Introducing the 2017 Topps All-Star Rookie Team

The 2017 Topps All-Star Rookie Team. Image from MLB Network.

The 2017 Topps All-Star Rookie Team was announced this morning on MLB Network's Hot Stove program. And there are number of surprises, at least for me.

Congratulations are in order for the 11 players who make up Topps' 58th ASRT. If the player's name is in bold, it means I predicted that they would make the team yesterday).

• 1B: Cody Bellinger, LAD (132 G, 0.267, 39 HR, 97 RBI, 0.933 OPS, 10 SB)
• 2B: Ian Happ, CHC (115 G, 0.253, 24 HR, 68 RBI, 0.842 OPS, 8 SB)
• 3B: Rafael Devers, BOS (58 G, 0.284, 10 HR, 30 RBI, 0.819 OPS, 3 SB)
• SS: Paul DeJong, STL (108 G, 0.285, 26 HR, 65 RBI, 0.857 OPS, 1 SB)
• OF: Andrew Benintendi, BOS (151 G, 0.271, 20 HR, 90 RBI, 0.776 OPS, 20 SB)
• OF: Aaron Judge, NYY (155 G, 0.284, 52 HR, 114 RBI, 1.049 OPS, 9 SB)
• OF: Trey Mancini, BAL (147 G, 0.293, 24 HR, 78 RBI, 0.826 OPS, 1 SB)
• C: Manny Pina, MIL (107 G, 0.279, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 0.751 OPS, 2 SB)
• RHSP: German Marquez, COL (29 GS, 11-7, 4.39 ERA, 147 SO, 1.376 WHIP)
• LHSP: Jordan Montgomery, NYY (29 GS, 9-7, 3.88 ERA, 144 SO, 1.229 WHIP)
• RP: Josh Hader, MIL (35 G, 2-3, 2.08 ERA, 68 SO, 0.986 WHIP, 0 SV)

So I guessed 7 out of now 11 spots correctly, even if I had Bellinger in the outfield and DeJong at second. I had Josh Bell at first, Matt Davidson at third, Dansby Swanson at short, and Wandy Peralta as the reliever. This was a poor showing on my end.

Now my comments.

• Three teams have 2 representatives on the team (Brewers, Red Sox, and Yankees).
• I am happy (pun intended) that the Cubs have some representation this time around with Happ. I had DeJong as my 2B, but Happ could have taken this spot had I thought I could use DeJong at short.
• Topps is showing some consistency with naming three pitchers to the team (two starters, 1 reliever).
• Even though I'm not a White Sox fan, I'm really disappointed that Devers was picked over Davidson. Granted Davidson had a low .222 batting average, but he played a full season. It just shows once again the White Sox don't get much Hobby love.
• Had I thought of putting Bellinger in as my 1B, I would have put Mancini in as the third outfielder.

So congratulations to all. Each player will now get the illustrious rookie cup trophy added to their 2018 Topps cards. I will be going over the results shortly and will announce the winners, if any, soon.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2015 MLB Cy Young Award Winners - Three Horse Race in NL, David vs. Dallas in the AL

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. While no preliminary checklist for next year's eponymous set has been released as of Thursday, November 19, last night, we learned who was named the winners of the Cy Young Award in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs and Dallas Keuchel of the Houston Astros for winning the National League and American League Cy Young Awards. If the teams these aces play for sound familiar, it's because the other day, their teammates were named the NL and AL Rookies of the year.

Any of three dominating pitchers could have easily won the award in the NL. But Jake Arrieta's dominant second half (which included a no-hitter) convinced 17 voters to put him on the top of the list over two Dodger pitchers. With a record of 22-6 record, an ERA of 1.77, 236 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 0.87 in 229 innngs of work, 17 of the 30 voters picked Jake as their first place choice (for a grand total of 169 points). The Dodger duo of Zack Greinke (147 points, 10 first place votes) and defending Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw (101, 3) finished second and third. Pirates ace Gerrit Cole finished fourth (40 points) followed by Max Scherzer of the Nationals (32), Madison Bumgarner of the Giants (8), last year's NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom of the Mets (7), Pirates closer Mark Melancon (5), and the Cardinals John Lackey (1).

Dallas Keuchel's career year propelled the Astros to their first playoff appearance in more than 10 seasons, their first as a member of the American League. He finished the 2015 campaign with a 20-8 record, a 2.48 ERA, 216 strikeouts and a 1.02 WHIP in 232 innings pitched. No team could beat him at Minute Maid Park, as he won all 15 of his decisions at home. He was on the top of 22 of the 30 voters' ballots, earning a high 186 points. David Price of the Blue Jays finished second in the balloting taking the other 8 first place votes (143 points) while Sonny Gray of the Athletics landed in third place (82 points). The rest of the field included a bevy of All-Star quality pitchers: Chris Sale of the White Sox (30), Chris Archer of the Rays (29) Wade Davis of the Royals (10), Felix Hernandez of the Mariners (9), Collin McHugh of the Astros (5), last year's AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber of the Indians (4), Marco Estrada of the Blue Jays (3), Yankees closer Andrew Miller (3), Shawn Tolleson of the Rangers (3), Carlos Carrasco of the Indians (2), and Dellin Betances of the Yankees (1).

This is the fifth time a Cubs player won the Cy Young Award (last was Greg Maddux in 1992) and while it's the third time an Astros player has taken home the trophy (Roger Clemens, 2004), it's the first time an Astro has won it in the American League (again, they spent their first 50 years in the NL).

The fun concludes on Thursday when the Most Valuable Players in both leagues are announced. Let the debates continue. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2015 MLB Rookies of the Year - Unanimous in NL, Tighter Race in AL

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. While no preliminary checklist for next year's eponymous set has been released as of Tuesday, November 17, last night, we learned who was named the Rookies of the Year in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs and Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros for winning the National League and American League Rookies of the Year Awards. As was done last year, MLB decided to announce the top three finalists for each of the awards. While there certainly more players in the running, announcing the top three made for interesting debate.

