AL & NL Awards Preview (MVP & Cy Young)

This year I am reviewing the five finalists for the big awards and recommending a winner. I will also name the two to three biggest snubs for each award (deserving players who were not finalists)


AL MVP Finalist (League Rank in brackets if within top 25):

1: Magglio Javier (Lou): 143 GP, 122 R (T-1), 48 HR (5th), 137RBI (1st), .340 AVG (4th), 1.063 OPS (1st)

My man-love for Magglio is well documented but once again is well founded. M. Javier is the only player in the league within the top 5 in the five major hitting categories. Additionally, Magglio bests the other four finalists in R, HR, RBI, SLG%, OPS.

2: Braden Cox (Min): 135GP, 118 R (5th), 43 HR (6th), 113 RBI (10th), .300AVG (19th), 1.000 OPS (2nd)

Cox’s MVP candidacy was hurt by a trip to the DL. Mind you despite the DL stint he only played in 8 less game than Magglio. Cox had solid numbers across the board plus 40+ SB. Making him the AL’s only 40-40. He would have received strong consideration for the MVP if Magglio didn’t better him in EVERY other hitting category (R, HR, RBI, AVG, OPS, SLG%, OPS)

3. Bruce Grey (Lou): 131 GP, 122 R (T-1), 26 HR (N/A), 87 RBI (N/A), .344 AVG, (3rd) .952 OPS (7th)

I don’t really think that Grey deserves to be a MVP finalist but WIS’s obsession with batting average over power ranks him in the top 5. Things working against Grey, low power numbers (HR, RBI) and the fact he wasn’t the most valuable player on his team. Things working for Grey only middle infielder on the list and did finish in the top 10 for R, AVG and OPS.

4. J. Zorilla 117 GP, 80 R (N/A), 18 HR (N/A), 89 RBI (N/A), .350 AVG, (1st) .952 OPS (4th)

Zorilla is an interesting candidate who had he played 130-140 games might have been battling Cox for number 2 on the list. Things working against Zorilla: low totals (R, HR, RBI) and low games played. Things working for Zorilla: Best hitter on AL’s best team and good percentages (AVG, OB%, OPS) plus a really cool last name. While Zorilla will miss out on the MVP he will most likely take home the ROY

5. Jerome Skrmetta (Chi): 162 GP, 96 R (19th), 25 HR (N/A), 109 RBI (12th), .345AVG (2nd ), .946 OPS (8th)

J. Skrmetta falls one spot behind Zorilla based on their teams’ respective places in the standings. Had Chicago’s and SF records been closer Skrmetta would have moved up 1-2 spots on the list. Skrmetta just missed out on making the top 25 in all five categories by 3 HR. A special note Skrmetta was the only candidate to play in every one of his teams’s games which is quite a feat.


Snubs: Julian Pisciotta (Ari): A victim of WIS’s love for batting average. His 54 HR and 129 RBI’s weren’t enough to overcome his .275 average (really not bad) to make the candidate list. Had he been a finalist I would have ranked him 3rd behind Cox and Javier.

D. Nelson (Tol) Just missed the cut due to his low batting average (.268). Would have been a solid 4th or 5th candidate for the award especially since Toledo hung around the playoff picture right till the end.

Nick Perkins (Van): Once again was a causality of the power vs. average divide that WIS and myself do not agree on. Based upon 49HR 127 RBI, Perkins would have been a solid finalist.


AL Cy Young.

1.Pete Daly (SF): 247 IP, 22W-1L, 222 K’s, 2.37 ERA

A early Bournigal injury opened the door for Daly and despite Feliepe’s best efforts I’d have to give the edge to Daly for his ridiculous W-L record and his league leading 11 CG. Mind you a 2.37 ERA and 222K’s don’t hurt.


2. Felipe Bournigal (SF): 225 IP, 21W-6L, 223 K’s 1.88 ERA

Once Bournigal retires Hunter’s Cy Young could be renamed the Felipe Bourigal but this season his teammate Daly edges him out……. barely. With that said Felipe does lead his teammate and the AL in both ERA and K’s. The additional 22 IP gives Daly the slight edge


3. Elvis Ogea (Wash): 255 IP, 21W-9L, 180 K’s, 2.82 ERA

Ogea rounds out the Big Three in the AL. Ogea along with Daly and Bournigal have been the class of the AL for many years. If Daly and Bournigal were to disappear Elvis would probably have 5 Cy Youngs on his mantle. Unfortunately, for Ogea they do exist and despite his fantastic numbers he will probably finish 3rd this season. Kudos to Ogea for leading the AL in IP.

