It’s time to open all the envelopes, also known as awards time in MLB.
Here’s my picks for the 2023 MLB awards:
AL MVP
1. Shohei Ohtani, Angels: 贬别’濒濒 miss the final month but it’s tough to argue with another historic season.
2. Corey Seager, Rangers: A case can be made since he’s had a historic year for a shortstop and may lead his team to AL West title.
3. Marcus Semien, Rangers: He’s set the tone.
AL LVP (Least Valuable)
Javier Baez, Tigers: He will not opt out.
NL MVP
1. Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves: It’s been a fantastic race between two players having comparably spectacular seasons.
It’s a shame overzealous Braves fans are making ridiculous claims (one is that voters for Mookie Betts are racist).
2. Mookie Betts, Dodgers: He has a great case since he also plays a fine shortstop and second base. Check the WARs — it’s a virtual tie.
3. Matt Olson, Braves and Freddie Freeman, Dodgers: In another year these two — who were basically traded for each other — would be MVP.
NL LVP
Starling Marte, Mets: Tried to play through pain.
AL Cy Young
1. Gerrit Cole, Yankees: He has the richest pitching contract ever but may be underpaid.
2. Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays: True ace after some bouncing around.
3. Kyle Bradish, Orioles: Should start Game 1 for dangerous O’s.
AL Cy Old
Alek Manoah, Blue Jays: What happened here?
NL Cy Young
1. Blake Snell, Padres: Big finish assured this free agent the top spot.
2. Logan Webb, Giants: Rare guy who pitches in the seventh inning — or even eighth.
3. Kodai Senga, Mets: Big ending nips Zac Gallen.
NL Cy Old
Carlos Carrasco, Mets: Oy.
AL Rookie of the Year
1. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles: Future superstar.
2. Tanner Bibee, Guardians: Under-the-radar great.
3. Josh Jung, Rangers: Was leader before injury.
NL Rookie of the Year
1. Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks: Candidate for down-ballot MVP votes.
2. Senga.
3. Matt McLain, Reds: Overshadowed by Elly De La Cruz.
AL Manager of the Year
1. Brandon Hyde, Orioles: Has the O’s rolling.
2. Rocco Baldelli, Twins: Overcame injuries by stars Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton.
3. Kevin Cash, Rays: Everyone does a great job there.
NL Manager of the Year
1. Dave Roberts, Dodgers: Lost a starting rotation.
2. Craig Counsell, Brewers: They seem to win all the close ones.
3. Skip Schumaker, Marlins: Set great tone. (Bad job by me not finding a spot for Brian Snitker.)
