We’re half way home – here are my selections for a half an award:
First Half AL MVP – This one is difficult, but I’m going with the magnificent season that Josh Hamilton is experiencing. The trade that brought Hamilton to the Rangers is resulting in an MVP candidate in one league and a Cy Young candidate in the other. It is great to see that Hamilton has overcome his demons and is achieving the potential that had been imposed on him.
First Half NL MVP – It’s hard to be wrong if you choose Chase Utley or Lance Berkman to be your MVP, but I went with the guy with the numbers in the AL and I’m going with Utley in the NL because of what he brings to his team. Don’t get me wrong, I’m quite content if you disagree with me on this one and I’m willing to change my mind as often as the last email. It’s insane to think that Chipper Jones is as far down as third in my voting considering the season that he is having.
First Half AL Cy Young – Cliff Lee whose numbers look even better as the Indians sink precipitously in the AL Central. Lee has a 2.34 ERA, 90 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.04 to go along with his 11 wins. Joe Saunders is having a great season as well, but not like Lee and it’s not likely he will catch Lee in the second half either.
First Half NL Cy Young – Edinson Volquez, reminds me so much of a young Pedro Martinez and that is good thing. A Very Good Thing. I liked the first quarter of Brandon Webb’s season and Ryan Dempster is pitching mighty fine as is Aaron Cook and Ben Sheets.
First Half AL Closer – Francisco Rodriguez is going to break Bobby Thigpen’s all-time save record, but if the game is on the line this season, I’ll take Mariano Rivera who is simply remarkable. I have Paplebon concerns and they should be watched as the season progresses. George Sherrill scares me way too much.
First Half NL Closer – If Kerry Wood stays healthy, how many saves would Kerry get? Let’s hope a lot.
First Half AL Rookie of the Year – Evan Longoria is doing great but it really does appear that Jacoby Ellsbury is the engine that makes the Red Sox run. As he has slumped recently the Sox offense has as well and it’s the first time that they have felt the absence of Big Papi. A special nod also goes to David Murphy.
First Half NL Rookie of the Year – Geovany Soto is hands down one of the most exciting additions behind the plate since Joe Mauer. He is an offensive and defensive force and seems to handles pitchers like a veteran. Lots of love to Kosuke Fukudome and the Reds’ Joey Votto.
Most Surprising AL team – Tampa Bay is in first place. Tampa Bay is in first place. Tampa Bay is in first place. No matter how many times I write it I still can’t believe it. I thought this team had potential which meant reaching .500. This team is the bomb. Runners-up – the Oakland A’s. Let me see if I understand how this works – you trade away your stars and your team improves. Nope, I just don’t get it. The Minnesota Twins should build a monument to honor Ron Gardenhire.
Most Surprising NL team – The Florida Marlins have been an incredible surprise, but my choice is the St. Louis Cardinals. How does LaRussa do it? They have spent one day below .500 and 30 days with at least a share of first place. They have a +28 run differential and they win with pitchers like Kyle Lohse, who nobody else wants. Their bullpen is a disaster and yet they get great performances from players like Ryan Ludwick, Skip Schumaker, and Rick Ankiel. They are very impressive.
Most Disappointing AL team – The Cleveland Indians are contenders for this but there is no question in my mind the pitiful performance of the Seattle Mariners makes them the most disappointing team. The Tigers are disappointing but coming back, the Indians are disappointing but may end of on the upside of .500. The Mariners, on the other hand, have fired their GM and manager and are on their way to becoming the first $100 million, 100 loss team.
Most Disappointing NL team – The New York Mets have to be contenders here, but I think they are still in position to make a run for the post-season. San Diego is miserable, Colorado is miserable, the Giants are miserable, the Dodgers are not quite mediocre and the Diamondbacks are simply mediocre. Bottom line? The NL West is one big disappointment.
AL Manager of the Year – I would love to give this Joe Maddon of the Rays, but clearly that is his secret identity. Hiding behind his Clark Kent glasses, this Super Man(ager) has been sending out Rays of success and watch out if they nab Sabathia.
NL Manager of the Year – As much as I would like to give it to Freddi Gonzalez in Florida, I think that this has been a remarkable job of motivation by Tony LaRussa this season with the Cardinals. Here is a guy who is using the players he has, battling injuries, and creating a dangerously winning squad.
First half AL Team to beat – The Boston Red Sox. They have more depth than an Olympic diving pool
First half NL Team to beat – The Chicago Cubs. But be warned Zambrano may be more damaged than you think.
Underachieving AL First Half Team to Watch Out For in the Second Half – Don’t ignore the Tigers. Don’t.
Underachieving NL First Half Team to Watch Out For in the Second Half – Jerry Manuel may end up as Manager of the Year if the Mets come back…and they might.
AL First Half Whacko – Milton Bradley, need I say more?
NL First Half Whacko – Shawn Chacon, with an assist from Ed Wade.
First Half AL Team to root for in the second half – The Rays can be the story of the season.
First Half NL Team to root for in the second half – The Cubbies can be the story of the century.
Feel free to comment, dispute and agree to disagree – send me your thoughts – .
Bill Chuck is the creator of Billy-Ball.com (www.Billy-Ball.com) and, with Jim Kaplan, is the author of the book, “Walk-Offs, Last Licks, and Final Outs – Baseball’s Grand (and not so Grand) Finales,” with a Foreword by Jon Miller, published by ACTA Sports, and available worldwide. Autographed first editions are available by contacting, or order directly from Acta Sports or from your favorite bookstore.