Kris Bryant, who's name was on the lips of EVERY baseball writer, fan, and card collector, not only showed that he was the real deal, but was truly deserving of the words "Future Star." He led all MLB rookies in home runs (26, tied for first), rbi's (99), doubles (31), runs (87), while hitting .275 with an OBP/SLG/OPS line of .369/.488/.857. He was also named to the NL All-Star Team in 2015. On a team of young stars, it is hoped that Bryant will help lead the Cubs to the promised land. He received all 30 first place votes in the NL ROY balloting, thus earning the maximum 150 points possible. The rest of the field included Giants third baseman Matt Duffy (70 points, 22 second place votes), Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang (28, 4), Noah Syndergaard of the Mets (16, 3), Justin Bour of the Marlins (4, 1), Joc Pederson of the Dodgers (1), and Stephen Piscotty of the Cardinals (1).

Like Bryant, Carlos Correa of the Astros did not make the Opening Day roster. But once he made his MLB debut on June 8, not only did he become the youngest position player in the majors in 2015, but he also added to what was already a renaissance year for the Astros. Just like the Cubs, the Astros were building for their future. But the future was now for the 'Stros, leading the AL West division for most of the year before managing to earn the second wild card spot in the playoffs. In 99 games, Correa hit 22 home runs, drove in 68 rbi's, stole 14 bases, and hit for a .279 average with a slash line of .345/.512/.857. It was a close race on the AL side though, with Correa taking 17 of the 30 1st place votes (124 total points). Francisco Lindor of the Indians finished in second place in the voting (109 points, 13 first place votes), followed by Miguel Sano of the Twins (20), Roberto Osuna of the Blue Jays 9 (8, 2), Billy Burns of the Athletics (6, 1), Eddie Rosario of the Twins (2), and Delino DeShields of the Rangers - feel old people, he's the son of the Expos All-Star from the 90's - (1).

Bryant becomes the first Cubs player to win the Rookie of the Year award in unanimous fashion, and the sixth Cubs player to do so overall (last to do so was Geovany Soto in 2008). Correa is the first Astro player to win the AL Rookie of the Year award (remember, the Astros spent their first 50 years in the NL), and the second Astro player to win the award (last was Jeff Bagwell in 1991).

So begins a wild week were debates will come fast and furious. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing the 2014 Topps All-Star Rookie Team!!!

The MLB managers have spoken, and today, Topps has announced the players named to the 55th All-Star Rookie Team!!! (If the player's name is in bold, it means I predicted that they would make the team earlier this month).

• 1B: Jose Abreu, CWS (145 G, 0.317, 36 HR, 107 RBI, 0.964 OPS, 3 SB)
• 2B: Kolten Wong, STL (113 G, 0.249, 12 HR, 42 RBI, 0.68 OPS, 20 SB)
• 3B: Nick Castellanos, DET (148 G, 0.259, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 0.7 OPS, 2 SB)
• SS: Xander Bogaerts, BOS (144 G, 0.240, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 0.66 OPS, 2 SB)
• OF: Billy Hamilton, CIN (152 G, 0.250, 6 HR, 48 RBI, 0.648 OPS, 56 SB)
• OF: Danny Santana, MIN (101 G, 0.319, 7 HR, 40 RBI, 0.824 OPS, 20 SB)
• OF: George Springer, HOU (78 G, 0.231, 20 HR, 51 RBI, 0.804 OPS, 5 SB)
• C: Travis d'Arnaud, NYM (108 G, 0.242, 13 HR, 41 RBI, 0.718 OPS, 1 SB)
• RHSP: Masahiro Tanaka, NYY (20 GS, 13-5, 2.77 ERA, 141 SO, 1.056 WHIP)
• LHSP: Roenis Elias, SEA (29 GS, 10-12, 3.85 ERA, 143 SO, 1.314 WHIP)
• RP: Dellin Betances, NYY (70 G, 5-0, 1.40 ERA, 135 SO, 0.778 WHIP, 1 SV)

So I guessed 9 out of now 11 spots correctly. I guessed Kevin Kiermaier as one of my outfielders and Matt Shoemaker as my right-handed starting pitcher. Last year, I was almost close to perfect (getting 10 of the 11 spots correct).

Now my comments. At least now Topps is showing some consistency with naming three pitchers to the team (two starters, 1 reliever). Good thing that I asked those entering the All-Star Rookie Team contest to name four pitchers (two right-handers, two-left handers) just in case.

Figures that Tanaka gets the RHSP spot, and many have taken to social media to make their displeasure known (Matt Shoemaker and Jacob deGrom were two of the names more people thought should have been named instead of the Yankees' hurler (figures...should have known).

So congratulations to all. Each player will now get the illustrious rookie cup trophy added to their 2015 Topps cards. I will be going over the results shortly and will announce the winners if any soon.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2014 MLB Most Valuable Players - West Coast Winners

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Once again, however, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them. But yesterday, we learned who was named the Most Valuable Players in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers for being named the American League and National League Most Valuable Players for 2014. Incredible seasons by both players, one a runner up to the MVP for two seasons prior, the other, this year's Cy Young Award winner.

After playing second fiddle to Miguel Cabrera for two consecutive seasons, Mike Trout finally wins his first MVP award. One of the game's best players, the Angels' outfielder hit .287 with 36 home runs, 111 rbi's, stole 16 bases, had an OPS of .939, and for you sabermetric people, a 7.9 WAR. Trout also claimed all 30 first place votes, good for 420 points in the overall ballot. In second place was the Tigers' Victor Martinez (229 points, 16 second place votes), Michael Brantley of the Indians (191, 8), AL Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu of the White Sox (145, 1), Robinson Cano of the Mariners (124, 1), Jose Bautista of the Blue Jays (122, 1), Nelson Cruz of the Orioles (102), Josh Donaldson of the Athletics (96, 1), two-time MVP Cabrera of the Tigers (82, 1), Felix Hernandez of the Mariners (48, 2), AL Cy Young Winner Corey Kluber of the Indians (45), Alex Gordon of the Royals (44), Jose Altuve of the Astros (41), Adam Jones of the Orioles (34), Adrian Beltre of the Rangers (22), Greg Holland of the Royals (13), Albert Pujols of the Angels (5), Howie Kendrick of the Angels (3), James Shields of the Royals (3), and Kyle Seager of the Mariners (1).

