National League Cy Young: R.A. Dickey, New York Mets
Where did this guy come from? I picked Clayton Kershaw to repeat as the NL Cy Young winner at the beginning of the year, but R.A. Dickey has been incredible. He recorded back-to-back 1-hitters in June against American League contenders Baltimore and Tampa Bay while striking out 25 in those two games. Dickey has had the knuckleball dancing all year long, and after climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro last winter, a Cy Young award would be an incredible way to cap off his year. He’s certainly earned it pitching for the Mets.
American League Cy Young: David Price, Tampa Bay Rays
Many thought the tall, lanky lefty had it won two years ago, but King Felix snatched that one out from under him. This year, Price seems the likely choice. He has quietly gone about his business down in Tampa, posting a stellar ERA and a 20-5 record over the course of the season. Verlander is still there this year after winning unanimously last year, but Price is my guy in 2012.
National League Most Valuable Player: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
McCutchen got off to a bit of a slow start, even though the Pirates didn’t. His first home run didn’t come until May 8. From there, McCutchen went off. He’s dominated National League pitching all year, hitting well over .300, while mixing contact hitting with the long ball. Oh, and he crossed home plate more than 100 times out of the three spot in the Pirates lineup. That’s just too impressive to pass up.
American League Most Valuable Player: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Triple Crown. That’s all that has to be said. But look at this for a second: nine full seasons between the Tigers and the Marlins and Miguel Cabrera has never taken home the MVP award. I have one question. How? All “Miggy” does is produce. Eight times he’s hit 30-plus home runs in a season. Nine times he’s gone over 100 RBI’s. Maybe voters overlook him because he produces so consistently year in and year out. I have no idea. I will never understand. But this year, there’s no question. Cabrera takes it home. 44 home runs. 139 runs batter in. .330 batting average. Those are monster numbers. Mike Trout had a great season, and he will get votes. But it’s Cabrera’s turn. Time to finally get the recognition he deserves.
National League Rookie of the Year: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals
I’m not very surprised the Washington Nationals won the National League East. I am surprised the Phillies were so terrible, but that’s not the point. Harper had a pretty good rookie year. Nothing close to Trout, but they’re in different leagues. The average lacked a little bit and the strikeouts climbed a bit high, but what do you expect from a rookie? He’s certainly provided a lot of excitement and drama for Washington. Get used to it. He’s here to stay.
American League Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
There isn’t a chance anyone else wins this award. Trout has this on lock. Yu Darvish had a good year, but Trout is in MVP conversations. Nobody in this category compares to the numbers Trout has put up this year. What’s even more impressive is the fact that Trout spent the first month of the season in the minor leagues.