webb of the Diamondbacks and Johan Santana of the Mets will get some consideration, Lincecum’s ERA and his record despite playing on a bad team should give him the edge.

Heading into September the story of Ryan Howard’s season was how many strike outs he had as the Phillies were battling the Mets for the National League Eastern Division. However, in September the strikeout disappeared as Howard carried the Phillies to a second straight division title with 12 HR and 33 RBI in the final month, hitting many clutch homers and RBI down the stretch.