Kershaw becomes the tenth pitcher (fourth in the NL) to win both the Cy Young and MVP award in the same season. He earned 18 of the 30 MVP votes, good for 355 voter points. Marlins' slugger Giancarlo Stanton finished second in the voting (298, 8 first place votes), follwed by last year's NL MVP Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates (271, 4), Jonathan Lucroy of the Brewers (167), Anthony Rendon of the Nationals (155), Buster Posey of the Giants (152), Adrian Gonzalez of the Dodgers (57), Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals (53), Josh Harrison of the Pirates (52), Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs (37), Hunter Pence of the Giants (34), Johnny Cueto of the Reds (22), Russell Martin of the Pirates (21), Matt Holliday of the Cardinals (17), Jhonny Peralta of the Cardinals (17), Carlos Gomez of the Brewers (13), Justin Upton of the braves (10), Jayson Werth of the Nationals (9), Denard Span of the Nationals (8), Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers (8), Devin Mesoraco of the Reds (5), Lucas Duda of the Mets (3), Freddie Freeman of the Braves (2), Justin Morneau of the Rockies (2), Dee Gordon of the Dodgers (1), and Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies (1).

Trout becomes the third Angels player, and the fifth player to win the MVP unanimously. Kershaw becomes the eleventh Dodgers player to be named NL MVP. With both winners from the Los Angeles area teams, it is also the 11th time in MLB history that two players from the city or area take home the MVP awards. As with the last two sets of awards, here for your viewing pleasure are the 2014 Topps cards of your MVP's. Too bad they didn't make cards for the managers (congratulations to both Buck Showalter of the Orioles and Matt Williams of the Nationals by the way).

With everything all said and done, did your guy win?

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2014 MLB Cy Young Award Winners - Unanimous in the NL, No Longer Anonymous in the AL

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Once again, however, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them. But yesterday, we learned who was named the Cy Young award winners in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers for winning the American League and National League Cy Young Awards. While there was no doubt in the NL, the AL margin between first and second place was a mere 10 votes.

On Monday, a Stetson Hatter alum was named the NL Rookie of the Year. Yesterday, another Hatter took home the AL Cy Young award. Kluber, a second-year starter with the Indians, had a very dominant run in 2014. With a record of 18-9, an ERA of 2.44, 269 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.095 in 235.2 innngs of work, 17 of the 30 voters picked Corey as their first place choice (for a grand total of 169 points). The Mariners' Felix Hernandez claimed the other 13 first place votes, good for 159 points. Following Kluber and the King were Chris Sale of the White Sox (78 points), Jon Lester of the Athletics (46), last year's Cy Young winner Max Scherzer of the Tigers (32), David Price of the Tigers (16), Phil Hughes of the Twins (6), and Royals relievers Wade Davis (3) and Greg Holland (1).

Kershaw takes home his third Cy Young Award in four years after leading the NL for the third straight year in ERA (a ridiculous 1.77) to go along with a 239 strikeouts, a 16-9 record, a WHIP of 0.915, 3 complete games, and two shutouts. Claiming all 30 first place votes (210 points) Kershaw outpaced the rest of the field of contenders, including finalists Johnny Cueto of the Reds (112 points), Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals  (97), Madison Bumgarner of the Giants (28), Jordan Zimmermann of the Nationals (25), Cole Hamels of the Phillies (17), Zack Greinke of the Dodgers (6), Doug Fister of the Nationals (5), Jake Arrieta of the Cubs (3), Craig Kimbrel of the Braves (3), Stephen Strasburg of the Nationals (3), and Henderson Alvarez of the Marlins (1).

The fun concludes on Thursday when the Most Valuable Players in both leagues are announced. Let the debates continue. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2014 MLB Rookies of the Year - Little to No Doubt Who Was Going to Win

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Once again, however, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them.  But yesterday, we learned who was named the Rookies of the Year in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets and Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox for winning the National League and American League Rookies of the Year Awards. This year, MLB decided to announce the top three finalists for each of the awards. While there certainly more players in the running, announcing the top three made for interesting debate.

Jose Abreu, the White Sox' first baseman of the future, had a breakout rookie season that could only be described as dominant. He was among the top 5 players in the AL in batting average (0.317), home runs (36), and rbi's (107), was named to the All-Star Team, and won the Silver Slugger Award for first basemen. He was everything the Southsiders were hoping for and more. Abreu also received all 30 first place votes in the AL ROY balloting, thus earning the maximum 150 points possible. The rest of the field included Angels pitcher Matt Shoemaker (40 points, 12 second place votes), Yankees reliever Dellin Betances (27, 7), Collin McHugh of the Astros (21, 6), Masahiro Tanaka of the Yankees (16, 3), Yordano Ventura of the Royals (9, 1), Danny Santana of the Twins (3, 1), Nick Castellanos of the Tigers (1), Brock Holt of the Red Sox (1), Jake Odorozzi of the Rays (1), and George Springer of the Astros (1).

For Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom, the numbers may be a bit misleading, but it does not mean he is not more than deserving of the honor. He earned a 9-6 record, a 2.69 ERA, struck out 144 batters, and a WHIP of 1.140 in 22 starts and 140.1 innings of work. Taking 26 of the 30 1st place votes (142 total points), deGrom earned more points than runners-up Billy Hamilton of the Reds (92 points, 4 first place votes), Kolten Wong of the Cardinals (14 points), Ken Giles of the Phillies (8), Ender Inciarte of the Diamondbacks (4), Joe Panik of the Giants (3), Travis d'Arnaud of the Mets (2), Jeurys Familia of the Mets (2), Kyle Hendricks of the Cubs (2), and Chase Anderson of the Diamonbacks (1).

