MLB Awards and All Star Picks Through 1/3 of the Season

by Coast

It is June and the playoff races and elite teams are taking form. That said, it is time to give out the one third of the season Cy Young and MVP award winners.

American League

CY YOUNG: John Lackey
There are some serious studs in the American League. John Lackey, CC Sabathia and Josh Beckett have emerged as the three pitchers who have had the best start this season. Lackey and Sabathia lead the league with 9 wins each and have records of 9-3 and 9-1 respectively. Dan Haren who is 6-2 has a ridiculous era of 1.70. With Lackey's 9 wins and a 2.37 era thus far he would have to be the early front runner for the cy young award, edging out Haren, Beckett (8-0, 2.95 era) and Sabathia (9-1, 3.4 era) leading the staff on one of the best teams in baseball.

MVP: Vladamir Guererro
Vlad is one of the best players in the league year in and year out and it is about time he gets some recognition. Vlad ranks 3rd in the AL in batting average, 1st in on base percentage, 3rd in slugging, 6th in home runs and 2nd in RBI. Where would the first place Angels be without this guy. Magglio Ordonez is also having a monster first part of the season but Vlad leading his team to the 2nd best record in the league gives him the award.

All Star Team

P. John Lackey
C. Victor Martinez
1B. Kevin Youkilis
2B. Placido Polanco
3B. Alex Rodriguez
SS. Derek Jeter
LF. Manny Ramirez
CF. Ichiro Suzuki
RF. Vladamir Guerrero

National League

CY YOUNG: Jake Peavy
Jake is absolutely dealing. He has a 1.60 era and a record of 7-1. His team is right in the middle of the NL West Race. John Smoltz and Brad Penny are in the running but come up just short of the Padre ace.

MVP: Prince Fielder
Prince is raking and is a major reason why the Brew Crew continue to lead the NL Central. His 20 home runs are first in the National League and is tied with A Rod for most in the majors. Fielder also leads the NL in slugging, is 3rd in RBI. Derrick Lee is having a great season but as of now it is for nothing as the Cubs are in disarray. Without Fielder, the Brewers wouldn't be in the position they are now.

All Star Team

P. Jake Peavy
C. Russel Martin
1b. Derrick Lee
2b. Chase Utley
3b. Miguel Cabrera
SS. Jose Reyes
LF. Carlos Lee
CF. Aaron Rowand
RF. Ken Griffey Jr.