Here are Jacoby Nolnaho’s predictions for the main BBWAA awards for the 2018 season:
MVP
National League- Christian Yelich
American League- Mike Trout
Cy Young
National League- Jacob deGrom
American League- Blake Snell
Rookie of the Year
National League- Ronald Acuna Jr.
American League- Miguel Andujar
Manager of the Year
National League- Craig Counsell
American League- Alex Cora
Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Michael Fulmer and Los Angeles Dodgers’ shortstop Corey Seager both won the Rookie of the Year award for 2016. Fulmer was brilliant at the beginning of 2016 but slowed down towards the end. Some analysts thought that rookie Gary Sanchez might take honors due to Fulmer’s slow end. Corey Seager was consistent the entire season and collected over 190 hits and over 40 doubles along with a Silver Slugger.
2016 saw many new Silver Slugger honorees. Along with the newbies, some of the usual made an appearance. Josh Donaldson, Mike Trout, and Jose Altuve all took home some hardware. Even David Ortiz, in his final season, took home the silver. Here are the winners:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Catcher: Salvador Perez (Royals)
First base: Miguel Cabrera (Tigers)
Second base: Jose Altuve (Astros)
Third base: Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays)
Shortstop: Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox)
Outfield: Mookie Betts (Red Sox)
Outfield: Mike Trout (Angels)
Outfield: Mark Trumbo (Orioles)
Designated hitter: David Ortiz (Red Sox)
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Catcher: Wilson Ramos (Nationals)
First base: Anthony Rizzo (Cubs)
Second base: Daniel Murphy (Nationals)
Third base: Nolan Arenado (Rockies)
Shortstop: Corey Seager (Dodgers)
Outfield: Charlie Blackmon (Rockies)
Outfield: Yoenis Cespedes (Mets)
Outfield: Christian Yelich (Marlins)
Pitcher: Jake Arrieta (Cubs)
From mlb.com
2016 saw a bunch of new Gold Glove winners along with some of the usual. Most notably, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer did not win the award. Here are the winners:
Catcher
National League: Buster Posey, Giants
American League: Salvador Perez, Royals
First base
National League: Anthony Rizzo, Cubs
American League: Mitch Moreland, Rangers
Second base
National League: Joe Panik, Giants
American League: Ian Kinsler, Tigers
Third base
National League: Nolan Arenado, Rockies
American League: Adrian Beltre, Rangers
Shortstop
National League: Brandon Crawford, Giants
American League: Francisco Lindor, Indians
Left field
National League: Starling Marte, Pirates
American League: Brett Gardner, Yankees
Center field
National League: Ender Inciarte, Braves
American League: Kevin Kiermaier, Rays
Right Field
National League: Jason Heyward, Cubs
American League: Mookie Betts, Red Sox
Pitcher
National League: Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks
American League: Dallas Keuchel, Astros
From Sports Illustrated (si.com)
The Roberto Clemente Award winner for 2016 is Curtis Granderson. For those of you who didn’t know, the Roberto Clemente Award is an award named after Roberto Clemente. It is given to the player who is kind, courteous, caring, and generous on and off the field.
Once a year, the Hank Aaron award is given to the baseball player who is the best hitter. 2016 saw Kris Bryant of the Cubs and David Ortiz of the Red Sox take home the award. Ortiz, in his last season, batted .315, drove in 127 RBIs, hit 38 home runs, and led the American League in doubles with 48. Bryant, in his second season, batted .292, drive in 102 RBIs, hit 39 home runs, and led the National League in runs with 121.
The Rookie of the Year (ROY) Award is an award given to the best rookie in each league. A position player and a pitcher are both equally qualified to win the award. To win the award, a batter must have less than 130 plate appearances and a pitcher must have less than 50 innings pitched. The award is given once a year and to one player in each league. It is voted on by the BBWAA. Jackie Robinson is the first player to win Rookie of the Year honors.
The Cy Young Award is an award given to pitchers who are considered the best in their respected league. It is named after the great Cy Young who holds the all time Major League record for wins with 511. It is selected once a year and voted on by the BBWAA. One pitcher in each league can win it. Starting pitchers usually win the award although relievers can win it too. Roger Clemens has the most career Cy Young Awards with seven.
The MVP (Most Valuable Player) Award is an award given to the best player. The winner is usually a position player although pitchers can win the award. It is given at the end of the postseason. One player in each league wins it. The BBWAA votes on the winner. Barry Bonds has won the most MVP awards.
Mike Trout is having another great season. 25+ homers, 25+ stolen bases, 115+ runs, 95+ RBIs, and 100+ walks. He does this while playing great defense. He is surely #AwardWorthy. Although I am a Yankee fan at heart, I want you to vote Trout for the Esurance MLB Awards.