Abreu becomes the fourth Cuban-born player, the sixth White Sox player, and the ninth player to be named Rookie of the Year. deGrom is now the fifth Mets player and the first starting pitcher with less than 10 wins to earn the award.

So begins a wild week were debates will come fast and furious. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing the 2013 Topps All-Star Rookie Team!!!

The MLB managers have spoken, and today, Topps has announced the players named to the 54th All-Star Rookie Team!!! (If the player's name is in bold, it means I predicted that they would make the team earlier this month).

• 1B Matt Adams, St. Louis Cardinals (.284 batting average, 17 HR, 51 RBI, 2013 stats)
• 2B Jedd Gyorko, San Diego Padres (.249, 23, 63)
• 3B Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (.267, 10, 52)
• SS Jose Iglesias, Detroit Tigers (.303, 3, 29)
• OF Wil Myers, Tampa Bay Rays (.293, 13, 53)
• OF Yasiel Puig, Los Angeles Dodgers (.319, 19, 42)
• OF Christian Yelich, Miami Marlins (.288, 4, 16)
• C Evan Gattis, Atlanta Braves (.243, 21, 65)
• RHP Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins (12-6, 2.19 ERA, 187 K's)
• LHP Hyun-jin Ryu, Los Angeles Dodgers (14-8, 3.00, 154)
• RP Jim Henderson, Milwaukee Brewers (60 IP, 2.70, 75, 28 Saves)

So I guessed 10 out of now 11 spots correctly.  I guessed Darin Ruf for the third outfielder's spot and Paco Rodriguez as my left handed reliever. I did a lot better than last year (when I got 9 of 11 correct).

Now my comments. At least now Topps is showing some consistency with naming three pitchers to the team (two starters, 1 reliever). Good thing that I asked those entering the All-Star Rookie Team contest to name four pitchers (two right-handers, two-left handers) just in case.

So congratulations to all. Each player will now get the illustrious rookie cup trophy added to their 2014 Topps cards.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2013 MLB Most Valuable Players - Awards Truly Deserved

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week (the 2013 set added two more cards to the subset, honoring the AL and NL Defensive Players of the Year, and then honored all 8 in Series 2). Once again, however, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them. But yesterday, we learned who was named the Most Valuable Players in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers for being named the National League and American League Most Valuable Players for 2013. Incredible seasons by both players (leading his team to their first postseason berth since in TWO DECADES, and a season that showed no letdown after winning the first batting Triple Crown since 1967) gave the voters enough reason to select these two extraordinary players the award.

What more can be said about Miguel Cabrera. One year after leading the American League in home runs, runs batted in, and batting average, (along with slugging percentage, and OPS), Cabrera continued to strike fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers everywhere. No, he didn't hit the most home runs and rbi's (although 44 and 137 in a year would certainly lead in many other seasons), but he did hit .348 which did lead the AL, and lead in all the offensive percentages (.442/.636/1.078). Tigers players have now won the MVP award for three consecutive seasons, with teammate Justin Verlander winning it in 2011. Cabrera captured 23 of the 30 first place votes, which gave him 385 points in the overall ballot. In second place for the second season in the row was Mike Trout of the Angels (282, 5 first place votes), followed by Chris Davis of the Orioles (232, 1), Josh Donaldson of the Athletics (222, 1), Robinson Cano of the Yankees (150), Evan Longoria of the Rays (103), Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox (99), Adrian Beltre of the Rangers (99), Manny Machado of the Orioles (57), World Series MVP David Ortiz of the Red Sox (47), Jason Kipnis of the Indians (31), Cy Young Award Winner Max Scherzer, another Tigers teammate (25), Adam Jones of the Orioles (9), Edwin Encarnacion of the Blue Jays (7), Greg Holland of the Royals (3), Carlos Santana of the Indians (3), Coco Crisp of the Athletics (3), Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox (3), Torii Hunter of the Tigers (2), Hisashi Iwakuma of the Mariners (2), Koji Uehara of the Red Sox (2), Yu Darvish of the Rangers (1), Felix Hernandez of the Mariners (1), Salvador Perez of the Royals (1), and Shane Victorino of the Red Sox (1).

Andrew McCutchen, the first Pirates player to win the MVP award since Barry Bonds (incidentally, Buster Posey, last year's MVP was the first Giants player since Bonds to be named MVP), led the Pirates to the promised land after 20 years of last place finishes and late season collapses. After securing their first winning season since 1992, the goal of making the playoffs was so close. When it was achieved, it was with the Bucs centerfielder leading the way. Although he did not lead in any of the major hitting categories, (.317, 21 homers, 84 rbi's) the fact that without McCutchen, and all the intangibles he provided, the Pirates would have had another season of "what if." Now it's just a matter of time before they become a consistent contender in the very competitive NL Central. "Cutch" received 28 of the 30 first place votes (409 points), which blew away the competition, including finalists Paul Goldschmidt of the Diamondbacks (242), and Yadier Molina of the Cardinals (219, 2 first place votes), Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals (194), Freddie Freeman of the Braves (154), Joey Votto of the Reds (149), Cy Young Winner Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers (146), Hanley Ramirez of the Dodgers (58), Carlos Gomez of the Brewers (43), Jay Bruce of the Reds (30), Craig Kimbrel of the Braves (27), Shin-Soo Choo of the Reds (23), Jayson Werth of the Nationals (20), Andrelton Simmons of the Braves (14), Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers (10), Hunter Pence of the Giants (7), Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies (5), Allen Craig of the Cardinals (4), Adrian Gonzalez of the Dodgers (4), last year's MVP Buster Posey (3), Adam Wainwright of teh Cardinals (3), Michael Cuddyer of the Rockies (3), Matt Holliday of the Cardinals (2), and Russell Martin of the Pirates (1).

As with the last two sets of awards, here for your viewing pleasure are the 2013 Topps cards of your MVP's. Too bad they didn't make cards for the managers (congratulations to both Terry Francona of the Indians and Clint Hurdle of the Pirates by the way).

With everything all said and done, did your guy win?

