Today we reveal the Baseball Prospectus staff predictions for the division standings and the major player awards (MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year) in the National League, along with the staff picks in some fun miscellaneous categories.
Each staff member’s division standings predictions may be found later in the article. Here, we present a wisdom-of-the-crowds summary of the results. In each table you’ll find the average rank of each team in their division, plus the results of our pre-season MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year voting.
First-place votes are in parentheses.
NL East
Team Average New York Mets 1.2 (14) Atlanta Braves 2.2 (2) Philadelphia Phillies 2.6 (1) Washington Nationals 4.1 Florida Marlins 4.9
NL Central
Team Average Chicago Cubs 1.5 (9) Milwaukee Brewers 1.5 (8) Cincinnati Reds 2.9 St. Louis Cardinals 4.8 Houston Astros 4.9 Pittsburgh Pirates 5.2
NL West
Team Average Los Angeles Dodgers 1.6 (11) Arizona Diamondbacks 2.1 (5) Colorado Rockies 2.9 (1) San Diego Padres 3.6 San Francisco Giants 4.9
Individual Awards:
For the MVP voting, we’ve slightly amended the traditional points system in place that’s been used elsewhere, dropping fourth- and fifth-place votes to make it 10-7-5 for the MVP Award, and the regular 5-3-1 for the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year Awards (that’s 5 points for a first-place vote, 3 for a second-place vote, etc).
Next to each selection we’ve listed the total number of ballots followed by the total number of points, followed by the number of first-place votes in parentheses, if any were received.
NL MVP
- David Wright, 3B, Mets. 13, 122 (11)
- Mark Teixeira, 1B, Braves. 5, 34 (1)
- Matt Holliday, LF, Rockies. 4, 31 (1)
- Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers. 4, 29 (1)
- Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals. 4, 27 (1)
- Ryan Braun, LF, Brewers. 3, 24 (1)
- Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies. 3, 17
- Jose Reyes, SS, Mets. 2, 15 (1)
- Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins. 2, 12
- Johan Santana, LHP, Mets. 2, 10
- Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs. 2, 10
- Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies. 1, 7
- Russell Martin, C, Dodgers. 1, 7
- Brandon Webb, RHP, Diamondbacks. 1, 5
- Chris Young, CF, Diamondbacks. 1, 5
- Chipper Jones, 3B, Braves. 1, 7
- Takashi Saito, RP, Dodgers. 1, 5
NL Cy Young
- Johan Santana, Mets. 17, 81 (15)
- Jake Peavy, Padres. 9, 24
- Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks. 9, 21 (1) 11
- John Smoltz, Braves. 1, 5 (1)
- Carlos Zambrano, Cubs. 3, 5
- Pedro Martinez, Mets. 1, 3
- Brad Penny, Dodgers. 1, 3
- Dan Haren, Diamondbacks. 2, 2
- Ben Sheets, Brewers. 2, 2
- Chad Billingsley, Dodgers. 1, 1
- Roy Oswalt, Astros. 1, 1
- Takashi Saito, Dodgers. 1, 1
- Cole Hamels, Phillies. 1, 1
- Aaron Harang, Reds. 1, 1
NL RotY
- Kosuke Fukudome, RF, Cubs. 13, 47 (5)
- Geovany Soto, C, Cubs. 8, 28 (4)
- Joey Votto, 1B, Reds. 5, 17 (2)
- Hiroki Kuroda, RHP, Dodgers. 4, 14 (2)
- Johnny Cueto, RHP, Reds. 4, 10 (1)
- Jay Bruce, CF, Reds. 5, 9 (1)
- Franklin Morales, LHP, Rockies. 2, 8 (1)
- Homer Bailey, RHP, Reds. 1, 5 (1)
- Chase Headley, 3B, Padres. 3, 3
- Manny Parra, RHP, Brewers. 1, 3
- Jair Jurrjens, RHP, Braves. 1, 3
- Colby Rasmus, CF, Cardinals. 1, 3
- J.R. Towles, C, Astros. 1, 1
- Andy LaRoche, 3B, Dodgers. 1, 1
- Cameron Maybin, CF, Marlins. 1, 1
- Kevin Goldstein
- Joe Sheehan
- Dan Fox
- Christina Kahrl
- Marc Normandin
- Jay Jaffe
- John Perrotto
- Nate Silver
- Jim Baker
- Ben Murphy
- Brad Wochomurka
- Derek Jacques
- David Laurila
- Bryan Smith
- William Burke
- Jason Paré
- Caleb Peiffer
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Brewers Dodgers Phillies* Cubs Rockies Braves Reds Padres Nationals Cardinals Diamondbacks Marlins Pirates Giants Astros
NL MVP
1. Albert Pujols
2. Mark Teixeira
3. Jose Reyes
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brandon Webb
3. Chad Billingsley
NL RotY
1. Kosuke Fukudome
2. Geovany Soto
3. Joey Votto
The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons
The Game to Watch: September 27–Behind three RBI from Evan Longoria, another strong outing from Scott Kazmir, and successful innings of relief from September call-ups David Price and Wade Davis, the Rays blow out the Tigers 9-1 for their 81st win of the year, clinching the first non-losing season in franchise history.
