All stats as of 8/12/2008.
American League MVP Top 5 Candidates:
5. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers.
2008 Stats: .319, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 26 SB
Basic Overlook: The offensive machine we call the Texas Rangers Offense finds one of its most important pieces in the MVP race. AL All-Star Ian Kinsler has a case, look no further than a .378 OBP and 39 doubles, if his 20-20 potential wasn't enough. Not only does Kinsler have a solid power swing, but his 26 steals lead the Texas Rangers and is a large reason as to why the Rangers are still in the post-season chase.
The best case for Kinsler:
You can hit home runs all you want, but if there aren't guys on base, then obviously, not as many runs will score. Kinsler gets on base, scores runs(97 to be exact) and has a .506 SLG%.
4. Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles
2008 Stats: .302, 24 HR, 76 RBI, 2 SB
Yes, this can be considered biased, but he has a case, and I will make it. After hitting a solid .280 in 2007, but hitting just 15 HR and driving in just 72, he has hit 9 more HR and driven in four more, in August. Oh, and not to mention that .302 BA. Huff has excellent fantasy value and is one of the main reasons the Orioles offense has kept them hovering around .500.
The best case for Huff:
An MVP of a sports franchise makes the team better, Huff has done just that, being the centerpiece of the Orioles offense, leading them in Batting Average, Homers, and RBI's. After an off-season of criticism after calling Baltimore "a horse(expletive) city", Huff has proven to the O's he wants to be there, and has been the saving grace of the offense and is one of the main reason the O's offense is one of the top in the AL.
2008 Stats: .319, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 26 SB
Basic Overlook: The offensive machine we call the Texas Rangers Offense finds one of its most important pieces in the MVP race. AL All-Star Ian Kinsler has a case, look no further than a .378 OBP and 39 doubles, if his 20-20 potential wasn't enough. Not only does Kinsler have a solid power swing, but his 26 steals lead the Texas Rangers and is a large reason as to why the Rangers are still in the post-season chase.
The best case for Kinsler:
You can hit home runs all you want, but if there aren't guys on base, then obviously, not as many runs will score. Kinsler gets on base, scores runs(97 to be exact) and has a .506 SLG%.
4. Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles
2008 Stats: .302, 24 HR, 76 RBI, 2 SB
Yes, this can be considered biased, but he has a case, and I will make it. After hitting a solid .280 in 2007, but hitting just 15 HR and driving in just 72, he has hit 9 more HR and driven in four more, in August. Oh, and not to mention that .302 BA. Huff has excellent fantasy value and is one of the main reasons the Orioles offense has kept them hovering around .500.
The best case for Huff:
An MVP of a sports franchise makes the team better, Huff has done just that, being the centerpiece of the Orioles offense, leading them in Batting Average, Homers, and RBI's. After an off-season of criticism after calling Baltimore "a horse(expletive) city", Huff has proven to the O's he wants to be there, and has been the saving grace of the offense and is one of the main reason the O's offense is one of the top in the AL.
3. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees:
2008 Stats: .315, 26 HR, 70 RBI, 16 SB
Yes, long link I know. Anyway, on to A-Rod. A-Rod has been an MVP candidate almost every season of his career, and this season is no exception. Rodriguez does have the blessedness of being around an incredibly potent lineup. However, the lineup aside, Rodriguez continues to amaze. He still ranks in the top 10 in HR, RBI, and Batting Average, so how is he not an MVP Nominee?
The best case for Rodriguez:
The New York Yankees need the entire lineup to produce right now, and if Rodriguez can carry the Yankees to the playoffs, don't be surprised to see him win the AL MVP once more.
2. Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
Season: .290, 32 HR, 90 RBI, 5 SB
If anyone knows the meaning of highs and lows in a career, it's Carlos Quentin. From getting called up in 2006 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in his first major league at bat belting a Home Run, to getting a starting job for the 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks, Quentin seemed on cloud nine after 2006, batting .254 with 9 HR and 31 RBI in 2006. Then came 2007, the struggles and being crowded out of a strong outfield.
In 2007, Quentin played just 81 games, batting a lowly .215 and striking out 54 times in 81 games. To further hinder Quentin, he hit just 5 HR in 2007. Due to this, Quentin then found himself the odd man out in a crowded outfield of Eric Byrnes, Chris Young, Justin Upton, and Jeff Salazar. Because of that, Quentin was demoted to the AAA Tucson Sidewiners. Then came his opportunity. During the offseason, he was dealt to the Chicago White Sox for prospect Chris Carter. Quentin took over in Left for the White Sox in one of the best outfields in baseball.