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2013 MLB Cy Young Award Winners - It Wasn't Even Close

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week (the 2013 set added two more cards to the subset, honoring the AL and NL Defensive Players of the Year). Once again, however, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them. But yesterday, we learned who was named the Cy Young Award winners in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers for winning the National League and American League Cy Young Awards. At this point, was there really any need to name "finalists?"

Scherzer was the most dominant starting pitcher in the American League in 2013. With a record of 21-3 record, an ERA of 2.90, 240 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 0.970 in 214.1 innngs of work, winning the Cy Young was a no brainer in the minds of 28 of the 30 voters who chose him as their first place choice (for a grand total of 203 points). Behind him were a duo of pitchers from the Land of the Rising Sun: Yu Darvish (93 points) and Hisashi Iwakuma (73), who were the named finalists for the Award this year. Following them were Anibal Sanchez of the Tigers (46, 1 first place vote), Chris Sale of the White Sox (44, 1), Bartolo Colon of the Athletics (25), Red Sox closer Koji Uehara (10), Felix Hernandez of the Mariners (6), Matt Moore of the Rays (4), and Royals teammates Greg Holland (4) & James Shields (2).

Kershaw takes home his second Cy Young Award (he won in 2011) after leading the NL for the third straight year in ERA (a ridiculous 1.83) to go along with a league leading 232 strikeouts, a 16-9 record, a WHIP of 0.915, 3 complete games, and two shutouts. Claiming 29 of the 30 first place votes (207 points) Kershaw outpaced the rest of the field of contenders, including finalists Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals  (86 points, 1 first place vote), NL Rookie of the Year Jose Fernandez (62), Braves closer Craig Kimbrel (39), Matt Harvey of the Mets (39), Cliff Lee of the Phillies (32), Jordan Zimmermann of the Nationals (21), Zack Greinke of the Dodgers (19), Madison Bumgarner of the Giants (3), and Francisco Liriano of the Pirates (3).

The fun concludes on Thursday when the Most Valuable Players in both leagues are announced. Let the debates continue. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2013 MLB Rookies of the Year - Florida's Finest First-Year Players

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week (the 2013 set added two more cards to the subset, honoring the AL and NL Defensive Players of the Year). Once again, however, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them.  But yesterday, we learned who was named the Rookies of the Year in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins and Wil Myers of the Tampa Bay Rays for winning the National League and American League Rookies of the Year Awards. This year, MLB decided to announce the three finalists for each of the awards. While there certainly more players in the running, announcing the top three made for interesting debate.

Becoming the first rookie to win the award while playing fewer than 100 games during the season, Myers, who was acquired in the James Shields trade with KC, was everything the Rays had hoped for when he made his debut on June 18. Even with the late start, he led AL rookies in rbi's (53) while hitting for a .293 average and 13 home runs. Taking 23 of a possible 30 first place votes (131 total points), Myers beat out Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (80 points, 5 first place votes), teammate Chris Archer (35, 1), and Dan Straily of the Athletics (15, 1), J. B. Shuck of the Angels (4), Cody Allen of the Indians (2), Martin Perez of the Rangers (2), and David Lough of the Royals (1).

As much as many would have (including ESPN) would have loved to see Yasiel Puig with the NL award (even on my ESPN alert, the headline did NOT lead with Fernandez winning the award, but Puig taking second), Fernandez was one of the few bright spots on a horrible Marlins team. Taking 26 of the 30 1st place votes (142 total points), Fernandez earned more points than runners-up Puig (95 votes, 4 first place votes), Shelby Miller of the Cardinals (12), Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Dodgers (10), Julio Teheran of the Braves (7), Jedd Gyorko of the Padres (2), Nolan Arenado of the Rockies (1), and Evan Gattis of the Braves (1).

So begins a wild week were debates will come fast and furious. Did your guy win??? 

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing the 2012 Topps All-Star Rookie Team!!!

The MLB managers have spoken, and today, Topps has announced the players named to the 54th All-Star Rookie Team!!! (If the player's name is in bold, it means I predicted that they would make the team earlier this month).

• 1B: Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs (0.285 batting average, 15 HR, 48 RBI, 2012 stats)
• 2B: Steve Lombardozzi, Washington Nationals (.273, 3, 27)
• 3B: Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds (.273, 19, 67)
• SS: Zack Cozart, Cincinnati Reds (.246, 15, 35)
• OF: Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland Athletics (.292, 23, 82)
• OF: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals (.270, 22, 59)
• OF: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (.326, 30, 83)
• C: Wilin Rosario, Colorado Rockies (.270, 28, 71)
• RHP: Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers (16-9, 3.90 ERA, 221 K's)
• LHP: Wade Miley, Arizona Diamondbacks (16-11, 3.33, 144)
• RP:  Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox (3-2, 4.75, 54, 29 saves)

So I guessed 9 out of now 11 spots correctly.  I guessed Jesus Montero for the catcher spot (I guess if he had stayed with the Yankees he would have won this outright), and Ryan Cook & Rex Brothers as my relief pitchers.  I did a lot better than last year (when I got 6 of 10 correct).  

Now my comments. Hey, Topps brought back the Strasburg rule for 2012.  Instead of having just one starting pitcher and one relief pitcher, they have returned to the right-handed and left-handed starting pitchers to go with one relief pitcher.  Maybe it was a good thing that I asked those entering the All-Star Rookie Team contest to name four pitchers (two right-handers, two-left handers) just in case.

While I have not yet seen if there were any unanimous votes, there was little doubt that Cespedes, Harper, Trout, and Darvish would be selected.  It could have gone either way with Rizzo and the Padres' Yonder Alonso.  But Rizzo had considerably comparable numbers while playing in less games.  Personally, I'm totally surprised that Ryan Cook was not selected as the relief pitcher for the team.  He definitely had the numbers to warrant him getting the nod, but Reed was a closer for the entire year, while Cook was a middle reliever who took the closer role in the middle of the season (and later returned to set-up when closer late in the year).

So congratulations to all. Each player will now get the illustrious rookie cup trophy added to their 2013 Topps cards.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2012 MLB Most Valuable Players - Who Would Have Thought?

