2012 Post-Season Awards

This season, we have seen some amazing feats from the game’s brightest stars. At the end of the season, these players are voted on to see who is considered to be the best. There is still quite a bit of baseball left to go, but here are my season award winners up to this point.

American League

MVP: Miguel Cabrera (DET)

-Argument: Now, hear me out before you start going crazy that I didn’t pick Mike Trout. As ESPN’s Rick Sutcliffe described to the Dwellers in his visit recently, this is an award given to the most “valuable” player; not the most “outstanding.” You have to look at Cabrera’s and Trout’s teams. If Trout were NOT on the Angels, they would have enough talent to be in 3rd place in the AL West, which is exactly where they are WITH Trout. If Cabrera was not on the Tigers, they would most likely be fighting with the Indians, Royals, and Twins for the best-of-the-worst in the AL Central. Miggy is the main reason why they are in it. Couple that with his numbers, and that is why he is the most VALUABLE player. However, a vote for Trout is by no means a bad vote.

-2nd Place: Mike Trout (LAA)

Cy Young: Felix Hernandez (SEA)

-Argument: I struggled with this pick because of just how well Jered Weaver has done for the Angels. My main reason for picking Felix is because of how he’s trending. He is 7-0 in his last seven decisions, three of which are shutouts, and the last one was the most dominant perfect game that I’ve ever witnessed. King Felix pitches a ton of innings, gets a load of Ks, and his 2012 season will end up being more impressive than his 2010 season when he won the Cy Young.

-2nd Place: Jered Weaver (LAA)

Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout (LAA)

-Argument: Is there really anyone even close?

-2nd Place: Yoenis Cespedes (OAK)

Comeback Player of the Year: Adam Dunn (CWS)

-Argument: He is putting together one of the greatest turnaround seasons ever. He is +0.49 in AVG, +23 in HRs, and +39 in RBIs over last season already.

-2nd Place: Kendrys Morales (LAA)

National League

MVP: Andrew McCutchen (PIT)

-Argument: If the Cardinals make the Postseason instead of the Pirates, then I think a lot of votes will shift to both Matt Holliday (mainly) and Carlos Beltran. However, many votes will split between those two. Cutch will win regardless of the Buccos’ playoff standing because everyone has been so enamored with seeing the Pirates win, and there is no one on his team that will receive a significant amount of votes.

-2nd Place: Matt Holliday (STL)

Cy Young: R.A. Dickey (NYM)

-Argument: Strasburg, Gonzalez, and Zimmerman from the Nationals will split votes, and Dickey has been impressively consistent all season. Also, he is tops in wins, Ks, and WHIP, while also being top three in ERA.

-2nd Place: Kyle Lohse (STL)

Rookie of the Year: Wade Miley (ARI)

-Argument: This is an award that seemed destined for Bryce Harper’s mantle, but he has struggled mightily and Miley has been one of the main reasons why the Diamondbacks are still in the hunt. You could make an argument that he’s been their best pitcher this entire season.

-2nd Place: Todd Frazier (CIN)

Comeback Player of the Year: Buster Posey (SF)

-Argument: It took a while for him to find himself behind the dish and at the plate, but he is clearly locked in now. He has probably been the most impressive player in the NL for the second half of the season, and he could very well lead the Giants to another division title.

-2nd Place: Adam Wainwright (STL)

Those are my picks, but I am sure that you all have some strong opinions as well. Tweet @MLBFanCave and @KyleOKC with your award winners. We look forward to the banter.