Scott Garceau: 2015 MLB Honors, Who Should Win
And DOWN the stretch they come! MLB teams are jockeying for position with pennants and wild cards on the line in these final days of October. Baseball's top awards are also being determined in the final games of the 2015 season. I'm not going to tell you who's going to win the top awards but I will tell you who I think should get the honors.
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American League
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MVP — Josh Donaldson, Toronto
This one is easy, 38 HR, 118 RBI, and a .301 batting average with over 2 weeks left in the season and the best player on the team that leads the East.
Cy Young — Dallas Keuchel, Astros
David Price is also worthy here but I give Keuchel the edge. Despite getting rocked by the Rangers Wednesday night he's the main reason the Astros are in the hunt for the post season after averaging 104 losses the last 4 years.
Rookie of the Year — Carlos Correa, Astros
The 20 year old shortstop got his major league career started in early June and how! He's hit 18 HR, driven in over 50 runs, stole 12, bases and has made remarkable plays at shortstop. The sky's the limit here. Toronto 20 year-old closer Robert Osuna and Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor also contend.
Manager of the Year — A.J. Hinch, Astros
Lot of Astros love here but this one is conditional, if the Astros fade has them out of the playoff picture Hinch may not make it. Other contenders include John Gibbons in Toronto, rookie Paul Molitor in Minnesota and Ned Yost who's Royals destroyed the AL Central.
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National League
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MVP — Bryce Harper, Nationals
I can hear the question, "how valuable can he be if his team is an under-achieving bunch that will be watching the playoffs on TV." Not since 2008 has a NL MVP come from a non-playoff team but how about an exception this year. Harper is a 40 homer guy hitting nearly .340 and he leads all MLB hitters by a mile with a 9.6 WAR. Next best might be Paul Goldschmidt but his Arizona team well below .500.
CY Young — Zack Greinke, Dodgers
Jake Arrieta should win 20 with an ERA below 2, what a season for the former Oriole. Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner are five times filthy but the best pitcher in baseball is Greinke. He's 17-3 with a 1.61 ERA and 0.85 WHIP what this mean is, he's basically unhittable.
Rookie of the Year — Kris Bryant, Cubs
He's key to the Cubs revival, the third baseman could challenge 30 homers, 100 RBI's and 15 steals. Giants third baseman Matt Duffy will also get votes.
Manager of the Year — Joe Maddon, Cubs
Last season the Cubs finished 73-89, today they're likely a playoff team 13 games above .500. In his first year on the North side Joe Maddon has turned the lovable losers into winners. The Mets Terry Collins will get votes, his team is on pace to win over 90 games and the NL East title. All those who thought the Mets would beat the Nats for the East pennant, please raise your hand. Anybody? Anybody? Buehler.