2012 MLB Most Valuable Players

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Unfortunately, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them.  But yesterday, MLB announced the Most Valuable Players in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants and Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers for being named the National League and American League Most Valuable Players for 2012.  Incredible seasons by both players (a comeback season of epical proportions and the first batting Triple Crown winner since 1967) gave the voters enough reason to select these two extraordinary players the award.

What else can be said about the year Miguel Cabrera had.  After moving back to third base to accommodate the signing of first baseman Prince Fielder, Cabrera had the season for the ages.  Leading the league in home runs (44) rbi's (139), and batting average (.330) won him the Triple Crown, but he also led the AL in Slugging Percentage (.606), and OPS (.999).  Cabrera has been in the running for MVP awards since his rookie year in 2003, and after placing second in 2010, and seeing Tigers teammate Justin Verlander win it last year, Cabrera now has his first MVP award to cap of his unbelievable season.  Cabrera captured 22 of the 28 first place votes, which gave him 362 points in the overall ballot.  In second place was Rookie of the Year winner Mike Trout of the Angels (281, 6 first place votes), Adrian Beltre of the Rangers (210), Robinson Cano of the Yankees (149), Josh Hamilton of the Rangers (127), Adam Jones of the Orioles (124), Derek Jeter of the Yankees (73), last year's MVP and teammate Justin Verlander (58), fellow corner mate Prince Fielder (56), Yoenis Cespedes of the Athletics (41), Edwin Encarnacion of the Blue Jays (33), Cy Young winner David Price of the Rays (26), Fernando Rodney of the Rays (24), Jim Johnson of the Orioles (22), Alex Rios of the White Sox (17), Josh Reddick of the Athletics (14), Albert Pujols of the Angels (8), Ben Zobrist of the Rays (7), Joe Mauer of the Twins (6), Rafael Soriano of the Yankees (5), Matt "I'm Not With Topps" Wieters of the Orioles (4), Felix Hernandez of the Mariners (2), Jered Weaver of the Angels (2), and Raul Ibanez of the Yankees (1).

Buster Posey, the first Giants player to win the MVP award since Barry Bonds, caps of his comeback season in which he won two of the Comeback Player awards, a Silver Slugger, the Hank Aaron Award, and the Willie McCovey Award for being San Francisco's most inspirational player.  He becomes the first catcher to win the batting average title (major league leading .336) since Ernie Lombardi in 1942.  Hitting 24 home runs and driving in 103 rbi's is just the icing on the cake.  He received 27 of the 32 first place votes (422 points), which outdistanced him from last year's NL MVP Ryan Braun by over a hundred points.  Braun (285, 3 first place votes) leads the pack of runners-up which also includes Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates (245), Yadier Molina of the Cardinals (241, 2), Chase Headley of the Padres (127), David Wright of the Mets (86), Adam LaRoche of the Nationals (86), Craig Kimbrel of the Braves (73), Aramis Ramirez of the Brewers (47), Jay Bruce of the Reds (46), Matt Holliday of the Cardinals (34), Reds players Aroldis Chapman (20), Brandon Phillips (18), and Joey Votto (16), Cy Young winner R. A. Dickey of the Mets (16), last year's Cy Yong winner Clayton Kershaw (15), Ian Desmond of the Nationals (15), Michael Bourn of the Braves (12), Allen Craig of the Cardinals (10), Gio Gonzalez of the Nationals (8), Alfonso Soriano (8), Braves teammates Kris Medlen (8), and Martin Prado (8), Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals (7), Giancarlo Stanton of the Marlins (7), Carlos Beltran of the Cardinals (6), Aaron Hill of the Diamondbacks (6), Carlos Ruiz of the Phillies (4), Jason Heyward of the Braves (4), Johnny Cueto of the Reds (2), NL Rookie of the Year Bryce Harper of the Nationals (2), Chipper Jones of the Braves (1), Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks (1), and Giants outfielders Angel Pagan (1), and Hunter Pence (1).

That ends the individual awards, as well as my use of the 2012 Topps '87 mini cards to celebrate the announcements.  Too bad they didn't make cards for the managers (congratulations to both Bob Melvin of the Athletics and Davey Johnson of the Nationals by the way).  With everything all said and done, did your guy win?

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2012 MLB Cy Young Award Winners - Tight Races Abound

2012 MLB Cy Young Award Winners

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Unfortunately, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them.  But this afternoon, MLB announced the winners of the Cy Young Award in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both R. A. Dickey of the New York Mets and David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays for winning the National League and American League Cy Young Awards. Statistically speaking, the awards could have gone to anybody.  As with the Rookie of the Year awards that were announced on Monday, while one player ran away with the votes, it was a very tight race in the other league.  Take a look.

Price had a career year in 2012, going 20-5 with a league leading 2.56 ERA, 205 strikeouts, a WHIP of 1.100, 2 complete games, and one shutout.  His win was very close as the margin between him and the runner-up was four points (153 points, 14 first place votes) over last year's AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander of the Tigers (149, 13). The rest of the pack include Jered Weaver of the Angels (70), Felix Hernandez of the Mariners (41), Rays teammate Fernando Rodney (38, 1), Chris Sale of the White Sox (17), Jim Johnson of the Orioles (5), and Rangers starters Matt Harrison (2), and Yu Darvish (1).

R. A.'s win came in large part thanks to 20-6 record, 2.73 ERA, a league leading 230 strikeouts, a WHIP of 1.053, five complete games, and 3 shutouts.  The knuckleballer did run away with the award in the balloting, taking 27 of the 32 first place votes (209 points).  Last year's Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers finished second (96, 2 first place votes), followed by Gio Gonzalez of the Nationals (93, 1), Johnny Cueto of the Reds (75, 1), Craig Kimbrel of the Braves (41, 1), Matt Cain of the Giants (22), Kyle Lohse of the Cardinals (6), Aroldis Chapman of the Reds (1), and Cole Hamels of the Phillies (1).

The fun continues on Thursday when the Most Valuable Players in both leagues are announced.  Let the debates continue. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2012 MLB Rookies of the Year - Should We Have Been the Least Surprised???

