With the mid-summer classic tonight, it's a good time to hand out mid-season MVP and Cy Young award winners. There are usually a handful of great options, leaving room for debate, and this year is no exception.
Mid-season National League Most Valuable Player
For NL MVP, I believe it to be a four-horse race. Although guys like David Wright and Melky Cabrera are having excellent years, they fall a bit short when comparing them with the top contenders.
Losing Albert Pujols is clearly going to hurt a team, but Carlos Beltran has stepped up in a big way, hitting over .300 and yielding great power numbers, for the Cardinals. He currently leads the NL in RBI's with 65 and is second in home runs with 20.
There was a lot of talk at the beginning of the year over what type of year Ryan Braun would have after his failed drug test was overturned due to a technicality in the offseason. Braun has responded with a league-leading 24 home runs. He also ranks second in RBIs with 61 and is hitting over .300, with 15 stolen bases to boot.
Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez ranks sixth in the league in home runs and RBIs and leads the league in runs. He is also currently hitting an impressive .330, and with 11 stolen bases. I believe Cargo is the most likely to finish the year strong, playing in a hitter's ballpark in Colorado.
At this point, I feel any of these three are great candidates.
As good as those three have been, however, Andrew McCutchen has been even better. McCutchen is leading the majors with a remarkable .362 average at the midway point. He is hitting for power with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs, but also is a threat to run, with 14 stolen bases. If he keeps this up for the rest of the year, McCutchen could finish the season hitting .350 with 30 hrs, 100 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases. Tough to argue with those numbers. I'm not sure if he can keep it up, but to date he is the NL MVP.
[Matt Kemp was the clear front runner before his injury, and certainly deserves recognition for how he was playing, but because of the number of games he has missed, I chose not to throw him in the mix, even though his early pace had him way ahead of the pack.]
Mid-season National League Cy Young Winner
The mid-season NL Cy Young race was looking interesting for a while. For a few weeks, I thought for sure it would be Cole Hamels, who had a great ERA and won seven consecutive starts after losing his first to start the year. Then Gio Gonzalez kept winning, Brian Beachy looked great, and Matt Cain threw a perfect game. Stephen Strasburg is becoming the phenom we all knew he would be.
And then there's R.A. Dickey. What Dickey has done this year has been nothing short of incredible.
The guy threw consecutive one-hitters, has an ERA of 2.40, a WHIP of just 0.93, is second in the league in strikeouts with 123, has his opponents hitting .203 for the season, and by the way is 12-1. Dickey has never been a great pitcher, but at 37, he seems to have found whatever he was lacking earlier in his career. The knuckleballer is hands down the mid-season NL Cy Young award winner.
I'd say that Strasburg could challenge him for the award by year's end if not for his innings count. My number two right now would Matt Cain, who at 9-3 with a 2.62 ERA and 118 K's is having a great season in his own right. I think Cain could make it interesting by the end of the year, but at the break, Dickey is the clear choice for the mid-season Cy Young.
Tomorrow we will post my A.L. (mid-season) award winners.
[Editor's note: This post is by John Trifone (@JohnnyT0122), who also contributes at our NFL site: Eat, Drink and Sleep Football (see John's archives).]
Showing posts with label Matt Cain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matt Cain. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday Night Links
Phillies closer Brad Lidge says not to worry about allowing four runs in his first Single-A rehab appearance of 2/3 of an inning.
Texas outfielder Julio Borbon was benched after starting the season 1-for-21. Returning to the lineup, Borbon went 0-for-4.
Meanwhile teammate Joaquin Arias has four straight multi-hit games filling in for injured second baseman Ian Kinsler.
The Giants won't pitch Matt Cain against the Dodgers over the weekend.
Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun is being more selective at the plate.
“I just can’t pay any attention to any of this crap going on around me,” Red Sox DH David Ortiz said, per the Boston Herald. “Just play the game. The game is hard enough for people to be talking trash about you and you paying attention to it. You can’t listen to it.”
A's reliever Tyson Ross got his first-ever save last night.
It might be a while before Orioles 'closer' Mike Gonzalez gets another save opportunity.
The Twins beat the Red Sox 5-2 in the first-ever game at Target Field.
Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester said of today's performance: “Today I just stunk. Didn’t make pitches. I don’t really know what else to say.’’
Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz hit his fifth home run of the season.
The Royals had 15 hits against the Tigers today.
Scott Rolen homered twice as the Reds beat the Marlins today.
The Padres scored 17 runs against the Braves today.
Dodgers pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley have added a slider and changeup, respectively, to their pitching repertoires, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times.
Texas will start Ryan Garko at first base on Thursday.
The Pirates scratched pitcher Ross Ohlendorf for tonight's start against the Giants.
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts might need more time after he's eligible to return from the DL.
Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore misssed his second straight game.
FYI: Follow us on Twitter @EDSBaseball.
Texas outfielder Julio Borbon was benched after starting the season 1-for-21. Returning to the lineup, Borbon went 0-for-4.
Meanwhile teammate Joaquin Arias has four straight multi-hit games filling in for injured second baseman Ian Kinsler.
