Walter Johnson Award (<\/strong><\/span>top starting pitcher);<\/p>\n Willie Mays Award<\/strong><\/span> (top rookie)<\/p>\n Goose Gossage Award<\/strong><\/span> (top relief pitcher)<\/p>\n Connie Mack Award<\/strong><\/span> (top manager)<\/p>\n BBRT will provide a link to the BBA site when the winners are announced (voting ends when the World Series begins).\u00a0 In this post, I\u2019d like to share BBRT’s votes, as well as some background on my selections and those that were \u201cclose\u201d to getting BBRT\u2019s vote.\u00a0 Your comments on the BBRT selections are welcomed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n STAN MUSIAL AWARD \u2013 Top Player<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n AMERICAN LEAGUE<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mike Trout<\/p><\/div>\n Mike Trout, Center Field, Los Angeles Angels<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Remember this award says \u201cbest\u201d player\u201d, not \u201cmost valuable\u201d player.\u00a0 That said, the 22-year-old Trout wins hands down for his five-tool performance.\u00a0 Trout boasted a .323 average (AL\u2019s third-best); 190 hits (AL\u2019s fourth-best); A league-leading 109 runs; 97 RBI (AL\u2019s ninth-best); 27 home runs (14th in AL); 33 stolen bases (8th in AL); and a league-topping 110 walks.\u00a0 Couple that with his sterling defense, and you have BBRT\u2019s choice for the AL Stan Musial Award.\u00a0 (Note: If I could change on thing about Trout, it would be to see him cut down on his strikeouts \u2013 136 in 2013.\u00a0 Imagine his numbers then.)<\/p>\n Mike Trout – 2013<\/p>\n G \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 AB \u00a0 \u00a0 R \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0H \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02B\u00a0 \u00a03B\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 HR\u00a0 RBI \u00a0 Avg.\u00a0\u00a0 SB<\/p>\n 157\u00a0 \u00a0589 \u00a0 109 \u00a0 \u00a0 190\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a039 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a09\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a027\u00a0 \u00a0110 \u00a0.323 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a033<\/p>\n A couple of other players merited serious consideration for this recognition. You can\u2019t ignore the Tigers\u2019 third baseman Miguel Cabrera<\/strong><\/span> and his .348-44-137 follow-up to his 2012 Triple Crown. Had Miggy not been hampered by a groin injury late in the season, he might have been the first repeat Triple Crown winner.\u00a0 As it is, he won his third straight batting title and earned BBRT\u2019s respect for playing through pain.\u00a0 Also near the top, but short of Trout, were the Orioles\u2019 first sacker Chris Davis<\/strong> <\/span>who led the league in home runs (53) and RBI (138), while hitting .286; and Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano<\/strong><\/span>, who played solid middle-infield defense, while chipping in .314-27-107 at the plate. Cano also was still successful on seven of eight steal attempts.<\/p>\n NATIONAL LEAGUE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The smart money seems to be on Andrew McCutchen here, but BBRT is going with the Diamondbacks\u2019 26-year-old first baseman Paul Goldschmidt – for his combination of power, speed and defense.\u00a0 Goldschmidt, one of MLB\u2019s top defensive first baseman, came of age in 2013 – leading the NL in home runs (tied at 36) and RBI (125), while finishing eleventh in average at .302 \u2013 and he tossed in 15 steals. \u00a0\u00a0Goldschmidt\u2019s emergence should come as no surprise. Before a 2011 call up to the Diamondbacks, he hit .316, with 82 homers and 263 RBI in 313 minor league games (2009-11).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Goldschmidt – 2013<\/p>\n G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AB \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 R \u00a0 \u00a0H\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2B\u00a0 \u00a03B \u00a0 HR\u00a0 RBI \u00a0 Avg.\u00a0\u00a0 SB<\/p>\n 160\u00a0 \u00a0602 \u00a0 103 182 \u00a0 36 \u00a0 \u00a03\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a036\u00a0 \u00a0125 \u00a0.302 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a015<\/p>\n Also in the mix (BBRT was attempted to split this vote), was the Pirates\u2019 center fielder Andrew McCutchen, the likely NL MVP winner, who brought Gold Glove caliber defense, a .317-27-84 line, and 27 steals to the Pittsburgh lineup.\u00a0 Cardinals\u2019 catcher Yadier Molina earns BBRT\u2019s third spot for combining game-calling skills, a likely fifth straight Gold Glove and a .319-12-80 offensive line – despite knee and wrist injuries (catchers do take a beating).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n WALTER JOHNSON AWARD \u2013 Top Starting Pitcher<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n AMERICAN LEAGUE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Max Scherzer<\/p><\/div>\n Max \u00a0Scherzer, Detroit Tigers <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Being \u201cold school,\u201d BBRT could not ignore MLB\u2019s only twenty-game winner.