The best case for Quentin:
Carlos Quentin has been a centerpiece for one of the AL's best offenses. Quentin is arguably the main reason the South Siders remain in a race for first place in the AL Central. Although he still is much like Adam Dunn and the other "Homer or Bust" batters, his batting average is not near low enough to knock him out of the MVP Race. 2008 AL All-Star Carlos Quentin has come in in the clutch on many occasions this season and has ridden his power swing into the MVP Race.
2008 Stats: .315, 26 HR, 70 RBI, 16 SB
Yes, long link I know. Anyway, on to A-Rod. A-Rod has been an MVP candidate almost every season of his career, and this season is no exception. Rodriguez does have the blessedness of being around an incredibly potent lineup. However, the lineup aside, Rodriguez continues to amaze. He still ranks in the top 10 in HR, RBI, and Batting Average, so how is he not an MVP Nominee?
The best case for Rodriguez:
The New York Yankees need the entire lineup to produce right now, and if Rodriguez can carry the Yankees to the playoffs, don't be surprised to see him win the AL MVP once more.
2. Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
Season: .290, 32 HR, 90 RBI, 5 SB
If anyone knows the meaning of highs and lows in a career, it's Carlos Quentin. From getting called up in 2006 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in his first major league at bat belting a Home Run, to getting a starting job for the 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks, Quentin seemed on cloud nine after 2006, batting .254 with 9 HR and 31 RBI in 2006. Then came 2007, the struggles and being crowded out of a strong outfield.
In 2007, Quentin played just 81 games, batting a lowly .215 and striking out 54 times in 81 games. To further hinder Quentin, he hit just 5 HR in 2007. Due to this, Quentin then found himself the odd man out in a crowded outfield of Eric Byrnes, Chris Young, Justin Upton, and Jeff Salazar. Because of that, Quentin was demoted to the AAA Tucson Sidewiners. Then came his opportunity. During the offseason, he was dealt to the Chicago White Sox for prospect Chris Carter. Quentin took over in Left for the White Sox in one of the best outfields in baseball.
The best case for Quentin:
Carlos Quentin has been a centerpiece for one of the AL's best offenses. Quentin is arguably the main reason the South Siders remain in a race for first place in the AL Central. Although he still is much like Adam Dunn and the other "Homer or Bust" batters, his batting average is not near low enough to knock him out of the MVP Race. 2008 AL All-Star Carlos Quentin has come in in the clutch on many occasions this season and has ridden his power swing into the MVP Race.
1. Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
2008 Stats: .307, 28 HR, 112 RBI, 7 SB
If there wasn't a feel-good story around Josh Hamilton, I don't know what is. After being drafted in 1999 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Hamilton was out of baseball for three years due to his addictions, but he found his calling, got back up to the bigs, and got his chance. After having a solid season with the Reds in 2007, the Reds dealt him for Edinson Volquez. If there wasn't a more even deal in Major League History, I don't know what was. However, Hamilton, like Kinsler, has been a vital piece to the Rangers success in 2008. If Hamilton continues this pace, he's my MVP Pick, Hands down.
Why Hamilton Wins:
Hamilton has done, like in Huff's case, made the team and the players around him...better. Not only is Hamilton an MVP in the making, but he has helped Ian Kinsler, David Murphy,Christopher Davis, and Milton Bradley all Award-Worthy in some department, but his numbers are fantastic too. Josh Hamilton is bound for big things, this is just the start.
2008 Stats: .307, 28 HR, 112 RBI, 7 SB
If there wasn't a feel-good story around Josh Hamilton, I don't know what is. After being drafted in 1999 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Hamilton was out of baseball for three years due to his addictions, but he found his calling, got back up to the bigs, and got his chance. After having a solid season with the Reds in 2007, the Reds dealt him for Edinson Volquez. If there wasn't a more even deal in Major League History, I don't know what was. However, Hamilton, like Kinsler, has been a vital piece to the Rangers success in 2008. If Hamilton continues this pace, he's my MVP Pick, Hands down.