The Giants won't pitch Matt Cain against the Dodgers over the weekend.
Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun is being more selective at the plate.
“I just can’t pay any attention to any of this crap going on around me,” Red Sox DH David Ortiz said, per the Boston Herald. “Just play the game. The game is hard enough for people to be talking trash about you and you paying attention to it. You can’t listen to it.”
A's reliever Tyson Ross got his first-ever save last night.
It might be a while before Orioles 'closer' Mike Gonzalez gets another save opportunity.
The Twins beat the Red Sox 5-2 in the first-ever game at Target Field.
Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester said of today's performance: “Today I just stunk. Didn’t make pitches. I don’t really know what else to say.’’
Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz hit his fifth home run of the season.
The Royals had 15 hits against the Tigers today.
Scott Rolen homered twice as the Reds beat the Marlins today.
The Padres scored 17 runs against the Braves today.
Dodgers pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley have added a slider and changeup, respectively, to their pitching repertoires, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times.
Texas will start Ryan Garko at first base on Thursday.
The Pirates scratched pitcher Ross Ohlendorf for tonight's start against the Giants.
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts might need more time after he's eligible to return from the DL.
Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore misssed his second straight game.
FYI: Follow us on Twitter @EDSBaseball.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Matt Cain gets contract extension
The San Francisco Giants have agreed to extensions with three pitchers: starter Matt Cain, closer Brian Wilson and set-up man Jeremy Affeldt, per Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.
"We have cost certainty and the fans have the comfort of knowing these guys are going to be in Giants uniforms helping us win games," said Giants general manager Brian Sabean.
Before the extension, Cain would have become a free agent in 2012. Now, he will earn $15 million that season as a Giant.
In addition, ace Tim Lincecum and Jonathan Sanchez won't become free agents until after the 2013 season.
"When you see a group of pitchers stay together like that "... it builds us all up," said Cain, per Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News. "I feel we all share the leadership every time we go out there and pitch."
Cain had a career year last season posting a 14-8 record, 171 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.89.
That said, part of his success was due to (an improvement in his) luck. Cain's 2009 BABIP was .268, which was the fourth-lowest in the Majors, according to Fangraphs.com. Meanwhile, his BABIP in 2008 was .304.
Comparing 2009 to 2008, Cain actually had a worse K/9 rate (7.69 in 2008 to 7.07 in 2009) and HR/9 rate (0.79 in 2008 to 0.91 in 2009) last season.
Per MockDraftCentral.com, Cain's average draft position (ADP) is 89.17, which makes him the 20th starter off fantasy draft boards, which makes him a good value.
"We have cost certainty and the fans have the comfort of knowing these guys are going to be in Giants uniforms helping us win games," said Giants general manager Brian Sabean.
Before the extension, Cain would have become a free agent in 2012. Now, he will earn $15 million that season as a Giant.
In addition, ace Tim Lincecum and Jonathan Sanchez won't become free agents until after the 2013 season.
"When you see a group of pitchers stay together like that "... it builds us all up," said Cain, per Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News. "I feel we all share the leadership every time we go out there and pitch."
Cain had a career year last season posting a 14-8 record, 171 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.89.
That said, part of his success was due to (an improvement in his) luck. Cain's 2009 BABIP was .268, which was the fourth-lowest in the Majors, according to Fangraphs.com. Meanwhile, his BABIP in 2008 was .304.
Comparing 2009 to 2008, Cain actually had a worse K/9 rate (7.69 in 2008 to 7.07 in 2009) and HR/9 rate (0.79 in 2008 to 0.91 in 2009) last season.
Per MockDraftCentral.com, Cain's average draft position (ADP) is 89.17, which makes him the 20th starter off fantasy draft boards, which makes him a good value.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
David Wright heading to 15-day DL, may be done for year
After getting hit in the head by a 93-mph fastball from Giants pitcher Matt Cain in yesterday's game, Mets third baseman David Wright, who spent the night in the hospital, had a CT scan, which was negative, according to Roger Rubin of the NY Daily News.
Wright, who suffered a concussion, has since been released from the hospital.
The Mets have placed Wright on the 15-day disabled list and it's possible that he could miss the remainder of the season. "It's going to depend on the tests," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. "If there's any question, it's a possibility."
“David wanted to take a chance to go out and play, but we decided to take it away from him and DL him based on the recommendation of our doctors who consulted with a specialist,” [general manager Omar] Minaya said, per the Associated Press.
With Wright being placed on the DL, the Mets have called up Andy Green from Triple-A Buffalo.
On the season, Wright was hitting .324 with eight home runs and 55 runs batted in. He also had 24 stolen bases.
Wright, who suffered a concussion, has since been released from the hospital.
The Mets have placed Wright on the 15-day disabled list and it's possible that he could miss the remainder of the season. "It's going to depend on the tests," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. "If there's any question, it's a possibility."
“David wanted to take a chance to go out and play, but we decided to take it away from him and DL him based on the recommendation of our doctors who consulted with a specialist,” [general manager Omar] Minaya said, per the Associated Press.
