First Half Awards: NL

With it being a little more than the mid-point for the 2009 baseball season, it’s time for my annual first half awards. We start today with the NL.

MVP: Albert Pujols (STL)- I don’t think there is any surprise here. Pujols has a legitmate shot at the triple crown this year. If he was surrounded by a better lineup, it’s scary to think of the better numbers he might put up.

Cy Young: Dan Haren (ARI)- Another no doubter. He is the best pitcher in all of baseball this season.

Reliever of the Year: Francisco Rodriguez (NYM)- One of the only sure things on the Mets, K-Rod has successfully taken his dominant stuff to the National League. Now, if he just stopped making a fool out of himself with his ridiculous celebrations after saving a game, everything would be perfect.

Rookie of The Year: Cody Rasmus (STL)- This soon to be 23-year old center fielder is coming along very nicely for the Cardinals.

Comeback Player of The Year: Todd Helton (COL)- After a shortned 2008 season, Helton is back to his old self mashing the ball. He is two games away from matching the number of games he played last season.

Manager of The Year: Bruce Bochy (SF)- Coming into the season I knew the Giants pitching would be good, but I didn’t think the Giants had enough in other areas to be competitive. I was wrong as the Giants lead the Wild Card race and are competitive in a pretty tough division this year. Have to give Bochy credit, especially with the offense he has.

Top 5 First Basemen

This category was hard to narrow down to the top 5, but number 1 was pretty easy.

1. Albert Pujols (STL)- I don’t think there is any real argument here. Pujols is not only the best first baseman but arguebly the best player in the majors. If there is one batter I want up most in an at bat, it’s definitely Pujols.

2. Mark Teixiera (NYY)- It gets a little crowded after number 1, but I do believe Teixiera is the next best. His great offensive numbers along with his gold glove defense, make him my next pick in who I would want on my team to play first base after Mr. Pujols.

3. Miguel Cabrera (DET)- Since being traded to Detroit, I feel you hear a lot less about how great a hitter Cabrera is. Make no mistake, he is an extraordinary hitter. The last time Cabrera had less than 110 RBIs and under 26 homers was in his rookie year where in 314 ABs he hit 12 HRs and 62 RBIs.

4. Justin Morneau (MIN)- Probably will end up being the greatest Canadian first baseman ever. He has great skills all around, similar to Teixeira. However, I think Morneau is only slightly below Tex and Cabrera.

5. Ryan Howard (PHI)- Howard is an absolute beast at the plate. In the last three seasons Howard has jacked 153 HRs and has 431 RBIs. the only issue with him not being higher on the list is his low average and striking out nearly 200 times every season.

Who Wants A Halladay?

Everyone is trying to figure out trade scenarios for Roy Halladay. It’s funny when just because a GM, in this case Toronto GM J.P Ricciardi, says he would listen to offers, everybody automatically thinks that player will be traded. In reality all GM’s listen to offers, they wouldn’t be doing their job if they didn’t. I don’t believe Halladay will be traded unless the Jays are like Ricciardi says, “Blown away” by an offer.

Halladay is under contract until after the 2010 season for only around $15 million.  He also has a no-trade clause which makes him harder to deal. If the Blue Jays didn’t have so many injuries to their starting staff, they probably would be a serious contender in the AL. Next season it could all come together for the Jays.

With that said, let’s assume that the Jays are serious about trading their ace. I’m sure most of the real contenders in the MLB are interested.  With the cost it would take in prospects and in a new contract, I’m going to knock a few teams out. I think the most serious teams will be the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, and Rangers.

1. Phillies- I think the most likely and sensible destination for Halladay. The Phillies need starting pitching desperately to be a serious contender for a repeat. Halladay would give them a dominant starter that is better than Santana. The Jays would be able to trade Halladay out of their league. The two issues are whether Halladay would want to go to Philly and pitch in a hitter friendly park and whether the Phils are willing to part with enough to get him. I think the Phillies should do whatever it takes to get him.

2. Rangers- The Rangers have been desperate for years to get good starting pitching and I think they are definitely willing to take the extra step to acquire great pitching. The Rangers certainly have the prospects to land Halladay. Much like the Phillies, a major issue is whether Halladay would want to pitch in Texas. If the Jays trade in the AL, I can definitely see Texas as a landing spot.

3. Mets- They are desperate for pitching and adding a star to their fading team.  I just think there is anything in the Mets system worthwhile. All their top prospects have really struggled on major level. They might push hard but I don’t think they have enough.

4. Red Sox- I can see the Sox also pushing hard for this. They have pitching depth, but I think they would trade some of their young top pitchers for another ace. I think adding Halladay would make Boston unstoppable and as close to an automatic for the World Series as possible. I just highly doubt that the Jays would trade within the division.