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Zach Duke
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Tony Pena Jr.
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Howie Kendrick
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Huston Street
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham
Barry Bonds Signs With: Nobody
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: the Cardinals, in July
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Giants
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Mets
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Cubs Diamondbacks Braves* Brewers Dodgers Phillies Reds Rockies Nationals Astros Padres Marlins Cardinals Giants Pirates
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Johan Santana
3. Brandon Webb
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brandon Webb
3. Roy Oswalt
NL RotY
1. Kosuke Fukudome
2. Joey Votto
3. Chase Headley
The First Manager to Get Fired: John McLaren
The Game to Watch: September 21st, Tigers at Indians. It’ll be the last head-to-head in great division matchup.
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Nate Schierholtz
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Ichiro Suzuki
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Pat Burrell
Barry Bonds Signs With: Yankees, July 17
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Cardinals, May 20
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Angels, 85-89 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rangers, 69-92 wins
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Cubs Dodgers Phillies* Brewers Diamondbacks Braves Reds Rockies Nationals Cardinals Padres Marlins Pirates Giants Astros
NL MVP
1. Jose Reyes
2. Matt Holliday
3. Albert Pujols
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Carlos Zambrano
3. Dan Haren
NL RotY
1. Geovany Soto
2. Hiroki Kuroda
3. Andy LaRoche
The First Manager to Get Fired: Cecil Cooper
The Game to Watch: All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Daniel Cabrera
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Jason Kendall
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Tony Pena Jr.
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Jason Bay
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham
Barry Bonds Signs With: Nobody
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): No additional suspensions as a result of the Mitchell Report, but the threat of those suspensions will be used as leverage to enhance the existing testing program.
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Cardinals, June 27th
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Cubs, 86-90 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rays, 74-89 wins
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Braves Brewers Dodgers Mets Cubs* Diamondbacks Phillies Reds Rockies Nationals Cardinals Padres Marlins Astros Giants Pirates
NL MVP
1. Ryan Braun
2. Chipper Jones
3. Takashi Saito
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Brandon Webb
NL RotY
1. Hiroki Kuroda
2. Joey Votto
3. Jay Bruce
The First Manager to Get Fired: Cecil Cooper
The Game to Watch: September 16th, Brewers at Cubs.
