We have reached the All-Star break, so naturally, that means it is time for mid-season awards, beginning with the American League. Baseball fans please note, this is our best guess as to who we think are the best of the league at the break.
American League
MVP- Mark Trumbo/RF/DH/Baltimore Orioles: This is turning out to be one of the all time big off season steals. Trumbo, who was fleeced from the Mariners in a quiet trade late last year. He has played spectacularly, and has been the MVP of of the AL to this point, currently carrying a stat line of .288 batting average, 68 RBI’s, and 28 home runs.
CY Young- Chris Sale/SP/Chicago White Sox: Sale carries 14-3 record with a 3.38 ERA into the All Star break, and is about the only thing keeping the White Sox pitching staff afloat right now.
Rookie- Michael Fulmer/SP/Detroit Tigers: This has been a weak year for rookies in the American League, so Fulmer and his 9-2 record to go along with his 2.11 ERA get the nod.
Manager- Terry Francona/Cleveland Indians- This is an easy one. The Indians currently stand at 52-36, the second best record in the American League, and lead the Tigers by 6.5 in the AL Central going into the break, when a 4th place finish was their projection.
Biggest Surprise Team- Cleveland Indians- As stated above, the Indians are in first place in the AL Central and have the AL’s second best record. They are getting great starting pitching from Danny Salazar, Josh Tomlin, and Corey Kluber, who has returned to form.
Most Disappointing Team- Minnesota Twins– The Twins were expected to contend for a Wild Card. Instead, they got off to one of the most inexplicable starts in sports history. They have turned things in the right direction recently, but it is far too little, and way too late to change the outcome of their season. Still, I believe they will play much better in the second half.
National League
MVP- Daniel Murphy/2B/Washington Nationals: This is the “Mr. Obvious” award of 2016. Murphy carries a stat line of .348, 17 home runs, and 66 RBI’s into the break. Very easy choice here.
Cy Young- Johnny Cueto/SP/San Francisco Giants: This is the hardest award to hand out this season, as there are so many good choices, but Cueto has been the best. Cueto carries are 13-1 record with a 2.47 ERA into the All Star break.
Rookie- Aledmys Diaz/SS/St. Louis Cardinals- Diaz has been phenomenal filling in for Jhonny Peralta so far this season. Diaz carries a .315 batting average, 13 home runs and 48 RBI’s into the All Star break.
Manager- Don Mattingly/Miami Marlins- Donnie Baseball has led the Marlins to a 47-41 record, good for third place in the NL East.
Biggest Surprise Team- Miami Marlins- As stated above, the Marlins are 47-41, and in third place in the NL East. They appear to be the team in position to crash the party of all the teams not expected to when the season began.
Most Disappointing Team- Arizona Diamondbacks: They were supposed to finish second in the National League West, and finish as the second Wild Card team. Instead, they are 38-52, and their season is all but lost.