5. Yankees- After the homeruns that Halladay gave up last week, I don’t think Halladay would like to pitch in the new Yankee Stadium more often. Also, like the Sox I don’t think the Jays would trade to a division rival.  The Yankees will pursue hard like they always do for available stars, if only to make it harder for the Sox to acquire him. However, the Yanks passed on a younger Santana for a package of prospects that wouldn’t compare to what it would take to get Halladay. That said, I believe Halladay is better than Santana and like I said with Boston, would make the Yankees an unstoppable championship force.

All in all I don’t think the Jays will trade Halladay. In fact an extension wouldn’t surprise me. If next season they are out of it by the trade deadline, then I can see him being traded. If you forced me to pick a place for Halladay, I would say Philadelphia.

No Saving The Mets

Let’s just get this out there, the Mets are a horrible team. The injuries are a primary reason, I give them credit for hovering around .500 with who they have currently starting. I said it at the start of the season that these Mets weren’t a good team, and if the the NL East wasn’t a joke, the Mets would be completely buried. Now, I know many Mets fans who are saying once the hurt players are healthy and/or trades are made, the Mets will be atop the NL again. Two issues with that, I don’t think a healthy team will help this current team and the Mets don’t have enough to trade for to plug up this teams massive holes.

I’m sure Mets fans would go crazy on me saying that a healthy team wouldn’t make this team a top contender in the NL. Of course they would be better, just not great and here’s why. Let’s take a look at the disabled list talent:

1B: Carlos Delgado- Delgado won’t be back until August, the earliest. Everyone is counting on Delgado because of his great second half last season. Delgado is 37 and has been on the decline for several years, I didn’t even think he would have a great year this season even if he was completely healthy. You must be nuts to think that Delgado can be 37 and come back from a hip injury and be a incredible hitter imediately. Look at A-Rod and how long it took him to bounce back from his hip injury, and Delgado is not even close to the talent A-Rod is. So, Delgado might be able to contribute around September and by that time it will be too late for the Mets.  I doubt Delgado will contribute much, if anything, this year to the Mets, and that will probably be the end of Delgado’s career as a Met.

SS: Jose Reyes- The spark plug for the Mets. The Mets probably miss Reyes the most. He is one of the Mets’ injured players who I think would obviously help the offense when he returns after the All-Star break. So there is no arguement here from me.

CF: Carlos Beltran- Much like Reyes, the Mets offense needs him. Beltran and Wright are the centerpieces to the lineup and without them who will drive in the runs? As long as Beltran’s injury isn’t too serious, Beltran is a necessity for the offense.

SP: John Maine- A few years ago before the 2007 season, I really liked Maine. He didn’t have too good of a 2008 season and has been bad so far this season. Injury or not it doesn’t matter, Maine is simply not good this season and barely helps the Mets. He is better than Tim Redding though, but so is anyone else.

SP: Oliver Perez- I said at the start of the season Perez was a bad mistake for the Mets and he is. Perez isn’t on the team because he was horrible.  I would never want Perez starting on my team. The Mets should of sprang for an extra few bucks and got Lowe instead of signing Perez. Perez can’t start or relieve, he’s useless.

SU: JJ Putz- I am going to go under the assumption that the only reason Putz had was struggling before the injury was because he was pitching with a hurt elbow and not that he is just bad this year or not comfortable with not closing. Then this is hurtful for the Mets, because it obviously damages the bridge to K-Rod. But I still need proof that Putz can set up healthy, because he has been one of the worst set-up men in baseball when he was active.

On to the Trade theory. The Mets need to get at least 3 players via trade to put in a serious plug to there bullet hole ridden dam. They need 2 bats and at least 1 top starter. However, the Mets hardly have enough to get 1 good player in a trade. There isn’t much in their farm system and their so called “top” prospects have not done well on the Major League level. Fernando Martinez still can develop into a star as everyone has projected and Bobby Parnell is still a pretty good young bullpen arm. You better believe that teams know how desperate the Mets are and how weak their farm system is. They will of course demand those guys to give up a decent starting player. That will mean the Mets have to sell these young guys real low for a Adam Dunn type player, mortgaging the future during a year where they in all probability will not make the playoffs. The Mets could of got Mark De Rosa for Parnell and turned that down, so do you think they would trade Martinez for a Dunn? Adam Dunn  alone wouldn’t do anything for the Mets, he’s not a Albert Pujols or A-Rod type superstar, he hits 40+ homers, walks and strikes out 200 times and hits .240 every year. How much would that greatly help the Mets?

If the Mets would of taken advantage of the weakened free agent market last winter, they might not have this issue. They could of got Dunn, Bobby Abreu and Orlando Hudson for about $20 million. Even Pudge was cheaply available and would of definitely been better than starting Brian Schneider at catcher. That coupled with Lowe or Burnett over Perez and maybe picking up Pedro Martinez or Paul Byrd mid season and the Mets might be in a better position come All-Star Break. But Minaya dropped the ball or it could be the Wilpon’s not wanting to add payroll, either way the Mets don’t have enough talent where it counts to be good this year. I’ll leave the bullpen alone, but the offense and starting pitching is bad.