Future Stars...Current Rookies of the Year!!!

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Unfortunately, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them.  But this afternoon, we learned who was named the Rookies of the Year in both the National and American Leagues.

Congratulations to both Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals and Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for winning the National League and American League Rookies of the Year Awards. While it was really anybody's to win it in the NL, it sure was no surprise who was going to take it home in the AL.

In what turned out to be a rare unanimous decision, Trout, the Angels All-Star centerfielder, blew past the competition with all 28 first-place votes (140 points). He beat out four other players for the award, including Yoenis Cespedes of the Athletics (63 points, 19 second place votes), Yu Darvish of the Rangers (46, 9 second place votes), Wei-Yin Chen of the Orioles (2), and Jarrod Parker of the Athletics (1).

On the other hand, Harper's win was extremely close as he won the award by seven points (112 points, 16 first place votes) over his closest competitor, Wade Miley of the Diamondbacks (105, 12).  The rest of the field included Todd Frazier of the Reds (45, 3), Wilin Rosario of the Rockies (12, 1), Norichika Aoki of the Brewers (11), Yonder Alonso of the Padres (1), Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals (1), and Jordan Pacheco of the Rockies (1).

Back in 1987, Topps named the following six players as "Future Stars" and included those words in now iconic rainbow-colored lettering:  Pat Dodson (Red Sox), Bo Jackson (Royals), Dave Magadan (Mets), Rafael Palmeiro (Cubs), Tim Pyznarski (Padres), and B. J. Surhoff (Brewers).  As Topps was paying homage to the '87 set, it made perfect sense to give both Trout and Harper the Future Stars treatment.  Just like another pair of rookie All-Stars back in 2001, their names are forever intertwined.  There is little doubt that these two will carry the torch as superstars of the game and appear in multiple All-Star contests as the years go by.

So begins a wild week were debates will come fast and furious. Did your guy win??? 

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

P.S.  Just saw the count...this is the 1500th post for this humble little blog.  Time to celebrate another milestone.  jba

Introducing the 2011 Topps All-Star Rookie Team!!!

The MLB managers have spoken, and today, Topps has announced the players named to the 53rd All-Star Rookie Team!!! (If the player's name is in bold, it means I predicted that they would make the team earlier this month).

• 1B: Mark Trumbo, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (0.254 batting average, 29 HR, 87 RBI, 2011 stats)
• 2B: Danny Espinosa, Washington Nationals (.236, 21, 66)
• 3B: Brett Lawrie, Toronto Blue Jays (.293, 9, 25)
• SS: Dee Gordon, Los Angeles Dodgers (.304, 0, 11)
• OF: Doug Jennings, Tampa Bay Rays (.259, 10, 25)
• OF: Josh Reddick, Boston Red Sox (.280, 7, 28)
• OF: Ben Revere, Minnesota Twins (.267, 0, 30)
• C: J. P. Arencibia, Toronto Blue Jays (.219, 23, 78)
• Starting Pitcher: Jeremy Hellickson, Tampa Bay Rays (13-10, 2.95 ERA, 117 K's)
• Relief Pitcher: Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves (4-3, 2.10 ERA, 121 K's, 46 saves)

So I guessed 6 out of 10 spots correctly (I guessed Eric Thames for the third outfield spot, Freddie Freeman for first base, and Brent Morel at third, with Ivan Nova as my RHP & Cory Luebke as the LHP). I did worse than well last year (when I got 7 of 11 correct).  

Now my comments. Who knew that Topps would return to the 10-player team this time? WHAT??! What happened to last year's RHP and LHP for starting pitchers??! I knew there was something fishy going on when Topps' wunderkind Stephen Strasburg happened to make the team as the RHP; in turn, making Neftali Feliz, also a RHP, the "relief pitcher" for the ASRT. Now they get rid of the third pitching spot and instead of reverting to top RHP and LHP, it's now Starting Pitcher and Relief Pitcher??! Regardless, if you entered the contest and picked Hellickson and Kimbrel as your pitchers, those will count as count as correct answers. Let the conspiracy theories continue!!!

It could have gone either way for the first baseman spot with Trumbo and my pick Freeman. But even with Hosmer as the dark horse, Trumbo did outslug the Braves slugger (although Freeman had a better average of .282 vs. Trumbo's .254). Brett Lawrie's selection is a surprise as he played in far too few games to have warranted consideration (in my opinion).  But I guess when you perform almost as well as the front-running Morel (9 HR's to Morel's 10, .293 to Morel's .245) and Daniel Descalso of the Cardinals (25 RBI's to Descalso's 28) while playing in less than a third of the games (Lawrie played 43 compared to Morel's 126 and Descalso's 148), you deserve recognition. So congratulations to all. Each player will now get the illustrious rookie cup trophy added to their 2012 Topps cards.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2011 NL Most Valuable Player...Most Competitive Field for the MVP

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Unfortunately, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them. 

On Monday, Justin Verlander was named the AL Most Valuable Player. Today, we know who won the award in the National League.

Congratulations to Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers for being named the National League's Most Valuable Player. Of the six major awards this week, the field for this award was very competitive and many of the runners-up made strong cases for themselves.  But in the end, it was Braun who takes the plaque (or trophy, or whatever they give the winner).  Although he didn't lead the league in any of the Triple Crown categories (.332 was good for second, 33 HR and 111 RBI's), he did lead the NL in other stats like slugging percentage (.597), and OPS (.994).

