As the Major League Baseball season surpasses the half-way point of 2014, many baseball fans and analysts will state their choices for the potential year-end award winners based on performance to date. All Out Sports Network is no different. We have our opinions and support for them just as anyone else might. These are our first-half award winners. All statistics are as play begins on July 4.
Rookie of the Year
Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds
Billy Hamilton had just as much hype to his name like Tanaka did coming into the 2014 season. He had this much hype because during his 2012 season in the minors Hamilton was able to hit for .311 with 45 RBI and a jaw dropping 155 stolen bases. When called up to the show to start off the 2014 season Billy Hamilton started off rather sluggish but after he got more accustomed to the game he started showing how much of a game-changer he really is. Throughout the fist-half of the season so far Hamilton has a stat line of .279, 4 homers, 28 RBI, and 35 steals.
Other players receiving recognition is pitcher David Hale of the Atlanta Braves, (3-2, 3.02 ERA) and right fielder Gregory Polanco of the Pittsburgh Pirates (.300, 3 HR, 13 RBI). Hale started 5 games for the Braves so far but once Mike Minor came off the DL Hale was moved to the bullpen. Polanco was recently called up from AAA but has been a huge contributor to the ball club already. If he keeps producing he may take the lead over Hamilton for the award since the Bucs are in a playoff race while the Reds are playing from behind.
Cy Young Award
Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds
Manny baseball fans are scratching their heads wondering why Clayton Kershaw isn’t the winner so far. Yes Kershaw threw a no-hitter and has been dominate but he had to miss a month of the season thanks to his DL stint.
Cueto is the winner for the first half because he has been the most pitcher in the National League since the start of the season. The incredible part is that he missed most of his 2013 season and in 2014 you wouldn’t be able to tell. Cueto has a sparkling 1.99 ERA and 130 K’s in 131 innings. The 131 innings is the most pitched in all of baseball. The only downfall for Cueto is his record, 8-6. With an ERA as incredible as his he should have at least 12 wins but his offense has struggled all season. Johnny Cueto also has 3 complete games while 2 of those are dominate shut outs.
Other pitchers up for the award are Adam Wainwright (11-4, 1.89 ERA, 106 K), Julio Teheran (8-5, 2.29 ERA, 108 K), Madison Bumgarner (9-6, 3.09 ERA, 120 K), and Jeff Samardzija (2-7, 2.83 ERA, 103 K). Wainwright, Tehran, Bumgarner, and Kershaw should continue to battle Cueto for the award until seasons end.
Most Valuable Player
Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies
Now that Tulo is finally fully healthy all baseball fans are viewing someone that is capable of playing at an MVP level every year. He is leading all the MLB in average (.351) while hitting for power (18 homers) and driving in runs when the top of the lineup reaches base (47 RBI). Carlos Gonzalez has had a down year compared to his 2013 season so Tulowitzki is carrying the team this season and doesn’t look to slow down.
Gincarlo Stanton is the only other player that has a chance to pass Tulowitzki at seasons end. Stanton is also playing at full health in 2014 and is destroying any pitcher in his way. He is hitting for a high average (.313) while smashing 21 homers and has driven in an impressive 61 runs. If the Marlins end the season with a .500 record or better don’t be surprised if Stanton takes the MVP award for the NL.
Manager of the Year
Ron Roenicke, Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are the surprise of the first half in 2014 and it is all thanks to manager Ron Roenicke. Last year he had to deal with yet another Ryan Braun saga and having Carlos Gomez and Aramis Ramirez injured most of the season. They didn’t have a consistent 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman, or center fielder either but he was able to make it through the season and start fresh in 2014. During the off-seaosn the Brewers were able to sign Matt Garza to help with the starting rotation, Mark Reynolds to help at 3rd and 1st, and also has a healthy Braun, Gomez, and Ramirez. He has been able to give his players well needed days off thanks to his solid bench players and his starting rotation is one of the best in the MLB. The Brewers have been playing the most consistent baseball in the National League and don’t look to slow down and shall carry their momentum in the playoffs.
We still have half a season left, and any of the candidates could take home the hardware come voting time in November. Someone else could sneak in and steal an award as well. For now, these look like the potential winners at the half-way point. Many will agree with these selections, and many others will not. The debating makes the conversation fun.