Why Hamilton Wins:
Hamilton has done, like in Huff's case, made the team and the players around him...better. Not only is Hamilton an MVP in the making, but he has helped Ian Kinsler, David Murphy,Christopher Davis, and Milton Bradley all Award-Worthy in some department, but his numbers are fantastic too. Josh Hamilton is bound for big things, this is just the start.
Honorable Mention:
Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
Milton Bradley, Texas Rangers
Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox
American League Top 5 Cy Young Candidates:
Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
Milton Bradley, Texas Rangers
Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox
American League Top 5 Cy Young Candidates:
5. Joe Saunders, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
14-5, 3.07 ERA, 76 K, 1 CG
After starting his MLB Career in 2005, Saunders toured up and down the Angels System, being brought up as an injury replacement in many cases. In 2007, Saunders went 8-5 with a 4.44 ERA and pitched well enough after the Angels sais Sayonara to Bartolo Colon, Saunders got his chance.
Saunders made the most of it by starting season 6-0 and clinching his first career All-Star Nod. Saunders is an effective pitcher who can fool you with his pitches. Saunders has a great K-BB ratio(71-44), which helps keep him out of trouble as he helps keep runners off base. Saunders has been the ace of the Angels staff in 2008 and is a key reason to why the Angels are the MLB's best team by record as of 8/13/2008.
The best case for Saunders: Simple. When he goes on the mound, you know the odds of you winning increase.
4. Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays
2008 Stats: 13-9, 2.72 ERA, 155 K, 7 CG
You can't have the words Cy Young uttered these days and not have Roy Halladay in the same discussion. Once again, Halladay is proving he is well worthy of his 2nd Cy Young. Halladay has struck out 155, which is top 5 in the MLB, and has a 2.72 ERA, also top 10 in the MLB. Halladay also has an almost immortal K-BB Ratio of 155-31. Halladay is hoping that he gets his 2nd Cy Young in 6 years as Halladay has been in the mix every year save 2004(8-8, 4.20 ERA) since 2002. Halladay, however, has also been the victim of weak-to-average teams since his 2003 Cy Young Season.
The best case for Halladay:
Halladay is a work horse that will give you 7-8 innings every game he pitches and will be able to work his way out of trouble in the very limited situations where he gets into trouble. For example, despite getting saddled with the lose in his last outing, a home loss to the Cleveland Indians, Halladay allowed 10 hits in 6 innings, but was only tagged for one earned run and kept Toronto in the game. If the Blue Jays want to make a run, this guy has to lead the charge.
3. Mike Mussina, New York Yankees
15-7, 3.30 ERA, 101 K, 0 CG
After questions came up if his career was over, after going 11-11 in 2007 with a 5.37 ERA, Mussina has turned a corner and found his old self. The Moose, despite his 265 career wins and some of his unbelievable seasons, has never won the AL Cy Young Award. Could this be his first year? With the injuries to the New York Yankees pitching staff, the Yanks needed Moose to step up, and he has. Mussina has pitched his way back into an ace role, and in 2009, the Yankees could very well become a legit threat to win their 27th title, with a healthy Chien Ming Wang, a healthy Mike Mussina, a healthy Joba Chamberlain, and what seems to be a revived Sidney Ponson.
The best case for Mussina:
If the Yankees didn't have the Moose and he wasn't having the season he was, the Yankees could very well be sunk.
2. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston Red Sox
2008 Stats: 13-2, 2.98 ERA, 98 K, 0 CG
Cy-K? Definitely a possibility. However, the main reason, despite his team's success, that he does not win the 2008 AL Cy Young Award is because he has been hurt. He also, despite his numbers, he walks far too many and his 98-67 K-BB ratio is almost a 3-2. That...is bad. Another major setback to his chances is his ERA has risen from 2.63 on July 22nd, to at one point 3.05.
The best case for Matsuzaka:
D-Mat has been shouldering a heavy load for Boston with injuries to Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, and Tim Wakefield at some point. He, like Mussina, has kept the rotation afloat.
1. Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians
2008 Stats: 16-2, 2.45 ERA, 2 CG
Yes, Cliff is on a team that is in no way, shape or form in the playoff hunt. Do I care? No. His numbers are flat out fantastic. The fact that Lee is 16-2 with the lowly Cleveland Indians is astonishing and he deserves his kudos. Lee is 6-1 in his last 10 starts and started the 2008 season with a record of 4-0 and an 0.28 ERA. He also has a great K-BB ratio of 128-22.
