A Small Break

Hey guys, sorry I haven’t posted in a like a week. I’ll be taking another week off because of some friends visiting this week. This trading deadline should be some fun to follow later in the week.

First Half Awards: AL

MVP: Justin Morneau (MIN)- He’s having a MVP year and one of the few players keeping the Twins’ heads above water. Morneau is lining up pretty good to get his second award.

Cy Young: Zach Greinke (KC)- You have to go with Greinke for this award, his numbers say it all. I don’t think he will win it and keep up those amazing numbers by the end of the season though.

Reliever of The Year: Jonathon Papelbon (BOS)- Having another great year, one of the best closers in the game. But, he’s another reliever I just can’t stand.

Rookie of The Year: Andrew Bailey (OAK)- This kid is having an awesome year in the ‘pen for Oakland. Plus, it doesn’t hurt he is from Staten Island too.

Comeback Player of The Year: Victor Martinez (CLE)- Easy choice. Look at what he did last year and what he’s doing this year.

Manager of The Year: Ron Washington (TEX)- I never believed in the beginning of the season that the Rangers were serious contenders. Starting to believe more each day.

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.