Now presenting, the 2008 American League award winners:
-Most Valuable Player: Vladimir Guerrero, RF, Los Angeles Angels
As maybe the most consistent player in the MLB over the past 10 years, this would mark Guerrero's second MVP award in the past five years (won in 2004). Now with more protection in the lineup with Torii Hunter, Guerrero could top a .400 OBP as he did last year. If Guerrero stays healthy as well as Chone Figgins and Howie Kendrick, there is no reason he should not be able to get to 30 HR and 140 RBI. With the addition of another outfielder (Hunter) Guerrero can stay in the lineup as the DH as often as he needs to.
-Dark Horse: B.J. Upton, 2B/CF, Tampa Bay Rays
Of course a Tampa Bay Devil Ray could never win MVP, but this Tampa Bay Ray may be able to. If the Rays could make the playoffs, which some experts are considering, I would think it would be because of Upton. He had a great rookie season last year, but was injured for about a month and missed 30 games in June/July. At age 23, Upton has 35 HR/35 SB potential and as the main Ray in Tampa, he could do so. He excelled in CF after struggling as a 2B, although he dislikes playing the outfield, which may have been the reason for a late-season drop off. But if he realizes that he is a better CF than 2B and sticks with it, it will be a great move for him.
-Cy Young Award (best pitcher): Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers
With Johan Santana leaving the AL for the NL, it leaves a door to the Cy Young Award open for players like Detroit's Verlander. Last season, he showed signs of brilliance, such as his no-hitter vs. Milwaukee on June 12th, and he showed signs of inconsistency, such as his 5 2/3 inning, 7-run, 4 HR outing @ Cleveland on September 18th. But with a combined 35-15 record over the past two seasons, it seems as if Verlander is for real. And with the acquisition of Miguel Cabrera to round out a ridiculous 9-man lineup, and also Dontrelle Willis to keep the clubhouse loose, Verlander could blossom into the best pitcher in the league. If Verlander fails to reach 20 wins, it would be a shame.
-Dark Horse: Fausto Carmona, SP, Cleveland Indians
Last season, this 24-year old pitcher found his sinker-ball and put himself in the running for a Cy Young Award. But he lost to his teammate, C.C. Sabathia, although Carmona had 26 quality starts in 32 appearances compared to Sabathia's 25 in 34. In case you do not know, Carmona throws a (good) disgusting mid-90's sinker that makes hitters look lost at times. The only question about him is if he is for real. Last season was his second MLB season and in his first, he was 1-10 with a 5.42 ERA. If Carmona can duplicate 2007, he will be rewarded in 2008.
