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At the close of each season, the Baseball Bloggers Alliance has been handing out awards for the best players in the game. Before BBA announces the winners of these awards in the coming days and weeks, I'd like to share my ballot for the BBA's end of season awards:
Goose Gossage award (top reliever)
3. Joel Hanrahan
2. Craig Kimbrel
1. John Axford
One thing you will notice about this year's relief crew is that there were few veterans in the mix and no big name closer that jumps out at you. Not that there was a lack of talent, though. With so many quality relievers to choose from, I narrowed it down by only choosing closers. Had I not, you might see three Braves names in there.
John Axford was the clear winner with an ERA under 2.00, tied for the lead in saves, and only 2 blown saves. I'm not too sure Kimbrel belongs at #2, but his 2.10 ERA and share of the lead in saves is hard to ignore.
Walter Johnson award (top pitcher)
5. Cole Hamels
4. Tim Lincecum
3. Cliff Lee
2. Roy Halladay
1. Clayton Kershaw
As much as I want to give Halladay another Cy Young award, Kershaw has a better ERA, more wins, and his games meant more to his team. I was really hoping to see Cole Hamels at the top of the list since I picked Hamels to win the Cy Young award, but at least he was just good enough to make the list. Three Phillies on the list would have looked damn good with a World Championship to go with it. Oh well.
Stan Musial award (top player)
10. Jose Reyes
9
. Hunter Pence
8.
Justin Upton
7. Michael Morse
6. Albert Pujols
5. Troy Tulowitzki
4. Lance Berkman
3. Prince Fielder
2. Ryan Braun
1. Matt Kemp
Matt Kemp came about as close as you can possibly get to a triple crown. He led the league in HR (39), RBIs (129), and finished third in average (.324). Take your pick with the rest of the guys, since this list is filled with 30+ homer, 100+ RBI, .300+ guys. |