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Jason Kendall
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Howie Kendrick
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Joe Nathan
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham
Barry Bonds Signs With: Mets, May 31st
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Pirates, July
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Padres, 80-84 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Astros, 67-85 wins
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Cubs Dodgers Phillies* Brewers Diamondbacks Braves Reds Rockies Nationals Pirates Padres Marlins Cardinals Giants Astros
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Prince Fielder
3. Chase Utley
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Brandon Webb
NL RotY
1. Kosuke Fukudome
2. Geovany Soto
3. Jay Bruce
The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Nick Punto
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Jack Cust
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Ivan Rodriguez
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Adam Dunn
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham
Barry Bonds Signs With: Mets, June
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Two
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Blue Jays, July
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Giants, 60-63 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Phillies, 83-91 wins
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Brewers Dodgers Braves Cubs* Rockies Phillies Reds Diamondbacks Nationals Cardinals Padres Marlins Astros Giants Pirates
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Ryan Braun
3. Mark Teixeira
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Chad Billingsley
NL RotY
1. Jay Bruce
2. Kosuke Fukudome
3. Johnny Cueto
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Jose Lopez
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Adam Dunn
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Corey Patterson
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Rich Harden
Barry Bonds Signs With: Orioles, July 1st
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Paul Lo Duca
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Blue Jays, July 31st
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Red Sox, 85-95 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Reds, 70-90 wins
Standings
AL East NL Central NL West Mets Cubs Rockies Braves* Brewers Dodgers Phillies Reds Padres Marlins Astros Giants Nationals Pirates Diamondbacks Cardinals
NL MVP
1. Matt Holliday
2. David Wright
3. Aramis Ramirez
NL Cy Young
1. John Smoltz
2. Johan Santana
3. Carlos Zambrano
NL RotY
1. Franklin Morales
2. Kosuke Fukudome
3. Johnny Cueto
The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Daniel Cabrera
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Cesar Izturis
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Adam Dunn
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Luis Hernandez
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Paul Konerko
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Tim Beckham
Barry Bonds Signs With: San Diego, June 1st
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Pirates, All-Star break
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Cubs Dodgers Braves* Brewers Diamondbacks Phillies Reds Rockies Nationals Astros Padres Marlins Pirates Giants Cardinals
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Russell Martin
3. Ryan Zimmerman
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Pedro Martinez
3. Takashi Saito
NL RotY
1. Geovany Soto
2. Kosuke Fukudome
3. Jay Bruce
The First Manager to Get Fired: John McLaren
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Cain
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Cristian Guzman
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Howie Kendrick
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Joe Nathan
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Pedro Alvarez
Barry Bonds Signs With: Texas, Memorial Day
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Minnesota, when it realizes that Joe Nathan isn’t a good investment of resources on a 90-loss club.
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rangers (~65 win downside, 80-win upside)
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: A’s (~92-win upside, 65-win downside)
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Cubs Diamondbacks Phillies Brewers* Dodgers Braves Reds Padres Nationals Astros Rockies Marlins Pirates Giants Cardinals
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Prince Fielder
3. Chase Utley
NL Cy Young
1. Brandon Webb
2. Johan Santana
3. Jake Peavy
NL RotY
1. Joey Votto
2. Kosuke Fukudome
3. Hiroki Kuroda
The First Manager to Get Fired: Ron Washington
The Game(s) to Watch: Wednesday, July 23rd–At 1:05 PM, the Twins will be at Yankee Stadium, and at 7:10 PM, the Phillies are at Shea Stadium. This is an excellent chance to see complete ballgames at both doomed New York ballparks on the same day.
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Tim Lincecum
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Tony Pena Jr.
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Ivan Rodriguez
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Jim Thome
Barry Bonds Signs With: White Sox, May 15th
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Blue Jays, July 15th
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Yankees, 93-97 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Dodgers, 75-90 wins
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Cubs Dodgers Phillies Brewers* Diamondbacks Braves Reds Rockies Nationals Cardinals Padres Marlins Astros Giants Pirates
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Chase Utley
3. Hanley Ramirez
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Brandon Webb
NL RotY
1. Geovany Soto
2. Kosuke Fukudome
3. Jay Bruce
The First Manager to Get Fired: John McLaren
The Game to Watch: Monday, April 14th, Yankees at Rays–Scott Kazmir makes his season debut against Joba Chamberlain after an early injury to the Yankees staff forces the youngster into the rotation. Both throw six shutout innings, Upton homers in the bottom of the seventh to force Joba from the game, and Kazmir finishes the win in a promising return from the elbow scare.
