BCVM22
Well-Known Member
the orioles started off so well, was it pitching that really killed them?
One could make that case. As bad as the Orioles are - as a team, as a front office, as an organization - they do have a fairly productive offensive core, as mentioned. What they don't have is a starting rotation. They're also hurt by playing in a division with two teams that outspend them almost 4:1 and 3:1, respectively, and a third team that doesn't spend money but by God did they surprise everyone this season. In any other division, they might challenge for second place.
Cy Young: NL Webb AL Lee
MVP: NL Braun AL Morneau
Your Cys are probably about right. Your MVPs could be contested.
In the NL, if you're going to make a case for Braun - I'm assuming in doing so, you're discarding Pujols and Berkman on account of their not playing for contending teams - then you could just as easily put Aramis Ramirez in the discussion as well. He's come on very strong over the last month, to the point where despite having 10 fewer HRs than Braun, he has 4 more RBIs. He also has a far better OBP and plays better defense at a more crucial defensive position. If I were a betting man, I wouldn't put money on either of them winning it - I think the voters will go with David Wright as long as the Mets make the playoffs - but Aramis has more than entered the discussion.
In the AL and in the context of this discussion, Carlos Quentin is to Justin Morneau what Aramis is to Ryan Braun. Comparable numbers including more home runs (and leading the league in that category), more total bases, more runs scored and a better SLG. That will also be an interesting race to watch down the stretch. Unlike the NL race, I actually would put a small sum on Quentin winning the AL MVP.