4.Derek O’Keefe (Ari) 196 IP, 17W-5L, 178 K’s 2.77 ERA

O’Keefe was a big FA signing for the Arizona franchise and he has lived up to his contract during his first season in the AL. O’Keefe put together a great season but is bested by the 3 men in front of him.

5. Aaron Estes (Lou): 209 IP, 18W-4L, 143 K’s 3.27 ERA

Estes and O’Keefe will be tied together over the length of their contracts. A Ari-Lou trade prior to FA sent Estes to Louisville and opened up enough cap room to allow Arizona to sign O’Keefe. One of those rare deals where both teams love the outcome. Estes’ low K rate and slightly worse ERA keeps him from leapfrogging O’Keefe

Honourable Mention:

Mike Eckstein (Paw): Eckstein is 3rd in the AL in ERA but due to reduced stamina this veteran has only pitched 161 innings this season. Which is what keeps him out of the top 5. However, Eck is also tied to Estes and O’Keefe. Louisville allowed Eck to leave as a FA after trading for Estes to fill his rotation spot. Which makes that trade a win-win-win.

A. Feliz (Tol): Put together a good season overall but numbers fell slightly below all the players listed in the top 5.


NL MVP (League Rank in Brackets if top 25):

1. : Garret Biggio (San Jaun) 154GP, 153 R (2nd), 42 HR (13th), 165 RBI (1st), .325 AVG (9th), 1.002 OPS (9st)

Of the finalists two teammates are vying for the top spot. Based on my preference of power to average Biggio edges out his teammate Bolivar for the top spot but only by the slightest of margins. Biggio lead the NL in RBI’s and finished in the top 15 for all five categories. While Biggio is the best of the finalist he would have been pushed by the biggest snub of the year (will comment on more later).

2. A. Bolivar (San Jaun): 157 GP: 160 R (1st), 20 HR (N/A), 92 RBI (N/A), .387 AVG (1st), 1.019 (4th)

The reigning MVP had a better season total’s wise but was just nipped by his teammate. Last year Boliver batting .400 which caught the voters’ attention this season I think his teammates power numbers overcome Bolivar’s world leading average. With that said Bolivar’s numbers do carry some extra weight as they were generated from the SS position.

3. E. Molina (Aug): 162 GP: 141 R (3rd), 29 HR (N/A), 113 RBI (23rd), .301 AVG (24th), 0.906 (22nd)

Molina’s numbers are very similar to Bolivar with Molina’s power numbers fairing out slightly better while losing average by a large margin to Bolivar. The reason why Molina grabs the 3rd spot is on top of finishing in the top 25 in 4/5 categories he also added 92 SB to the cause. Making him the most well rounded MVP candidate.

4. N. Aldrige (SLC): 162 GP: 113 R (17th), 37 HR (23rd), 120 RBI (15th), .305 AVG (T-20), 1.008 (5th)

Alrdige’s first season in SLC was a definite success. Alridge gave steady production across all 5 categories. However, unlike the candidates ahead of him Ned lacks the a “trademark” stat.


5. J. P. Mercedes (AUG): 162 GP: 109R (T-20), 30 HR (N/A), 126 RBI (12th), .320 (11th), .911 OPS (11th)

Much like Alridge, Mercedes put up solid numbers across the board. He just missed going 5 for 5 in the major categories. For this reason Alridge nips him for the 4th spot.


Snubs:
Frank Zhang (Col): The snub or all snubs. Zhang wasn’t a borderline finalist. He was a bonefide MVP contender had he made the top 5 list he would have had a strong chance of walking away with the trophy. His limited GP (123) seem to be the only fault on this stat line. However with a line of 130 R 65 HR 131 RBI .345 AVG the low number of games shouldn’t have mattered.

Singling out a 2nd snub in the NL is extremely difficult given the NL’s offensive tendencies. However the following players swatted 50 HR while batting .300 which would have made them all good candidates: Jason Hutton (Col), E. Johnson (Col), T. McRae (SFE)



NL Cy Young

1. K. Coleman (TUC) 217 IP, 16W-7L, 182 K’s, 3.09 ERA

The team changed but the fantastic numbers didn’t. Coleman was the only finalist to finish in the top 10 for ERA, K’s and W’s. Which is enough to get this owner’s vote. In addition his 217 IP were also the most for any pitcher on this list.

