I know I'm about 4-5 days early (I consider it midseason once every team has played 81 games and not the All-Star break) but I figure we can get started on this now and see how it plays out at the end of the year.
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera
Very close race here. You can make very strong arguments for Robinson Cano, Justin Morneau and Josh Hamilton too. All four of these guys also play on a team that is either currently leading their division or in a very close race for it as well. It was really tough for me to choose here, but gun to my head I'm going with Miggy just based on personal preference.
NL MVP: Albert Pujols
I have to give it to Albert here, although David Wright could potentially give him a run for his money if he has the 30-30 season he is on pace for. Before his last two starts I would have strongly considered Jimenez but I'm really against giving this award to a pitcher since they already have an award specifically for them. I will also give Joey Votto an honorable mention here.
AL Cy Young: Jon Lester
This was also a very close race, just as the AL MVP was. Cliff Lee will be a strong contender by the end of the year if he stays in the AL and isn't traded. You can also make an argument for David Price as well as Mariano Rivera and Jose Valverde if you believe in giving this award to a closer.
NL Cy Young: Ubaldo Jimenez
Jimenez is still the favorite but the award is his to lose. There are a lot of strong candidates in the NL this year including Adam Wainwright, Roy Halladay, Yovani Gallardo and Josh Johnson. There are a few others not too far behind, but those four guys are by far the closest to Jimenez right now.
AL Rookie Of The Year: Brennan Boesch
Not even remotely close right now. Carlos Santana is raking and plays a premium position though, but I don't think he'll have enough time since he wasn't called up until June.
NL Rookie Of The Year: Jason Heyward
Unlike the AL race, I think Stephen Strasburg does have enough time to catch him, especially considering the fact that Heyward's numbers were slipping and he is now on the DL. Mike Leake is also worth a mention as a dark horse.
AL Manager Of The Year: Ron Washington
The manager awards are the toughest ones to call before the end of the season, but if I had to pick a guy now it would be Washington.
NL Manager Of The Year: Dusty Baker
Same as the AL award, it's just a really tough one to pick before the rest of the season plays out. Bud Black is right there nipping on his heels too.
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera
Very close race here. You can make very strong arguments for Robinson Cano, Justin Morneau and Josh Hamilton too. All four of these guys also play on a team that is either currently leading their division or in a very close race for it as well. It was really tough for me to choose here, but gun to my head I'm going with Miggy just based on personal preference.
NL MVP: Albert Pujols
I have to give it to Albert here, although David Wright could potentially give him a run for his money if he has the 30-30 season he is on pace for. Before his last two starts I would have strongly considered Jimenez but I'm really against giving this award to a pitcher since they already have an award specifically for them. I will also give Joey Votto an honorable mention here.
AL Cy Young: Jon Lester
This was also a very close race, just as the AL MVP was. Cliff Lee will be a strong contender by the end of the year if he stays in the AL and isn't traded. You can also make an argument for David Price as well as Mariano Rivera and Jose Valverde if you believe in giving this award to a closer.
NL Cy Young: Ubaldo Jimenez
Jimenez is still the favorite but the award is his to lose. There are a lot of strong candidates in the NL this year including Adam Wainwright, Roy Halladay, Yovani Gallardo and Josh Johnson. There are a few others not too far behind, but those four guys are by far the closest to Jimenez right now.
AL Rookie Of The Year: Brennan Boesch
Not even remotely close right now. Carlos Santana is raking and plays a premium position though, but I don't think he'll have enough time since he wasn't called up until June.
NL Rookie Of The Year: Jason Heyward
Unlike the AL race, I think Stephen Strasburg does have enough time to catch him, especially considering the fact that Heyward's numbers were slipping and he is now on the DL. Mike Leake is also worth a mention as a dark horse.
AL Manager Of The Year: Ron Washington
The manager awards are the toughest ones to call before the end of the season, but if I had to pick a guy now it would be Washington.
NL Manager Of The Year: Dusty Baker
Same as the AL award, it's just a really tough one to pick before the rest of the season plays out. Bud Black is right there nipping on his heels too.
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