Why Lee wins:
Cliff Lee leads the AL in Wins and ERA....seems like a foregone conclusion.
Honorable Mention:
A.J Burnett, Toronto Blue Jays
Ervin Santana, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Armando Galarraga, Detroit Tigers
Jeremy Guthrie, Baltimore Orioles
Vincente Padilla, Texas Rangers
American League Top 3 Reliever of the Year Candidates:
14-5, 3.07 ERA, 76 K, 1 CG
After starting his MLB Career in 2005, Saunders toured up and down the Angels System, being brought up as an injury replacement in many cases. In 2007, Saunders went 8-5 with a 4.44 ERA and pitched well enough after the Angels sais Sayonara to Bartolo Colon, Saunders got his chance.
Saunders made the most of it by starting season 6-0 and clinching his first career All-Star Nod. Saunders is an effective pitcher who can fool you with his pitches. Saunders has a great K-BB ratio(71-44), which helps keep him out of trouble as he helps keep runners off base. Saunders has been the ace of the Angels staff in 2008 and is a key reason to why the Angels are the MLB's best team by record as of 8/13/2008.
The best case for Saunders: Simple. When he goes on the mound, you know the odds of you winning increase.
4. Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays
2008 Stats: 13-9, 2.72 ERA, 155 K, 7 CG
You can't have the words Cy Young uttered these days and not have Roy Halladay in the same discussion. Once again, Halladay is proving he is well worthy of his 2nd Cy Young. Halladay has struck out 155, which is top 5 in the MLB, and has a 2.72 ERA, also top 10 in the MLB. Halladay also has an almost immortal K-BB Ratio of 155-31. Halladay is hoping that he gets his 2nd Cy Young in 6 years as Halladay has been in the mix every year save 2004(8-8, 4.20 ERA) since 2002. Halladay, however, has also been the victim of weak-to-average teams since his 2003 Cy Young Season.
The best case for Halladay:
Halladay is a work horse that will give you 7-8 innings every game he pitches and will be able to work his way out of trouble in the very limited situations where he gets into trouble. For example, despite getting saddled with the lose in his last outing, a home loss to the Cleveland Indians, Halladay allowed 10 hits in 6 innings, but was only tagged for one earned run and kept Toronto in the game. If the Blue Jays want to make a run, this guy has to lead the charge.
3. Mike Mussina, New York Yankees
15-7, 3.30 ERA, 101 K, 0 CG
After questions came up if his career was over, after going 11-11 in 2007 with a 5.37 ERA, Mussina has turned a corner and found his old self. The Moose, despite his 265 career wins and some of his unbelievable seasons, has never won the AL Cy Young Award. Could this be his first year? With the injuries to the New York Yankees pitching staff, the Yanks needed Moose to step up, and he has. Mussina has pitched his way back into an ace role, and in 2009, the Yankees could very well become a legit threat to win their 27th title, with a healthy Chien Ming Wang, a healthy Mike Mussina, a healthy Joba Chamberlain, and what seems to be a revived Sidney Ponson.
The best case for Mussina:
If the Yankees didn't have the Moose and he wasn't having the season he was, the Yankees could very well be sunk.
2. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston Red Sox
2008 Stats: 13-2, 2.98 ERA, 98 K, 0 CG
Cy-K? Definitely a possibility. However, the main reason, despite his team's success, that he does not win the 2008 AL Cy Young Award is because he has been hurt. He also, despite his numbers, he walks far too many and his 98-67 K-BB ratio is almost a 3-2. That...is bad. Another major setback to his chances is his ERA has risen from 2.63 on July 22nd, to at one point 3.05.
The best case for Matsuzaka:
D-Mat has been shouldering a heavy load for Boston with injuries to Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, and Tim Wakefield at some point. He, like Mussina, has kept the rotation afloat.
1. Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians
2008 Stats: 16-2, 2.45 ERA, 2 CG
Yes, Cliff is on a team that is in no way, shape or form in the playoff hunt. Do I care? No. His numbers are flat out fantastic. The fact that Lee is 16-2 with the lowly Cleveland Indians is astonishing and he deserves his kudos. Lee is 6-1 in his last 10 starts and started the 2008 season with a record of 4-0 and an 0.28 ERA. He also has a great K-BB ratio of 128-22.
Why Lee wins:
Cliff Lee leads the AL in Wins and ERA....seems like a foregone conclusion.
