Mid-Season Awards - American League

With the AL's 3-2 win over the NL in last night's All-Star game, the American League was once again awarded the home field advantage in this year's World Series. It was probably the least I've watched a game in a number of years. The game just doesn't have the same cache it once did. Even if, "this year it counts". I did manage to see Bud Selig's boring performance awarding Vera Clemente the commissioner's historic achievement award in honor of her late husband Roberto Clemente. And of course, I saw Mo nail down the win. With the 2nd half of the season starting up on Friday (whose idea was it to add another off-day?) it's time for the mid-season awards.

AL MVP

This is a pick that I would have not have expected to make prior to the season. The Boston Globe has been quick to anoint David Ortiz as MVP. While 31 home runs and 87 RBI are impressive, he was hitting .256 on June 10. Jon Papelbon has been the Sox MVP more than Ortiz. The Newark Star-Ledger gave the award to Manny Ramirez stating that except for home runs and RBI, he was having a better year than Ortiz.

The main point is that Ortiz and Manny have each other as well as a balance lineup. Jason Giambi gets some merit as well as his home runs, RBI, and OPS are tremendous. But Giambi was invisible in May. Reigning MVP Alex Rodriguez has struggled on and off. 2004 MVP Vlad Guerrero suffered through a horrible June. Jim Thome's bounce back year has been tremendous, but he is surrounded by an All-Star lineup.

The clear AL MVP for the first half is Derek Jeter. The Yankees sit just 3 back of Boston at the break despite not having Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield for the greater portion of the season. Jeter has stepped up his game in their absence and has even hit third in the order a number of times due to A-Rod's slump. Jeter is currently hitting .345-5-52 with 58 runs scored. He's on a pace to reach or top his career high of 102 RBI, the only time he has had more than 90 in a season. His 42 walks have led to a .427 OBP and is well above the pace for his average year of 63 walks. Jeter only stole 14 bases last year, but has already swiped 18 in 20 attempts. In addition he's moved runners over when needed with a bunt or by hitting to the right side. He's done everything offensively that anyone can ask for and has played a steady shortstop.

Runner Up- Jim Thome

AL CY YOUNG

The usual names are being thrown out there, and for the most part they all belong. Johann Santana, rookie sensation Francisco Liriano, Curt Schilling, Mike Mussina, Jon Papelbon, Kenny Rogers, Barry Zito, and more. The most consistent of all of them has been the Toronto Blue Jays Roy Halladay. Halliday is 12-2 with a 2.92 ERA. He leads the majors in victories and has walked just 16 hitters in 129 1-3 innings while striking out 72. He has the 2nd highest ground ball out total in baseball. Of his 18 starts, he's had 10 quality starts and has pitched past the 6th inning 12 times, including 3 complete games. Halladay is the first half winner, but he'll have trouble holding onto it for the year over Francisco Liriano

Runner Up - Francisco Liriano

AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Two players stand out as the cream of the crop and they are both on a pace for 20 win season. It's a more difficult choice than most realize since one isn't getting the major headlines the other is. That "other" is our choice for AL Rookie of the Year - Francisco Liriano. The Twins wanted to pattern Liriano's development after that of their other outstanding lefty Johann Santana. But after 12 relief appearances, the Twins quickly moved Liriano into a struggling rotation. As a reliever Liriano was 1-0 with 1 save and a 3.21 ERA. As a starter he's been lights out. His 10 starts have translated to a 9-1 record and a miniscule 1.36 ERA. In 66 innings pitched he's issued 19 walks while striking out 70. His overall mark of 10-1, 1.83 with a 0.97 ratio is phenomenal.

AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR

There's nothing up for debate here. The clear winner is Jim Leyland. The Detroit Tigers were not that bad under Alan Trammell, but no one could have foreseen their turnaround this year to the major's best record. The Tigers have plenty of talent especially in their starting rotation and bullpen and Leyland has injected a positive attitude that's infectious. The Tigers stand at 59-29, 2 games ahead of the White Sox.

Trammell definitely has to get some credit too. He took a team that won 43 games under him in 2003 and won 72 and 71 the last 2 seasons. But clearly Leyland has made a difference.

Runner Up - Joe Torre you try winning 50 games at the break with this team

AL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Another no-brainer. The award belongs to Jim Thome. Thome has already put up a year's worth of home runs and has really extended Chicago's lineup. Thome hit just .207 in an injury plagued 2005, but is batting .298 and has a staggering OPS of 1.065. He's also driven in 77 runs in 82 games. Oh, he's scored 69 too.