We here at Tailgate Crashers have a problem getting year-end awards together (I’m not calling anyone out, I’m just as much to blame). This year I’ve created nominees for baseball awards and want all of our loyal readers (and staff members) to vote. E-mail me with your picks in each category by Jan. 22. I’ll figure the winners from the votes. Only the names listed below are eligible, but feel free to give me a reason for your vote and/or someone I forgot. I’ll try to incorporate them into the results.
And the nominees are…
Best Player
A. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
B. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
C. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
D. Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins
E. Roy Oswalt, SP, Astros
F. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
G. Johan Santana, SP, Twins
H. Brandon Webb, SP, Diamondbacks
Worst Player
A. Brian Anderson, OF, White Sox
B. Pat Burrell, OF, Phillies
C. Carl Everett, DH, Mariners
D. Jason Marquis, SP, Cardinals
E. Jeff Mathis, C, Angels
F. Abraham Nunez, 3B, Phillies
G. Sidney Ponson, SP, Cardinals/Yankees
H. Brad Wilkerson, OF, Rangers
Breakout Performance
A. Garret Atkins, 3B, Rockies
B. Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins
C. Jose Reyes, SS, Mets
D. Alex Rios, OF, Blue Jays
E. Chien-Ming Wang, SP, Yankees
F. Chris Young, SP, Padres
Top Rookie
A. Chris Duncan, OF, Cardinals
B. Kenji Johjima, C, Mariners
C. Francisco Liriano, SP, Twins
D. Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Red Sox
E. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins
F. Dan Uggla, 2B, Marlins
G. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
H. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
Best Coach/Manager
A. Bruce Bochy, Padres
B. Ron Gardenhire, Twins
C. Joe Girardi, Marlins
D. Jim Leyland, Tigers
E. Ken Macha, Athletics
F. Willie Randolph, Mets
Best Team
A. Athletics
B. Cardinals
C. Dodgers
D. Mets
E. Padres
F. Tigers
G. Twins
H. Yankees
Worst Team
A. Cubs
B. Devil Rays
C. Indians
D. Nationals
E. Orioles
F. Pirates
G. Rockies
H. Royals
Best Moment
A. Cards Win the Series
B. Game 7 of the NLCS
C. Tigers take the Wild Card
D. Twins overcome horrible start to win division
Worst Moment
A. The Indians fail with high expectations
B. The Braves consecutive Division Championship streak ends
C. Buck O’Neil dies before he is inducted into the HOF
D. Off season free agency runs wild.
Top Play
A. Endy Chavez steals homer – NLCS game 7
B. Jose Reyes hits for the Cycle
C. Anibal Sanchez’s no hitter
D. Trevor Hoffman sets saves record
Worst Play
A. Chris Duncan’s OF play in WS.
B. Tiger Pitcher’s defense.
C. Hoffman blows AS game.
Bonehead Of The Year
A. Florida Marlins – firing the NL MOY.
B. Guillermo Mota – testing positive for steroids.
C. Brett Myers – beats wife in Boston.
D. Delmon Young – tossing a bat at an ump.
Top Controversial Moment
A. Kenny Rogers Hand in the Playoffs
B. Barry Bonds passes Babe Ruth
C. Mark McGwire and the HOF nomination
D. Red Sox spend $51 million to negotiate with Matsuzaka
Top Tailgate Crasher Contributor
A. Neil A. Bisman
B. Aaron Cameron
C. Phillip Ciprotti
D. Raul Colon
E. Will Cooling
F. Tom Daniels
G. Dan Hevia
H. Mike Hulse
I. Matthew Michaels
J. Steve Murray
K. Patrick Nyugen
L. Omar Padilla
M. Nick Pomazak
N. Steve Price
O. Slayer
P. Eric Szulczewski
Q. Eugene Tierney