NL MVP:
Chase Utley – He’s been a monster this season. He’s easily the top player at a weak position. He’s also the big reason the Phillies offense has been good.
Also considered: Chipper Jones, Albert Pujols, Alfonso Soriano, Lance Berkman.
NL Cy Young:
Tim Lincecum – Lincecum is the future of the Giants. While the team has been horrible, they can at least figure to win 1 of 5 games. He’s not giving up runs and he’s striking out 9.37 per 9 innings.
Also considered: Edison Volquez, Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Aaron Cook.
NL Rookie of the Year:
Geovany Soto – The Cubs backstop has already won All Star honors, so rookie of the year would be the next step. He’s hitting well and holding his own behind the plate. I’d rather give it to him than a player that has spent years playing in another professional league.
Also considered: Edison Volquez, Kosuke Fukudome, Jay Bruce.
NL Manager of the Year:
Jerry Manuel – Since he took over the Mets, they have looked like the winning team everyone expected. They are now a half a game back after spending the beginning of the season at the bottom of the standings.
Also considered: Lou Pinella, Tony LaRussa, Fredi Gonzalez.
NL Executive of the Year:
John Mozeliak – The rookie GM of the Cardinals has pulled off some impressive moves that people wouldn’t have expected to work, like bringing in Kyle Lohse in the middle of spring training. He was also responsible for signing Ryan Ludwick to a minor league deal before last season (when he was the asst GM). He’s also not afraid to stand up to manager Tony LaRussa; early in the season, he said that Anthony Reyes was staying with the Cardinals (he did end up getting sent down after some struggles, but Tony didn’t want him in the first place).
Also considered: Jim Hendry, Bob Melvin.