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Matt Morris, NL; Steve Trachsel, AL
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Cesar Izturis
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Adam Everett
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Joe Blanton
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Pedro Alvarez
Barry Bonds Signs With: Indians, June 2. The problem here is that it makes the most sense for teams like the Indians or Mariners to sign him, but they don’t seem willing to assume the risk and the off-field concerns. However, both could make huge upgrades at LF and DH, respectively, and at some point, the impact on the field has to trump all the other issues.
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Padres, July 10th (NL); Blue Jays, June 10th (AL)
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Both the Blue Jays and Padres fit this question well, and both being smart enough to recognize that they’re in divisions with established powers (Blue Jays) or already-built young teams (Padres), both seem likely to be right around 78 to 82 wins, and will hopefully recognize it and choose to rebuild early enough to make trading season exciting.
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Mariners (AL)–They could win 88 again if they manage to get decent performances out of the bottom of the rotation (Silva, Washburn, Batista) and the offense is decent, which isn’t a stretch if they sign a real DH and get some power out of Sexson and Ibanez; of course, it’s probably more likely that only Bedard, Felix, and Putz are assets on the mound and only Beltre and Ichiro are useful at the plate, and in that case they’ll struggle to win 76 games.
Reds (NL)–With several blossoming youngsters in Votto, Bruce, Bailey, Cueto, and Volquez, the Reds could get moderately good performances from Keppinger and Valentin, or a breakout from Edwin Encarnacion or return to 2006 form for Corey Patterson, and let their stars like Dunn and Harang lead the way to a win total in the upper 80s; if the youngsters stay in the minors or aren’t ready for the big time yet, it would take special contributions from guys like Griffey and Arroyo to keep them above 77 wins.
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Cubs Diamondbacks Braves Brewers Dodgers* Phillies Reds Rockies Nationals Astros Padres Marlins Cardinals Giants Pirates
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Matt Holliday
3. Mark Teixeira
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Carlos Zambrano
NL RotY
1. Geovany Soto
2. Johnny Cueto
3. Kosuke Fukudome
The First Manager to Get Fired: Charlie Manuel
The Game to Watch: Yankees at Red Sox, September 26–first game of the final series of the season–who knows what could be on the line?
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Daniel Cabrera
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Juan Uribe
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Jack Cust
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Pedro Feliz
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Roy Oswalt
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Pedro Alvarez
Barry Bonds Signs With: Reds, whenever Ken Griffey Jr. hits the DL
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Astros, July
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rangers, 10-win spread
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Phillies, 25-win spread
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Phillies Brewers Diamondbacks Mets Cubs Dodgers* Braves Reds Rockies Marlins Pirates Padres Nationals Cardinals Giants Astros
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Ryan Howard
3. Prince Fielder
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Cole Hamels
NL RotY
1. Kosuke Fukudome
2. Colby Rasmus
3. Cameron Maybin
The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons
The Game to Watch: The first Mets/Yankees game that Johan Santana starts.
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Gil Meche
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Cesar Izturis
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Jeff Francoeur
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Adam Dunn
Barry Bonds Signs With: Angels, August 7th
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Six
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Giants, All-Star Break
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Orioles, 68-72 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Reds, 75-90 wins
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Braves Brewers Dodgers Mets* Cubs Diamondbacks Phillies Reds Padres Nationals Pirates Rockies Marlins Cardinals Giants Astros
NL MVP
1. Prince Fielder
2. Mark Teixeira
3. David Wright
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brandon Webb
3. Aaron Harang
NL RotY
1. Kosuke Fukudome
2. Jair Jurrjens
3. Geovany Soto
The First Manager to Get Fired: Dave Trembley. Expectations aren’t high, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to win games.
The Game to Watch: Detroit at Cleveland, September 19th. The Indians and Tigers begin a three-game series neck-and-neck for the division lead, with the Angels (and maybe another team or two) also in the wild card race.