2. J. Urbina (Col) 207 IP, 18W-5L, 145 K, 3.91 ERA

Urbina like Coleman was a finalist last season. Urbina trials Coleman in ERA, K’s and IP, while Urbina did generate a great ERA for Coors it should be pointed out that Coleman’s homepark is almost as hitter friendly as Coors.

3. M. Daniels (SJ) 152 IP, 23W-4L, 117 K, 4.2 ERA

Daniels put together an absurd record for a reliever however his higher ERA and 25% less innings have him fall behind Coleman and Urbina. However, as the NL’s only 20 game winner he is definitely a worthy finalist.



4. M. Bennet (Cha) 73 IP, 3W-8L, 54 SVs, 56 K’s, 3.54 ERA

Bennet is going to win the fireman of the year award and is a deserving winner. However, despite his 54 SV’s I am biased against relievers in the Cy Young race. I am consistant though. I ranked my own D. Cota last out of the finalists last season when he made the AL Cy Young list.

5. V. Davidson (Col) 129 IP, 11W-9L, 26 SV, 122K’s, 4.72 ERA

It seems as though WIS tried to make up for snubbing the Col hitters by adding Davidson to the finalist list. While Davidson had a good year none of his numbers scream CY Young. There were several more deserving starters. In the end Colorado suffered the biggest award snub and most generous nomination. However, I’m guessing Leppy would gladly trade Davidson’s finalist status to get Zhang on the MVP list.

Honorabe Mention:

V. Guardado (Cha): Guardado lead the NL in ERA and finished in the top 10 for IP, W and K’s. Yet somehow could not make the list. After Zhang’s omission this is the most curious one. Had he made the finalist he would have edged Urbina for the 2nd spot while pushing Coleman for the award.

P. Ontiveros (Aug): Finished 2nd in NL ERA and like Guarado put up strong cross category stats. Would have pushed Bennett and Daniels for the 3rd or 4th spot.

Owner Profile: leppykahn

We all know Leppykahn as the fearless commissioner of our beloved world. His record with the Colorado Blasters is impeccable putting up 100+ win seasons every year, except season 1, and he's on pace to do it again this season. Plus he has those two little World Series Championships to his name. He's also the commissioner of the Bo Jackson World and plays in 6 others (with another WS in Joey Belle). Clearly, he's not married.

Below, Leppy claims to be in Mensa but I'm skeptical. He can't be very smart if he agreed to answer my dumb questions, right? Decide for yourselves.

Is leppykahn your real name?
Yes, it is. Leppy D. Kahn. The D is for danger. Actually, my name is RJ. My user name is basically a combination of genetic background (Scotch, Irish) and my love of the mongols/conquering (Genghis). I think a little part of me hopes that every time someone sees it, they picture a leprechaun burning villages to the ground.

What are your vitals?
I'm about to turn the big 30 in June. Have been living in San Diego for about 4 years now. I have yet to be baited into marriage. Currently I'm working in computers (non interesting stuff), but have an idea to start my own company soon, could be big. I went to college at University of Nevada (Reno). I grew up in central Nevada. You might ask, what's in central Nevada? The answer, not much.

What are your favorite real-life sports teams or players?
I'm kind of a transplant of several places, and picked up teams as I went along. Love the A's, Diamondbacks, Padres, Suns, Raiders...It's funny how the locals hate Raider fans so, talking about some stabbing that happened years ago at a single game. My favorite player ever is Bo Jackson (hence the name of the other world I commish). Some of the others are Barry Sanders, Reggie Miller, Shaq, and of course, Kevin Johnson. An aunt of mine used to work for the Suns back in the day, and got me hooked on them. I have an autographed card around here somewhere. Hopefully this is the year for them!

Why WIS?
I heard about Gridiron Dynasty, and came by to check it out, only to find out that I'd already set up a user name and forgotten about it. Then, when HBD started, you'd have a hard time keeping me away. I've always fancied myself as a coach/scout/general manager, and the ability to do that in a baseball game really appealed to me.

Why did you create Hunter? Why do you stay?
I was trying to keep with the "last name of hall of famer" thing when I created it, and chose someone who I always respected. I stay because it's so fun to beat you all down season after season. When it comes down to it, this is probably my favorite team of all of them that I have, not coincidentally, it's also my first team.

How on earth do you manage 8 teams?
It gets a little difficult at times...like not having a good notification of when the draft pool is up and/or ready...I've missed a few of those. But, for the most part, I check every cycle, and the maintenance isn't too bad. My teams run pretty similarly, and I'm patient with my players unless I'm expecting them to do better than they are, and then I shuffle it up a bit. It's not so bad when the computer manages your minors.

Is there a team in Hunter you especially love to beat (or hate to lose to)?
Not really, I've been on the top so long, it's hard to form a rivalry. Nobody has consistently taken me out that I note. In other worlds, I have some rivalries, but the NL has 4-5 good teams a season, that we all take turns beating each other up.

What was your favorite (or least favorite) trade or transaction in Hunter?
My least favorite trade is easily the Andruw Allen for T.J Croushere trade in Season 5. I guess we all know the back story on that one, where bearclaws wanted an ace, and picked out Croushere to request. Later, after everyone threw a fit, I gave him Allen straight up for Croushere.

What's the deal with your team nickname?
We (the Colorado management) wanted something to demonstrate how many homeruns we were intending to hit.

When you aren't WISing, what do you do?
Video games, manage an adult kickball league (www.kickball.com), have an active role in Mensa. Other than that, I do a lot of things, spend a lot of time at the beach, love bowling, gambling, fantasy sports, video games, painting, pet projects, etc. Kind of silly I know, but I don't think I've turned on my TV other than to play video games or watch a sporting event for at least 2 years. I also don't really read, it tends to seem like a waste of time to me. Musically, I'm very diverse, even play a little bit.

Editor's Note: When you ask people for pictures of themselves, you must be prepared for what they might send.

Arizona Rattlers Top 5 Prospects

Sorry this took so long matrat, but here you go.

Sorry my wifes computer is messing up, so the links are not working, I will update that later.

1.  Wesley Shields - SP    Wesley could turn into a solid starting pitcher with great control, solid splits and a great ability to keep the ball in the park.   He looks to be about 3 years from becoming major league ready.

2.  Yorvit Alomar - RP    Yorvit is a closer in waiting.   He should be able to get the two inning save and still pitch the next night.   His great splits along with two solid pitches should allow him to be a top 10 closer.   He is in the majors to stay.

3.   Vin Maduro - SP   Vin could be a very good pitcher if his control could improve.   He has solid splits, along with two very solid pitches.   He should hit the majors in about two seasons.

4.   Walt Tucker - SP   Walt could be a good #3/4 pitcher but his splits are not great and his pitches are just average.   He could develop good control which could make him a decent pitcher.   If his control improves quickly, he could be in the majors in 3 years.

5.  Ray Becker - RP    Ray will never become great, but could become serviceable.   He has decent splits but no good pitches.   He could be ML ready by next season.

The Rattlers are pretty weak in position players, but do have some decent pitching depth.   They are going to need a lot of work to get the cupboard filled again.

New York Metropolitans top 10 prospects

1. Piper Torres SP - Piper is hands down the top rated prospect in the organization, ownership placed Torres on the "No Trade" list back in season 5 when he was only 19 y.o. Piper has ACE type stuff written all over him and is expected to crack the Mets starting rotation mid S9 or start of s10.

2. Gary Andrews RP - "One man bullpen" is the #2 prospect in the organization, at only 20 y.o. Gary is also on the "No Trade" list. He was a 1st round pick in S6 and is already pitching at AAA, in 4 games at AA this season he posted 0.13 WHIP. Andrews should develop into a superb ML closer with the ability to pitch 150+ innings per season.

3. Carlton York RP - This prospect is projected to have the entire package, there seems to be no weak spots that hitter could exploit. Carlton is 21 y.o. and has at least another full season of development but he is one of the main pieces in future plans.

4. Tony Martin RP - Tony was signed as a IFA back in S4 when he was only 18 y.o., since than he has developed into one the best relievers in AAA. Martin is almost where the coaches want him and he may even crack the ML pitching staff this season.