On the season, Wright was hitting .324 with eight home runs and 55 runs batted in. He also had 24 stolen bases.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Not quite mid-season awards: N.L. Cy Young
Over the next day or two, I'm going to select my winner (i.e., current leader) and runner-up for the Cy Young and MVP (not to be confused with MP3) in both leagues.
It goes without saying, although I'll say it anyways, this is highly subjective and is merely my (well-thought-out, compelling, coherent) opinion.
That being said, I encourage that you provide feedback (and your selection, if you disagree) in the comments' section.
So, let's begin with the N.L. Cy Young Award.
The N.L. Cy Young Award goes to ... (drum roll, please) ... Matt Cain, San Francisco. With a 9-1 record, Cain is one of three nine-game winners in the N.L. Chad Billingsley (Dodgers) and Jason Marquis (Rockies) are the other two. He's also third in ERA (2.39) behind Johnny Cueto (Reds) and Dan Haren (D'Backs).
In his past five starts, Cain is 5-0 with three complete games. His three complete games lead the N.L. In his past five starts, he has 34 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings pitched. During that span, Cain has an ERA of 2.02.
With the exception of a five-inning performance in a 4-1 win over the Nationals, Cain has pitched six (or more) innings in every start.
Runner-up: Dan Haren, Diamondbacks - Haren leads the NL in innings pitched (101), strikeout-to-walk ratio (7.38), WHIP (0.82), BAA (.193) and is second in ERA (2.23). He is tied for third in strikeouts (96) with Chad Billingsley. He's pitched six (or more) innings in every start and he has only allowed more than three runs in one start (May 23rd).
While he has a mediocre win-loss record of 6-4, it's not his fault. He allowed only seven runs in 26 innings, which is an ERA of 2.42, in his four losses. His team gave him two runs (total) in those four losses as support. If only he and the D'Backs (29-39) had a better record...
Honorable Mention (not necessarily in order): Tim Lincecum (Giants), Johnny Cueto (Reds), Johan Santana (Mets), Chad Billingsley (Dodgers), Yovani Gallardo (Brewers), Josh Johnson (Marlins), Javier Vazquez (Braves)
It goes without saying, although I'll say it anyways, this is highly subjective and is merely my (well-thought-out, compelling, coherent) opinion.
That being said, I encourage that you provide feedback (and your selection, if you disagree) in the comments' section.
So, let's begin with the N.L. Cy Young Award.
The N.L. Cy Young Award goes to ... (drum roll, please) ... Matt Cain, San Francisco. With a 9-1 record, Cain is one of three nine-game winners in the N.L. Chad Billingsley (Dodgers) and Jason Marquis (Rockies) are the other two. He's also third in ERA (2.39) behind Johnny Cueto (Reds) and Dan Haren (D'Backs).
In his past five starts, Cain is 5-0 with three complete games. His three complete games lead the N.L. In his past five starts, he has 34 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings pitched. During that span, Cain has an ERA of 2.02.
With the exception of a five-inning performance in a 4-1 win over the Nationals, Cain has pitched six (or more) innings in every start.
Runner-up: Dan Haren, Diamondbacks - Haren leads the NL in innings pitched (101), strikeout-to-walk ratio (7.38), WHIP (0.82), BAA (.193) and is second in ERA (2.23). He is tied for third in strikeouts (96) with Chad Billingsley. He's pitched six (or more) innings in every start and he has only allowed more than three runs in one start (May 23rd).
While he has a mediocre win-loss record of 6-4, it's not his fault. He allowed only seven runs in 26 innings, which is an ERA of 2.42, in his four losses. His team gave him two runs (total) in those four losses as support. If only he and the D'Backs (29-39) had a better record...
Honorable Mention (not necessarily in order): Tim Lincecum (Giants), Johnny Cueto (Reds), Johan Santana (Mets), Chad Billingsley (Dodgers), Yovani Gallardo (Brewers), Josh Johnson (Marlins), Javier Vazquez (Braves)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Giants interested in Dan Uggla?
Per Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the San Francisco Giants have reached out to the Florida Marlins to inquire about second baseman Dan Uggla.
The Marlins will move Uggla and his $5.35 million salary before the trade deadline, according to Rodriguez. When they do, Emilio Bonifacio or Chris Coghlan will move to second.
In return, the Marlins would seek one of the Giants' young arms - either lefty Jonathan Sanchez or righty Matt Cain. The Giants would obviously be less willing to part ways with Cain.
However, the Giants currently have pitching prospects Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson at Double-A.
On the season, Uggla is only hitting .205, but he has eight home runs (tied for first on team) and 30 runs batted in (second on team).
The Marlins will move Uggla and his $5.35 million salary before the trade deadline, according to Rodriguez. When they do, Emilio Bonifacio or Chris Coghlan will move to second.
In return, the Marlins would seek one of the Giants' young arms - either lefty Jonathan Sanchez or righty Matt Cain. The Giants would obviously be less willing to part ways with Cain.
However, the Giants currently have pitching prospects Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson at Double-A.
On the season, Uggla is only hitting .205, but he has eight home runs (tied for first on team) and 30 runs batted in (second on team).
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