By Adam Forsyth
American League MVP – 1B Justin Morneau (MIN)
The Canadian bomber is in the top 4 in the AL in 5 major categories (HR, RBI, SLG%, OPS & Total Bases) You just can’t deny that kind of mid-season production. Irked recently by the bland instrumental O’ Canada anthem played prior to this years All-Star game – the proud Canuck generally has spoke softly, and carried a big stick…and we expect he’ll continue down the 2009 stretch.
National League MVP – 1B Prince Fielder (MIL)
Prince Fielder may not be as popular as the Prince Albert nomination, but where would the Brew Crew be without the HR Derby Champ?
American League Cy Young – SP Roy Halladay (TOR)
It’s going to cost a lot to get ‘Doc’ to put on a new uni, but there are 29 other teams interested I’m sure. He has been his typical lights out self in putting up incredible 1st half numbers in the tough AL East.
National League Cy Young – SP Tim Lincecum (SF)
You can’t deny that ‘The Freak’ is silencing some that suggested winning the Cy Young last year may be “too much too soon” for the young superhuman.
American League Rookie of the Mid-Year – SP Rick Porcello (DET)
Will he have a 2nd half slow down? Skipping his last start before the break is hopefully just precaution as this kid has solidified a very impressive Top-3 in the Tigers rotation.
National League Rookie of the Mid-Year – SP J.A. Happ (PHI)
Flying totally under the radar, the Phillies young south paw has pitched extremely well, and provided the team with a tough decision once Pedro Martinez, and fellow rookie Antonio Bastardo come off of the DL.
American League MiLB Player that could be relevant 2nd half – LF/RF Matt LaPorta (CLE)
As the Tribe continue to slide and Ben Francisco persists to do the same, expect LaPorta to get another opportunity to prove himself. Hitting .309 and mashing 11 long balls, he’s got the goods.
National League MiLB Player that could be relevant 2nd half – SS Alcides Escobar (MIL)
With JJ Hardy flopping thus far this season, the patience with the Brewers in the thick of things may wear and they may give the speedy Escobar the shot he deserves.
American League Bust of the Year AL – RF Magglio Ordonez (DET)
Many expected a slight decline with his power numbers dwindling in recent years; however, no one and I mean no one expected him to fall this far down. A platoon in RF with Raburn and Thomas…Yikes!
National League Bust of the Year NL – SS Jimmy Rollins (PHI)
It’s been a very rough and frustrating first half for the 2007 MVP. He’ll break out of his funk; however, salvaging the season; at least statistically, may be too late.
American League Comeback Player of the Year – 2B Aaron Hill (TOR)
The concussion. The return. The great 1st half. The reward? Being named an All-Star! Hill has smiled the whole way, putting the Jays on his shoulders taking a huge leadership role on a team in need of an offensive chief.
National League Comeback Player of the Year – SP Chris Carpenter (STL)
Carp is the clear winner here. Chris Carpenter could become the 5th player in MLB history to win a 2nd Comeback player of the Year award, as he has been nothing short of dominant in his triumphant return to the mound.
AL Player Most Likely to Turn it Around 2nd Half – 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY)
The power is certainly there; however, a .256 BA for a career .305 hitter isn’t acceptable. He’s looked rusty at times and “Juiced or Not” A-Rod is a better all-around player than his 1st half indicates.
NL Player Most Likely to Turn it Around 2nd Half – LF Manny Ramirez (LAD)
Alright, I am sort of cheating on this pick; however, in missing 50 games in the 1st half, he does qualify as being a bit of a letdown in the fantasy world. His 2nd half leading the Dodger charge should be interesting.
AL Surprise Player of the Year – SS Jason Bartlett (TB)
He’s not supposed to have.930 OPS! Bartlett ’s breakout mid-season line of .347-8-39-19 are more in line with numbers, and contributions from Shortstops with names like Jeter, Young and Rollins.
NL Biggest Surprise of the Year – C/1B/3B Pablo Sandoval (SF)
We knew that the Kung Fu Panda was good…But .333-15-55 with 24 Doubles, 3 Triples and a bonus 4 SB’s. Not bad! Oh and he’s also 3 position eligible? This switch hitter has got ‘Fantasy Stud’ written all over his face.