Honorable Mention:
A.J Burnett, Toronto Blue Jays
Ervin Santana, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Armando Galarraga, Detroit Tigers
Jeremy Guthrie, Baltimore Orioles
Vincente Padilla, Texas Rangers
American League Top 3 Reliever of the Year Candidates:
3. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
2008 Stats: 4-4, 1.56 ERA, 28 SV/29 SVOP
Although Rivera hasn't been as dominant since coming out of the All-Star Break and since his electric start in April, May, and June, he still is easily a top 3 AL Reliever of the Year Candidate. The reason that Joakim Soria beats him out for 2nd is this: Soria has more Saves, a lower ERA, less losses, and almost as good a K-BB ratio as Rivera himself.
The best case for Rivera:
The Sandman is the best closer of all-time and he is once again proving it in 2008. His K-BB ratio is one of the best I've ever seen...61 K's, 5 walks! Wow!
2. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
2008 Stats: 1-2, 1.51 ERA, 32 SV/34 SVOP
What a season for Joakim Soria! His 1.51 ERA and 32/34 SV% is fantastic. Soria is a 2nd-year pitcher and his cumulative ERA is 2.09. Soria has given the Royals something they have lacked since Mike MacDougal in 2005, an effective closer. In 2006, MacDougal was hurt and was dealt at the deadline and in 2007 the Royals found a strong closer in Octavio Dotel, but they then traded him, however, enter Soria, and the rest is history.
2008 Stats: 4-4, 1.56 ERA, 28 SV/29 SVOP
Although Rivera hasn't been as dominant since coming out of the All-Star Break and since his electric start in April, May, and June, he still is easily a top 3 AL Reliever of the Year Candidate. The reason that Joakim Soria beats him out for 2nd is this: Soria has more Saves, a lower ERA, less losses, and almost as good a K-BB ratio as Rivera himself.
The best case for Rivera:
The Sandman is the best closer of all-time and he is once again proving it in 2008. His K-BB ratio is one of the best I've ever seen...61 K's, 5 walks! Wow!
2. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
2008 Stats: 1-2, 1.51 ERA, 32 SV/34 SVOP
What a season for Joakim Soria! His 1.51 ERA and 32/34 SV% is fantastic. Soria is a 2nd-year pitcher and his cumulative ERA is 2.09. Soria has given the Royals something they have lacked since Mike MacDougal in 2005, an effective closer. In 2006, MacDougal was hurt and was dealt at the deadline and in 2007 the Royals found a strong closer in Octavio Dotel, but they then traded him, however, enter Soria, and the rest is history.
Best case for Soria:
Soria is one of the best shut-down closers in the bigs. His K-BB ratio is 58-11 and has only allowed 4 Home Runs in 53.2 IP.
Soria is one of the best shut-down closers in the bigs. His K-BB ratio is 58-11 and has only allowed 4 Home Runs in 53.2 IP.
1. Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2008 Stats: 2-2, 2.34 ERA, 46 SV/50 SVOP
Yes, he's blown four saves. Yes, his ERA is over 1.3 points higher than Soria or Rivera. However, the difference? Rivera and Soria are not 12 saves away from history. K-Rod is on a ridiculous pace, and shall it continue, K-Rod will break the single-season saves record. AL All-Star K-Rod wins it because history shall not, and will not-be denied.
Why he Wins:
K-Rod has been an effective closer his entire career. K-Rod far and away leads the MLB in Saves and Save Chances. He has still saved over 90% of his games, and had a sub 3.00 ERA. K-Rod is chasing Thigpen's record. Will he get it? We think so.
2008 Stats: 2-2, 2.34 ERA, 46 SV/50 SVOP
Yes, he's blown four saves. Yes, his ERA is over 1.3 points higher than Soria or Rivera. However, the difference? Rivera and Soria are not 12 saves away from history. K-Rod is on a ridiculous pace, and shall it continue, K-Rod will break the single-season saves record. AL All-Star K-Rod wins it because history shall not, and will not-be denied.
Why he Wins:
K-Rod has been an effective closer his entire career. K-Rod far and away leads the MLB in Saves and Save Chances. He has still saved over 90% of his games, and had a sub 3.00 ERA. K-Rod is chasing Thigpen's record. Will he get it? We think so.
Honorable Mention:
George Sherrill, Baltimore Orioles
Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins
Jonathon Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
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