Braun becomes the first Brewer to win the MVP award since 1989 when Robin Yount took the prize home (and the Brewers were in the American League). He received 20 first-place votes (out of 32, for a total of 388 points).  In doing so, he beat a field that included Matt Kemp of the Dodgers (332, 10 first-place votes), Prince Fielder of the Brewers (229, 1), Justin Upton of the D-backs (214, 1), Albert Pujols of the Cardinals (166), reigning NL MVP Joey Votto of the Reds (135), Lance Berkman of the Cardinals (118), Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies (69), teammates Roy Halladay (52) and Ryan Howard of the Phillies (39), Jose Reyes of the Mets (31), Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers (29), Shane Victorino of the Phillies (18), Ian Kennedy of the D-backs (16), Cliff Lee of the Phillies (12), Hunter Pence of the Astros/Phillies (10), Pablo Sandoval of the Giants (7), John Axford of the Brewers (7), Michael Morse of the Nationals (5), Carlos Beltran of the Mets/Giants (3), Miguel Montero of the D-backs (2), Yadier Molina of the Cardinals (2), Starlin Castro of the Cubs (1), NL Rookie of the Year Craig Kimbrel of the Braves (1), Carlos Ruiz of the Phillies (1), and Mike Stanton of the Marlins (1).

Braun becomes the 13th player to win both the NL Rookie of the Year award (2007) and MVP, the first since Ryan Howard.

Let the debates continue. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2011 AL Most Valuable Player...A Well Deserved Honor

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Unfortunately, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them. But yesterday afternoon, we learned who was named the American League's Most Valuable Player.

Congratulations to Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers for being named the American League's Most Valuable Player. The AL Cy Young winner, the AL Triple Crown winner, and new MVP, turned in one of the best pitching performances in MLB history. The numbers don't lie. He led the AL in Wins, ERA, K's, and WHIP (24-5 record, 2.40 ERA, 250 K's, and .920 WHIP in 251 innings of work).

Verlander becomes the first Tiger to win the MVP award since 1984 when Willie Hernandez (who by the way, also was a pitcher) took the prize home. In fact, all the Tigers who were eventually named MVP were pitchers (Denny McLain won in 1968 AND 1969, Hal Newhouser in 1944 AND 1945). He received 13 of 28 first-place votes (280 points), beating a field that included Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox (242, 4 first-place votes), Jose Bautista of the Blue Jays (231, 5), Curtis Granderson of the Yankees (215, 3), Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers (193, 2), Robinson Cano of the Yankees (112), Adrian Gonzalez of the Red Sox (105), Michael Young of the Rangers (96, 1), Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox (48), Evan Longria of the Rays (27), Ian Kinsler of the Rangers (25), Alex Avila of the Tigers (13), Paul Konerko of the White Sox (11), CC Sabathia of the Yankees (10), Adrian Beltre of the Rangers (9), Ben Zobrist of the Rays (7), Victor Martinez of the Tigers (7), James Shields of the Rays (7), Mark Teixeira of the Yankees (5), Asdrubal Cabrera of the Indians (4), Alex Gordon of the Royals (3), Josh Hamilton of the Rangers (1), and David Robertson of the Yankees (1).

In a move that is not necessarily unprecedented, but yet highly debated amongst fans, experts, and even the Hobby Message Boards, a pitcher has won the top prize in the American League. Verlander is the first pitcher to win the AL MVP since 1992 (Dennis Eckersley) and the first starting pitcher to do so since 1986 (Roger Clemens).

Let the debates continue. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2011 NL Cy Young Award Winner...Like You Didn't Already Know

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Unfortunately, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them. 

On Tuesday, Justin Verlander was named the AL Cy Young Award winner. Today, we know who won the award in the National League.

Congratulations to Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers for winning the NL Cy Young Award. While not winning in unanimous fashion like his AL counterpart, the award was well deserved.  And why not?  Kershaw led the NL in Wins, ERA, K's, and WHIP (21-5 record, 2.28 ERA, 248 K's, and .977 WHIP in 233.1 innings of work), a Triple Crown, and then some.

He received 27 first-place votes (out of 32, for a total of 207 points).  In doing so, "The Claw" beat out a field that included Phillies teammates Roy Halladay (133 points, 4 first-place votes...defending Cy Young Award winner) and Cliff Lee (90 points), Ian Kennedy of the Diamondbacks (76, 1 first-place vote), Cole Hamels of the Phillies (17), Tim Lincecum of the Giants (7), Yovanni Gallardo of the Brewers (5), Matt Cain of the Giants (3), John Axford of the Brewers (2), NL Rookie of the Year Craig Kimbrel of the Braves (1), and Giants teammates Madison Bumgarner(1), and Ryan Vogelsong (1).

Already the recipient the NL Gold Glove award in 2011, Kershaw becomes the tenth Dodger pitcher to win the Cy Young Award since Eric Gagne in 2003 and the first Dodger's starting pitcher to win the award since Orel Hershiser in 1988.

Let the debates continue. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Introducing Your 2011 AL Cy Young Award Winner...Like This Was Going to be a Big Surprise

In recent years, Topps has reserved six cards within Series 1 for the AL and NL award winners that are being announced this week. Unfortunately, this year's preliminary checklist doesn't specify what numbers are being held for the them.  But yesterday afternoon, we learned who was named the American League's Cy Young Award Winner.

Congratulations to Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers for winning the AL Cy Young Award. In what should have been no big surprise, Verlander was unanimously declared the winner.  And why not?  He led the AL in Wins, ERA, K's, and WHIP (24-5 record, 2.40 ERA, 250 K's, and .920 WHIP in 251 innings of work), a Triple Crown, and then some.

In receiving all 28 first-place votes (points), Verlander beat out a field that included Jered Weaver of the Angels (97, 17 second-place votes), James Shields of the Rays (66, 5), CC Sabathia of the Yankees (63, 5), teammate Jose Valverde (28, 1), C. J. Wilson of the Rangers (9), Dan Haren of the Angels (7), Mariano Rivera of the Yankees (4), Josh Beckett of the Red Sox (3), Ricky Romero of the Blue Jays (2), and David Robertson of the Yankees (1).  This, after only getting one point in last year's Cy Young ballotting.

Verlander becomes the 21st pitcher to unanimously win the award (Roy Halladay won last year's NL award in the same fashion), and the twelfth pitcher to do so along with winning the Triple Crown.  He is also the first Tigers pitcher to win the award since Willie Hernandez in 1984 and the Tigers' first starting pitcher to win since Denny McLain all the way back in 1968.

Let the debates continue. Did your guy win???

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama