MLB First Quarter Awards

The first quarter of the MLB season has just wrapped up. That means it’s time to dish out first quarter awards:

NL MVP

Candidates:

J.J. Hardy (MIL-SS)
AVG: .312 OBP: .358 RBI: 39 HR: 9 SB: 0 Hits: 54 Runs: 28

Matt Holliday (Col-OF)
AVG: .351 OBP: .391 RBI: 32 HR: 8 SB: 2 Hits: 59 Runs: 24

Carlos Lee (Hou-OF)
AVG: .317 OBP: .348 RBI: 39 HR: 9 SB: 2 Hits: 51 Runs: 23

Derek Lee (ChC-1B)
AVG: .390 OBP: .463 RBI: 21 HR: 2 SB: 2 Hits: 55 Runs: 24

Hanley Ramirez (FLA-SS)
AVG: .342 OBP: .418 RBI: 8 HR: 5 SB: 15 Hits: 55 Runs: 38

Jose Reyes (NYM-SS)
AVG: .335 OBP: .407 RBI: 23 HR: 2 SB: 23 Hits: 58 Runs: 36

Winner: Jose Reyes

Hardy is undoubtedly the league’s most improved player, having bumped up his average up from .242 to .312 since last year. It’s tough splitting hairs between Reyes and Hardy but I have to go with Reyes here. The 23 stolen bases are what clinch it and it doesn’t hurt that in the last ten games the Mets are 8-2 compared to the Brewers 4-6.

AL MVP

Candidates:

Vladimir Guerrero (LAA-OF)
AVG: .341 OBP: .450 RBI: 37 HR: 10 SB: 1 Hits: 47 Runs: 23

Torii Hunter
AVG: .318 OBP: .346 RBI: 33 HR: 9 SB: 8 Hits: 48 Runs: 26

Derek Jeter
AVG: .367 OBP: .445 RBI: 21 HR: 2 SB: 4 Hits: 58 Runs: 25

Magglio Ordonez (Det-OF)
AVG: .342 OBP: .428 RBI: 38 HR: 9 SB: 0 Hits: 51 Runs: 33

David Oritz (Bos-1B)
AVG: .306 OBP: .424 RBI: 33 HR: 9 SB: 0 Hits: 45 Runs: 27

Alex Rodriguez (NYY-3B)
AVG: .310 OBP: .391 RBI: 39 HR: 15 SB: 3 Hits: 48 Runs: 35

Winner: Alex Rodriguez

A month ago this would have been a no-brainer but A-Rod seems to be mired in a May slump. Still, arguably the most impressive offensive month in the history of major league baseball is enough to nab A-Rod the MVP. Watch out for Ortiz to make a serious run at the award if the Red Sox keep up their hot start.

NL Cy Young

Candidates:

Francisco Cordero (Mil)
Wins: 0 ERA: 0.50 K: 25 K/BB: 3.57 WHIP: 0.67 SV: 16

Tim Hudson (Atl)
Wins: 5 ERA: 1.77 K: 43 K/BB: 3.31 WHIP: 0.92 SV: 0

Jake Peavy (SD)
Wins: 5 ERA: 1.64 K: 71 K/BB: 3.94 WHIP: 0.99 SV: 0

Winner: Jake Peavy

This guy doesn’t get the respect he deserves. Peavy had a four-week stretch (April 25th to May 11th) where he recorded double-digit strikeouts, including a 16 K two-hitter against the D-backs. If Peavy and Hudson stumble and Cole Hamels doesn’t continue his recent dominance, watch out for Cordero being in line to nab the award. After all, he’s only on pace for 64 saves.

AL Cy Young

Candidates:

Josh Beckett
Wins: 7 ERA: 2.66 K: 47 K/BB: 3.92 WHIP: 1.03 SV: 0

Dan Haren (Oak)
Wins: 3 ERA: 1.64 K: 48 K/BB: 3.43 WHIP: 0.96 SV: 0

John Lackey
Wins: 6 ERA: 2.43 K: 54 K/BB: 3.86 WHIP: 1.25 SV: 0

Winner: Dan Haren

A week ago this award would have been Beckett’s, but with a current stint on the DL it’s hard to ignore what Dan Haren has been able to accomplish so far this season. You’re probably wondering where Johan Santana is on this list but he hasn’t had a great first quarter (albeit over 60 K’s). Watch out for Johan to get his ERA down and nab another Cy Young.

10 Predictions

Cubs win NL Central
Roger Clemens’ ERA over 3.70
Yankees miss playoffs
Nationals finish with worst record
Johan Santana wins AL Cy Young
Dice-K wins 17 games
David Ortiz wins AL MVP
Bonds hits 756 on July 1st at home against the D-backs
Mets-Red Sox World Series
Joe Torre fired after season