2009 Award Predictions

Let's see how far off we can be this year!

American League

CY Young Award - There are plenty of names in contention for this one. Josh Beckett, Dice-K, and Roy Halladay chief among them. But this year's will be the Yankees very own CC Sabathia.

"When the change was made uptown And the big man joined the band"

The Yankees big man should compete for the pitching triple crown of wins, ERA, and strikeouts and help the Yankees back to the American League.

Rookie of the Year - There are a lot of good rookies out there. We can't wait to see how Elvis Andrus plays or when Matt Wieters makes his debut. Personally, we hope Brett Gardner has a big impact.

But the guy taking this award gave everyone a glimpse in last year's post-season. David Price will be back in the majors sooner rather than later and will be dominating before you know it.

MVP - This pick is really a crap shoot. You could just about throw any name out there and have a pretty good chance of picking the winner.

Our winner is, and we hope we're not jinxing him, Mark Teixeira. With Alex Rodriguez missing at least the first month of the season, the Yankees are going to need Tex to step up. Even though he's a slow starter, we expect him to be up to the task and keep the Yankees offense going.

Recent winners Dustin Pedroia and Justin Morneau will be in the mix, as will be Jason Bay and Josh Hamilton.

Manager of the Year - While we think the Yankees will rise back to the top, we don't expect Joe Girardi to get the credit for it. He'll hear the same line that Joe Torre did- anyone could have won with those guys. We're predicting Mike Scioscia will get the award for running away with the AL West despite a banged up rotation.

Comeback Player of the Year - Kris Benson, Rangers over Erik Bedard of the Mariners.


National League

CY Young Award - There are quite a number of pitchers to choose from- Cole Hamels, Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Jake Peavy, Roy Oswalt. But the best pitcher in baseball will win the NL CY Young- Johan Santana of the Mets. The Mets haven't had a winner since Doc Gooden in '85.

Rookie of the Year - There aren't too many too choose from right now, though that could change if players like the Mets' Jon Niese and/or Fernando Martinez is recalled. How much playing time will Colby Rasmus get in St. Louis?. The Braves' Jordan Schafer has already made an impact on the NL East race. But the winner will be the Cardinals catcher turned closer Jason Motte. The only thing better would be if he could catch his own pitches.

MVP - Another throw everything against the wall and see what sticks. We think Ryan Howard gets the award that we thought he would win last year. David Wright, Manny Ramirez, and Ryan Braun will all be in the mix.

Manager of the Year - We're going with a sentimental choice in Bobby Cox, who will have the Braves in competition in the NL East and wildcard right down to the final weeks of the season.

Comeback Player of the Year - Mark Prior, SD. Just 'cause we can't think of anyone else.