Reyes and Beltran are the only injured players I think would help the offense healthy. That gives you Wright, Reyes, and Beltran as solid pieces in the lineup. The rest of the team is AAA. You are just asking for trouble letting Sheffield play the outfield, especially in Citi Field, and playing him everyday. That will show in the second half, Sheffield is a role player or DH at most, not a starter. Castillo is terrible and he is only starting because of his contract. There is no offense at first, catcher, second, right, or left. Now let’s say they can get Dunn or Aubrey Huff. That’s Reyes, Wright, Beltran, and Huff or Dunn. Not a playoff caliber offense when the starting pitching is bad as it is.

Other than Johan Santana, who are you comfortable starting a big game. Pelfey is a decent fourth starter, he might be better if he could last deeper in games. Livan Hernandez is a veteran and has pitched well for the Mets, I don’t believe for a second that he can keep this up all season. But, Henandez is a solid fourth or fifth starter, especially when the Mets didn’t expect much out of him. Fernando Nieve is Fernando Nieve for a reason, this won’t last either. Maine is a fifth starter, Perez shouldn’t ever start and the only thing Tim Redding can win in is a Kevin Youkilis look-a-like contest.

If I’m the Mets, I wait out the injuries and see where the Phillies are. Can’t afford another Kazmir type trade. A trade that won’t give up too much prospect wise, I would do.  I would also try to sign either Pedro Martinez or Paul Byrd because either would be a better choice to the rotation than Maine, Perez or Redding. But after this season, if the playoffs are missed once again, I would break this team up. Only making veterans Wright and Santana untouchable.

All in all I believe the Phillies worst days are behind them and the Mets missed there chance, the Phils will still win this division.

Swinging & Spinning

I can do this easy. Found this on CollegeHumor.com.

more about “Swinging & Spinning“, posted with vodpod

Top 5: Catchers

Next up my top 5 catchers in the game. Same criteria in ranking as the pitchers, only offense gets an obvious edge over defense.

1. Joe Mauer (MIN)- I don’t think there is any question for this one. Mauer is one of the best players in the game. Mauer wins batting titles, which is very rare for catchers to do. The power is coming along also. The Twins have to give Mauer whatever he wants when he becomes a free agent, because catchers like Mauer don’t come along very often.

2. Victor Martinez (CLE)- Martinez is another fantastic offensive catcher. The Cleveland offense depends on Martinez to produce. The Indians suffered last season when Martinez was hurt. Martinez also does a great job throwing out a runner. If he can repeat his offensive numbers of 07, he is without a doubt the second best catcher in the league.

3. Brian McCann (ATL)- The Braves seem to produce some good catchers the last few years. McCann is the best catcher in the NL and he can hit as good as Martinez. McCann is good for a .300 batting average, 20+ home runs and 90 RBIs. McCann is one of the few bright offensive lights for the Braves and should be the starting catcher in the 09 All-Star game for the NL.

4. Jorge Posada (NYY)- An old-school favorite. Posada is getting up there in age (38 in August) and has had shoulder issues in the last couple of years which has hurt his defense a bit, but when Posada is healthy he’s great offensively and as clutch as anyone in the league. Before Mauer, Posada was the best in the league. Even now, he is still in the top 5.

5. Russell Martin (LAD)- The best Canadian catcher I’ve seen in a while. While on a lower level than the above four, Martin is still a great catcher. He’s struggling so far this year offensively, but I’m sure his numbers will improve by the end of the season. Martin also may be the fastest catcher in the game (sorry Jason Kendall).

Top 5: Starting Pitchers

I will be doing a 10 part post on who I think are currently the top 5 players at their respective positions in MLB. The positions will be Starting Pitcher, Closer, Catcher, First Base, Second Base, Third Base, Shortstop, Left Fielder, Center Fielder, Right Fielder. I will take into consideration some recent past years and this year, not just previous years and not just this season so far. This means no Zack Greinkes or Raul Ibanezs will be making the list. So, for the first post, the top 5 starting pitchers.

1. Roy Halladay (TOR)- It was hard to pick between him and Santana, very close.  I’ve said it many times before, Halladay is probably the most under appreciated pitcher in the game for the last 10 years. I don’t know if people fully realize how dominate this guy really is, and in the AL no less. Halladay is a throwback to a previous era, where pitchers can be terrifying to face and will pitch multiple complete game shut outs a year.  If there was one pitcher I could choose to pitch one game, no doubt in my mind it would be Roy Halladay.

