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2006 National League Awards Predictions

Source: ESPN NL Most Valuable Player
Albert Pujols
St. Louis Cardinals
First Baseman
26-Years-Old
What is there to say about Albert Pujols? When his career is over (hopefully in many, many years from now), we may have watched the greatest player to ever grace a batter?s box. Am I exaggerating? Not one bit.

At 26-years-old, Pujols is just getting better. With a quick glance at his stats, one thing pops out at me ? and it?s not his home runs, runs batted in, or batting average ? it?s his stolen bases! He stole 16 bags last year and was only caught twice. What is he doing? Just toying with the rest of the National League?

Hands down, Pujols is the best player in the game; on and off the field. I expect him to be a MVP favorite for the next ten years at the least.

Source: ESPN NL Cy Young
Roy Oswalt
Houston Astros
Starting Pitcher
28-Years-Old
As much as I?d like to choose incumbent and New Hampshire-native Chris Carpenter, Roy Oswalt has been knocking on Mr. Young?s door for the last couple of seasons, and I believe this is his year.

He has finished fourth (2005) and third (2004) in the voting, and last year made it to the World Series as the ace of the Houston Astros. He may have struggled in the World Series (7.50 ERA, five walks in six innings), but without him, the Astros wouldn?t have even sniffed the playoffs.

What may make or break Oswalt?s chances this season is how the offense behind him performs. Oswalt can have a fantastic season, but still just go 15-10. For the most part, win/loss is dependant on the offense, not the pitcher, but not many Cy Young Award winners just win 15 games (that are starters). The last starter to win a Cy Young and win less than 15 games is Fernando Valenzuela, who went 13-7. He only edged out Tom Seaver by three points.

If the Astros offense is clicking with Lance Berkman anchoring the lineup, Oswalt will benefit and win the award.

Source: ESPN NL Rookie of the Year
Prince Fielder
Milwaukee Brewers
First Baseman
21-Years-Old
I was very tempted to choose Marlins? outfielder Jeremy Hermida here, but I think Fielder will have the better numbers ? this season, at least.

A big reason why Fielder gets the nod over Hermida is because of their home parks. Hermida plays in spacious Pro Player Stadium, while Fielder takes advantage of Miller Park for 82 games a year. Also, the right field fence has been moved in for a new picnic area, giving Fielder more of an advantage.

I?ll predict 23 home runs with 75 runs batted in, if he stays healthy and gets in 140+ games. Hermida, also, should have a good season, but I don?t think his numbers will top Fielder?s ability to get the ball out of the yard. I?ll go out on a limb, however, and say Hermida will have a better career than Fielder. No matter who wins, these should be two fun guys to watch this year.

0 recs  |  Comment 7 comments

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My NL Picks
I agree on Pujols, really hard to see who else is even in consideration.  If Lee shows last year wasn't a fluke, he could take it, but really it's Pujols' to lose.  

The Cy Young race is much wider open.  Oswalt is definitely one of the front-runners, but I think this is Carlos Zambrano's year to put it all together.

For ROY, I'm going with Ryan Zimmerman -- it'll be the Nationals' lone bright spot of the year.  The kid is incredibly smart and poised, and he can hit.  He won't match Fielder's power numbers, but he'll hit at least 50 points higher.  

by argo0 on Apr 2, 2006 2:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

RE
I agree on Ryan Zimmerman. He's a stud. He'll be fun to watch this year. I love third baseman that can flash the leather.

by Randy Booth on Apr 2, 2006 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fielder
I am so friggin' excited about Prince Fielder, it's embarassing.  It's so cool to see the kid of a former Tiger do well, and hopefully he won't make as much a mess of his life as his father did.  I can see him taking ROY.

I have a hard time believing the 'Stros are gonna put up the offense, though.  I agree that Oswalt is very good, but I'd love to see a surprise guy come through, like Zach Duke or something.

by Boston Fan in Michigan on Apr 2, 2006 6:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

RE:
Duke's getting smacked this spring. I like him, however. But if Oswalt doesn't have the offense, I'd be surprised if Duke had the offense.

by Randy Booth on Apr 2, 2006 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey Sox fans
Just want to wish you sissies a good year and I hope you guys are out front all year long, and then we get in a one game playoff and some little guy swats one over the monster again for the good guys.  Seriously though, let's have another great year in this incredible rivalry.  Hopefully the Blue Jays haven't improved THAT much.

by yankeesfan on Apr 2, 2006 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

RE:
Yeah, I hope we're out in front all year, have a one-game playoff, and the Sox hit one to win it all, too.

That's what you meant by 'good guys', right?

by Randy Booth on Apr 2, 2006 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Valenzuela season was strike shortened
I think 18 wins is pretty much the minimum for a starter to win CY.

by kite in a gale on Apr 4, 2006 6:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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