As the 2011 regular season draws to a close, the annual debate over regular season awards has begun to heat up. Everyone gets into it, from the average fan to old sportswriters to sanctimonious bloggers. Let’s get into the fun with our very own ballot. Pick a winner for each category, or feel free to write in a candidate. Ignorant debates that end with “COUNT THE RINGZ BRO” are highly recommended. For info on Wins Above Replacement (WAR) check out these links. We’ll start with the American League and come back with the Senior Circuit in a few days.
Bold indicates league leader in that category
Most Valuable Player
Jose Bautista (TOR) .310/.449/.638 39 HR, 90 RBIs, 109 BB’s, 8.0 WAR
Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS) .313/.372/.523 24 HR, 84 RBIs, 84 BB’s, 7.7 WAR
Curtis Granderson (NYY) .273/.376/.580 38 HR, 107 RBIs, 77 BB’s, 6.8 WAR
Dustin Pedroia (BOS) .308/.396/.474 18 HR, 74 RBIs, 80 BB’s, 7.3 WAR
Cy Young Award
Justin Verlander (DET) 21-5, 223 IP, 224 K’s, 2.34 ERA, 0.910 WHIP, 6.4 WAR
CC Sabathia (NYY) 18-7, 211 IP, 201 K’s, 2.99 ERA, 1.180 WHIP, 6.3 WAR
Jered Weaver (LAA) 15-7, 201.1 IP, 168 K’s, 2.28 ERA, 0.998 WHIP, 5.3 WAR
Dan Haren (LAA) 13-8, 202.1 IP, 166 K’s, 3.16 ERA, 1.013 WHIP, 5.6 WAR
Least Valuable Player
Alex Rios and Adam Dunn: Combined 2011 Salary $24 million. Combined batting line: .189/.270/.303 & a whopping 17 home runs
Alex Rodriguez: 2011 salary, $31 million. Opening Day payroll of the Kansas City Royals: $36 million. Salary owed to A-Rod in the final year of his current contract, which expires at the ripe age of 41: $20 million. Known killer of cats and dogs, dates shitty actresses.