2. Johan Santana (NYM)- I have no problem with people who say Santana is the best in the game. In every significant pitching category since 2004, Santana is virtually number 1 in all of them. But, I believe Santana benefits from being in the National League and in a pitchers park in both Shea Stadium and new Citi Field. In his last year in the AL, 2007, Santana had a 3.33 ERA and gave up 33 HRs. He is of course still a dominant pitcher, but I give Halladay the edge because he is so dominant in a better offensive league.

3.  CC Sabathia (NYY)- I don’t think many people can argue with Sabathia in the top 3. Some even say he’s the best. Sabathia has been one of the best pitchers in the game the last two seasons. He’s had some recent struggles in New York, but has looked like his CY Young self in his last few starts. I think Halladay, Santana, and Sabathia are on one level and every other pitcher on a lower level than those three.

4. Tim Lincecum (SF)- The youngest pitcher on my list. I put him up this far because simply this kid is incredible. He was well deserving of his CY Young last year and has the stuff in 2009 to win it again. In two years, I could see him being the best pitcher in the game, that’s if his delivery doesn’t lead to a lot of time on the DL.

5. Jake Peavy (SD)- Peavy is one of the most talented pitchers in the game. He just needs to not pitch in the World Baseball Classic, because it seems to screw up his season. The biggest question to his talents is if would he pitch as good as he does away from the NL and PETCO Park?

My AL All-Star Starters

Yesterday, I posted my NL starters, now it’s time for my AL starters.

Catcher: Joe Mauer, MIN

First Base: Mark Teixeira, NYY

Second Base: Ian Kinsler, TEX

Third Base: Evan Longoria, TAM

Shortstop: Jason Bartlett, TAM (But if he can’t start because of injury, I choose Derek Jeter, NYY).

Outfielders:

Jason Bay, BOS

Torii Hunter, LAA

Carl Crawford, TAM

Starting Pitcher: Roy Halladay, TOR

The fan voting in the AL for starters is more accurate than in the NL voting. They falter in the outfield voting a bit with Josh Hamilton and Ichiro being in the top three. For me, it was close at two positions, first and pitcher. I gave Teixeira the edge because I think he is better defensively and offensively than Morneau and will have better numbers by the break. I gave Halladay the start over Greinke because I believe Halladay is the best pitcher in the AL and will only improve, while Greinke will average out a little more by the break.

My NL All-Star Starters

My biggest issue for the All-Star game is the fans voting. They constantly pick the wrong people (i.e Jason Varitek last season). I believe baseball writers should only be allowed to vote, especially if the All-Star game is going to matter. So, the following ballplayers are who I would start in the 2009 All-Star Game.

Catcher: Brian McCann, ATL

First Base: Albert Pujols, STL

Second Base: Orlando Hudson, LAD

Third Base: David Wright, NYM

Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, FLA

Outfielders:

Raul Ibanez, PHI

Carlos Beltran, NYM

Ryan Braun, MIL

Starting Pitcher: Johan Santana, NYM

Major League Annoyances

To pass some time this afternoon I’m going to do a little rant of what annoys me in baseball. This is in now particular order, and I may be missing a few things.

-The fact that so much has been taken away from the pitchers. Ballparks are smaller. Batters are allowed to where battlefield armor so they can crowd the plate. They can’t throw inside if there already has been a warning, sometimes even if he hasn’t thrown at anyone.

-Umpires who believe people are watching the game because of them. I’m tired of hearing exaggerated strike calls or seeing umps itching to throw someone out of the game for doing the smallest infraction.

-People who say there shouldn’t be instant replay because human error is part of the game. Okay, let’s see how you would react if a game winning homerun during game-7 of the World Series was taken away from your team how quick you would to say that again. Accuracy is way more important to me than the history of human error. I believe instant replay should be utilized for everything, except balls & strikes. Now, for other than homerun calls, I think the instant replay should only be used if a manager decides he wants a call reviewed. It would be a system like challenges in the NFL. Each manager gets only two replay review challenges a game.

-Much like Yankee broadcaster Michael Kay, I can’t stand people who go off about broadcasters or other people jinxing the game or players.  It’s stupid and doesn’t exist.

-All new ballparks should make fans seats a good distance away from the homerun walls, that would greatly reduce the number of instant replay reviews for homeruns.

-The pitcher hitting in the NL. It’s not that I love the DH, it’s that it’s too late to take out the DH. In most minor leagues, the pitcher doesn’t hit or work on hitting. Pitchers are much worse hitters now than they were decades ago. Also, it’s stupid having two different rules for the same sport. Either start teaching pitchers how to hit when they get to the minors and take out the DH in the American League, or put the DH in the National League.

-Hearing “it’s only a game,” especially after a big loss by people who don’t really watch sports. Baseball to me is more than just a game, it can make me insanely happy or terribly depressed for a week, a month, or several months. I’ll realize in time that that stinging loss doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, but if you say it to me at a bad time be prepared for a death stare.