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Barry Zito. If you start a lot of games for a team with a poor offense, well…
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): I hate trying to predict things like this, but with a gun at my head I’d say Brad Ausmus, but only because he regularly gets votes here; I respect Ausmus as a player.
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Adam Dunn. He’ll also have a good OPS, but that’s not the question.
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Nomar Garciaparra
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Rich Harden
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Pedro Alvarez
Barry Bonds Signs With: Sing Sing Giants. When? Does it really matter?
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Three
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Athletics, July
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Indians, five-game spread
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Mets, 15-game spread
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Cubs Dodgers Braves* Brewers Rockies Phillies Reds Diamondbacks Nationals Cardinals Padres Marlins Astros Giants Pirates
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Matt Holliday
3. Aramis Ramirez
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brad Penny
3. Dan Haren
NL RotY
1. Homer Bailey
2. Franklin Morales
3. Chase Headley
The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons
The Game to Watch: University of Miami vs. University of Missouri; College World Series, June 27th
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Barry Zito
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Tony Pena Jr.
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Jack Cust
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Tony Pena Jr.
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Paul Konerko
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Aaron Crow
Barry Bonds Signs With: San Diego, July 4th
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Orioles, June 15th
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Phillies, 86-89 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rays, 72-85 wins
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Brewers Dodgers Braves* Reds Diamondbacks Phillies Cubs Padres Nationals Astros Rockies Marlins Cardinals Giants Pirates
NL MVP
1. Mark Teixeira
2. Hanley Ramirez
3. Albert Pujols
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Brandon Webb
3. Ben Sheets
NL RotY
1. Joey Votto
2. Manny Parra
3. Chase Headley
The First Manager to Get Fired: Ron Washington
The Game to Watch: All of them (if you can).
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Noah Lowry
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Adam Everett
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Carlos Pena
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Bengie Molina
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Hank Blalock
Barry Bonds Signs With: San Diego, June 4
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): One
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Giants, April 15th
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Padres, 78-82 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rays, 69-85 wins
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Brewers Dodgers Braves Cubs* Diamondbacks Phillies Reds Rockies Nationals Astros Padres Marlins Cardinals Giants Pirates
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Albert Pujols
3. Johan Santana
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Brandon Webb
NL RotY
1. Johnny Cueto
2. Kosuke Fukudome
3. J.R. Towles
The First Manager to Get Fired: John Gibbons
The Game to Watch: September 19th, Mets at Braves.
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Barry Zito
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Tony Pena Jr.
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Ryan Howard
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Ivan Rodriguez
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Joe Blanton
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Brian Matusz
Barry Bonds Signs With: Padres, May
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Seven
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Reds, July
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rangers, 70-78 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Phillies, 74-92 wins
Standings
NL East NL Central NL West Mets Brewers Diamondbacks Braves Cubs* Dodgers Phillies Reds Padres Nationals Pirates Rockies Marlins Cardinals Giants Astros
NL MVP
1. David Wright
2. Ryan Braun
3. Chris B. Young
NL Cy Young
1. Johan Santana
2. Jake Peavy
3. Ben Sheets
NL RotY
1. Hiroki Kuroda
2. Kosuke Fukudome
3. Geovany Soto
The First Manager to Get Fired: John McLaren
The Game to Watch: Cubs at Brewers, September 28
Brian Kingman Award (pitcher most likely to lose 20): Wandy Rodriguez
Cristian Guzman Award (for the position player most likely to put up the lowest VORP in regular playing time): Joe Crede
Jose Hernandez Award (most strikeouts, batter): Jack Cust
The 2008 DiSar Award Winner (most AB before first walk): Pablo Ozuna
Best Player traded at the July deadline: Jason Bay
First Player picked in the June amateur draft: Aaron Crow
Barry Bonds Signs With: Oakland, June 4th
Players named in the Mitchell Report who will be suspended (of 89): Zero
The team that first decides to blast down to the foundations will be the: Astros, July
The team with the smallest spread between its upside and downside potential: Orioles, 60-66 wins
The team with the widest spread between its upside and downside potential: Rays, 75-90 wins
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