5. Emil Manzanillo 1B - Emil is the top hitting prospect on the list and has the talent to become a force at the ML level. He was signed as IFA in S6 with a 10M Bonus but if everything goes right he'll be worth every penny. Emil swings with a lot of power and is capable of hitting both R and L pitchers very well, he also has very good eye. At only 20 y.o. he has at least another full seasons in the minors before seeing any ML time.

6. Louie Cruz SS - Cruz was acquired this season and has already became a major piece for the future plans at SS. Louie displays a magical glove with good range and arm, he also has lightning speed, good eye and swing a better than average bat. Currently 21 y.o. playing at AAA he's at least a full season away from seeing any ML action.

7. Cesar Acevedo SS - Second SS on the list who will fight Cruz for the future ML SS position. Cesar was the 1st round pick last season but couldn't make up his mind to sign until there were only 2 weeks left in S7. With those defensive abilities and a very heavy bat it should be no surprise Acevedo is on list at 19 y.o., he should develop into a very good ML SS.

8. Rondell Brock SP - Brock was acquired via trade last season and quickly made a name for himself. He's 22 y.o. currently pitching at AAA but would be the next starter called up if that need arises. Rondell is scouted to be a good #3 or #4 type starter but if injury gods are good we won't see him at the ML level for another year.

9. Gregg Mecir RF - Gregg is the oldest on the list at 28 y.o., maybe he isn't even a prospect anymore but with no room at the ML level Mecir has to wait another year at AAA. He's currently hitting .340 in AAA and is more than ready to step up and play at the ML level.

10. Phil O'Leary C - Phil is a 25 y.o. catcher mostly know for his heavy bat, currently hitting .408 at AAA he's more than ready for ML. He has good defencive skills and has the talent to contribute to the ML team in the near future.

Season 8 Power Rankings - Top 10

Since we’re only 21 games into season 8 not much has changed from last season, I also used S7 as part of the equation. The next power rankings at the all star break will be based entirely on season 8 and will be much more in depth. This is just season introduction as it's really hard to base everything on 20 games.

1. San Francisco Night Demons (+1) – No surprises here, back to back champs are looking for their 3rd straight title. In the first 21 games of season 8 the Night Demons posted AL best 16-5 record and are the favorite by a mile to win the S8

WS.

2. New York Metropolitans (+1) – S7 NL Champs started season 8 with a 16-5 mark (best in NL) and look like they’re hungry for more than a WS visit. New York lost a huge piece of the puzzle when K. Coleman departed for Tucson but

the resent accusation of SP H. Wasdin makes it a lot less painful.

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3. Charlotte Fat Nasty (-2) – This team took NY to 7 games in last seasons NLCS and is looking to go even farther this season. This is one of the most talented teams in Hunter from top to bottom. Charlotte lost their ace D. O’Keefe to Arizona and slugger A. Hanley to Salt Lake but with the young talent available it may be a good thing.

4. Augusta Caesars (-1) – The move from STL to Augusta didn’t seem to affect how this team performs on the field, their 13-7 start shows that they’re back and hungry for more. As every previous season, this franchise is always there at the end and it doesn’t look like that will change any time soon.

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5. San Juan TCB (+1) – This team may challenge Charlotte for the NL South crown, yes they’re that good.

6. Louisville Sluggers (+3) – This team moved up the most spots since last seasons power ranking, posting a 15-6 mark in the first 21 games is what made it happen. Last season this team underperformed and it may be one of the biggest surprises this season.

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7. Washington D.C. Generals (E) – Washington is another franchise that seems to find a way to be one of the teams standing at the end of every single season. The Generals are already showing off their pitching staff in this young season and should be one of the favorites for the AL crown.

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8. Colorado Blasters (-3) – Just as last season, they're not to a great start but to count this team out a lot more will have to happen. The Blasters dropped 3 spots because of their weak start but they're packed from top to bottom, and I think everyone will agree when I say Colorado has one of the best if not the best offense in Hunter.

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9. Burlington Black Sox (-1) – Burlington posted 12-9 record so far this season dropping them 1 spot from last seasons PR. As in many previous seasons the Black Sox pitching staff is always good, this season they're posting a 1.22 WHIP so far.

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10. Pawtucket Patriots (F) – Pawtucket closes the top 10, new ownership and the franchise move seem to be working. So far the Patriots have a 15-6 record but will need to prove a lot more to stay or move up in the rankings.

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Buffalo Nickles and Tucson Shockers aren't far from cracking the top 10.