American League MVP - Mauer to Like
The American League MVP race should be as lopsided as the National League balloting, thought it likely won't be.The best OPS in the American League, the only figure higher than 1.000, belonged to a Gold Glove catcher on a division-winning team.  Of course, I'm talking about Minnesota's man, Twin catcher Joe Mauer.To repeat, the best offen

National League MVP - You Can Call Him Al
Over the last several years, the National League MVP race has boiled down to "can you beat Al(bert) Pujols?"  Between 2002 and 2008, Pujols won two MVP awards, finished second three times and third one.  His worst finish was ninth after the 2007 season.  Barry Bonds won a unanimous vote in 2002 with a 1.381 OPS. (Pujols' modest .955 was good for second).  Barry Bonds and his 1.278 OPS to beat Al ("just" 1.106) in 2003.  Pujols f

Managers of the Year - American League - The Road Through Adversity
The list of serious contenders for American League Manager of the Year is short.  I expect that almost all votes will be cast for my first three candidates, who each managed a division-winning team, and one other manager.Joe Girardi, New York Yankees - Talk about expectations.  With three massive free agent signings and a new stadium, coming off the first empty Yankee postseason since 1994 (when ther

Managers of the Year - National League - Turnaround Expert
Wednesday's MLB awards are for Manager of the Year in both the National and American League.Let's look at the contenders. National LeagueJim Tracy, Colorado Rockies - The discussion has to start with the Rockies' skipper, who took over a floundering ship in mid-May and ended up with a wild card playoff berth. Less than two years ago,

American League Cy Young Award - Anonymously Obvious
For me, the choice for the AL Cy Young Award is much more obvious, though the actual voters may not agree.I'll look in detail at five starters and four relievers. 1) Zack Greinke - The 26-year old righthander from the Royals was nearly unhittable during the first month of the season and didn't back down much the rest of the way.  He finished with a MLB-leading 2.16 ERA, posted primarily against DH-including AL