With playoff baseball underway, the MLB’s best individual performances from the season will be awarded in the coming weeks. A Tribune contributor predicts who he thinks will take home the hardware.
National League
MVP: Buster Posey
The San Francisco Giants finished last season with a disappointing 86-76 record, having lost their all-star catcher, Buster Posey, to an ankle injury. Fast forward to 2012 and Buster is back with a bang. Sporting career-best offensive numbers and batting percentages, San Fran’s clean-up hitter led his team to a division title amidst the steroid scandal surrounding teammate Melky Cabrera. Buster deserves this award for delivering as a leader and propelling San Francisco into the postseason.
Cy Young: Gio Gonzalez
Clayton Kershaw may have been practically unhittable, but Gonzalez was lights out. Gio posted a ridiculous 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings, leading all MLB starters. Similarly impressive is the meagre .206 batting average posted by opposing hitters—a Major League-leading mark as well. Gonzalez was clearly the Nationals’ best pitcher, and with 21 wins—another MLB best—he edges out Kershaw for the award.
Rookie of the Year: Wilin Rosario
Colorado may have just posted their worst record in club history, but the emergence of rookie Wilin Rosario should give Rockies’ fans something to look forward to. In fact, Posey may have a legitimate challenger for the status of best catcher in the National League in the next couple of years with Rosario in the mix. The Dominican Republic native was a bright spot for Colorado as he set a rookie franchise record, with 28 home runs in only 117 games.
American League
MVP: Mike Trout
While he didn’t win the Triple Crown like Miguel Cabrera—the other top MVP candidate—the batting numbers Trout brings to the table aren’t too shabby. He belted 30 home runs, and finished the season with an impressive .326 batting average. Also, Trout’s defensive play was superior to Cabrera’s, and he led the majors with 49 stolen bases. Though the Angels missed out on the playoffs, Trout’s emergence was the reason the team even contended for a spot. Did I mention he was a rookie?
Cy Young: David Price
Price had a strong September, in which he posted a 4-0 record, wrapping up a remarkable 20-win season for the Rays. His dominance is reflected in his 2.56 ERA, good for second among starters in the majors. Price is now in line to take home the award thanks to his best season of his career.
Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout
Can you possibly win the AL MVP, yet fail to bring home the rookie of the year award? This decision is a no-brainer. Trout was on top of the league and blew away all other rookies in the running.
