While I was doing a column for MNSportsCentral.com, I went to MLB.com to do a research. I discovered a feature about voting for Players of the Year. It's a great interactive thing for baseball fans and I feel it would be a great discussion. I am pretty sure that some will not love my picks, but that's what debate is all about, If there is something to feel good about my picks, it's that Raider Nation won't call me out for being a homer. isn't it. Anyway, here goes:
Closer:
Joe Nathan: What a season he has had. He has been nothing but gold with our team. He never gets the recognition nationally because of where he plays which is sad and unfortunate. When he is pitching, it's game over for the other team. Fans literall leave for the exits in other ballpark when he is out there on the road. That shows you how great he is. There are other good candidates out there, but I will take Joe. Mariano is still the best, but after that, no one is in Nathan's league. I voted for Nathan so that he can get the votes that he deserve.
Starting Pitcher:
Johan Santana: Nuff said. The fact that he was considered for MVP during the summer shows you the value that he had on his team. He carried this team's pitching staff. I don't see anyone that was better than him this year with the exception of Liriano.
Postseason Moment:
Magglio Ordonez's two HRs in Game 4. His homerun to tied the game and then his homerun that gave the Tigers a ticket to the World Series. The Tigers to me was the reason why I watched the postseason. The Cards were a good story, but the Tigers were a better story.
Defensive Player of the Year:
I left this blank because I don't think those guys were deserving. I would vote for Torii as my write-in vote. Those guys that were nominated by MLB.com is not in Torii's league.
Setup Guy:
Joel Zumaya: No contest. His stuff was nasty.
Hitter of the Year:
Ryan Howard: This was a very tough choice for me to vote on, folks. I did not have fun time pickng either Ryan or Justin. I love both guys. If there was an award for co-hitters of the year, I give it to both. In reality, they should. Justin had a fantastic year and he carried this team to the playoffs, but on the other hand, he had pitching to help him out as his team pitched well. Phillies did not had it as they relied on Ryan to carry that team to almost a playoff berth. The Phllies were pretty bad till he got off to a ridiculous, homerun streak. That has to say something.
Blooper of the Year Award:
Anytime I can go mock the Yankees, it's a great thing. Jeter and A-Rod's botch play was as funny as you can get.
Rookie of the Year Award:
I will go vote for Liriano. His streak in the summer was something to remember. His best moment was how he outpiched the great, Roger Clemens at Minute Maid Park. That was freaking awesome. While I thought Verlander deserved the Rookie of the Year, I thought Frankie deserved some love from me and the Twins fans.
Single Performance of the Year Award:
Ryan Howard:
Manager of the Year:
I went with Leyland. He made a huge difference with the Tigers as he taught them how to get the job done. He also won in the postseason which is why he gets the nod. Gardy did a great job, but how can anyone argue what Leyland did.
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/aw...tyib/index.jsp
Click here and vote if you have a chance.
MLB Players of the Year Award
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