\u00a0 So, my AL Walter Johnson Award vote goes to 21-3 Max Scherzer \u2013 but the 25-year-old Detroit right-hander did plenty more to win my vote.\u00a0 His 2.90 ERA was fifth in the AL; his 240 strikeouts (in 214 1\/3 innings \u2013 AL\u2019s fifth-highest) were second only to K-machine Yu Darvish; he allowed hitters a league second-lowest .198 batting average against; and he was the only AL pitcher to notch a WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) of less than one (0.97).<\/p>\n Max Scherzer \u2013 2013<\/p>\n W-L\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0ERA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0GS\u00a0 CG\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0ShO \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 IP\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0H \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ER\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0BB \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0SO<\/p>\n 21-3 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02.90\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 32\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 214.1\u00a0 152\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 69\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 56\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 240<\/p>\n Two other hurlers who garnered BBRT consideration were: Rangers\u2019 righty Yu Darvish<\/strong><\/span> (13-9, 2.83 and a league-topping 277 strikeouts in 209 2\/3 innings pitched); and Scherzer\u2019s teammate, right-hander Anibel Sanchez<\/strong> <\/span>(14-8 with a league-low 2.57 ERA and 202 whiffs in 182 innings). Three hurlers with sub 3.00 ERA, 200+ strikeouts, so twenty wins make the difference.<\/p>\n NATIONAL LEAGUE<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clayton Kershaw<\/p><\/div>\n Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n First choice in the NL, not too difficult.\u00a0 The 25-year-old Kershaw was once again masterful on the mound and appears headed for his second Cy Young Award (he won in 2011, finished second in 2012).\u00a0 Kershaw keeps hitters off balance with a lively mid-90s (four-seam) fastball, a mid-80s slider and a curve in the low 70-mph range. The southpaw\u2019s 16-9 record in 2013 hovers over a MLB-lowest 1.83 ERA (his third straight NL ERA crown). Kershaw also led the NL with 232 strikeouts (in 236 innings \u2013 second in the NL).\u00a0 He had the second-lowest batting average against (.195) and his 0.92 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) was MLB\u2019s lowest.\u00a0 BBRT anticipates Kershaw will be in the running for the BBA Walter Johnson Award for many years to come.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clayton Kershaw \u2013 2013<\/p>\n W-L\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ERA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 GS\u00a0 CG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ShO \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 IP\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 H\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ER\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 BB\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 SO<\/p>\n 16-9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.83 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a033\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 236\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 164\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 48\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 52\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 232<\/p>\n Without a late season shutdown, the Miami Marlins’ rookie right-hander Jose Fernandez<\/strong><\/span> might have given Kershaw an even stronger run for the money.\u00a0 As it is, Fernandez finished 12-6 on a Marlins team that lost 100 games.\u00a0 His 2.19 ERA was second only to Kershaw and, at .098, he was one of only four major leaguers with a WHIP under 1.00.\u00a0 Fernandez also struck out 187 hitters in 172 2\/3 innings, and his .182 batting average against was the best in MLB.\u00a0 Also in BBRT\u2019s top four for the NL Walter Johnson Award were: Cardinals\u2019 right-hander Adam Wainwright,\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>19-9 (NL most wins), 2.94, 219 strikeouts\u00a0 (third in the NL), and a\u00a0league-leading 241 2\/3 innings pitched, five complete games and two shutouts<\/em>; Mets\u2019 righty Matt Harvey<\/strong><\/span>, who would have challenged Kershaw for BBRT\u2019s vote (9-5, 2.27, 191 Ks in 178 1\/3 innings), but for late-season arm injury;\u00a0 and Phillies\u2019 southpaw Cliff Lee<\/strong><\/span>, who quietly put together a 14-8 record, with a 2.87 ERA and 222 strikeouts\u00a0 in 222 2\/3 innings for the under-performing Phils.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n WILLIE MAYS AWARD\u2013 Top Rookie<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n AMERICAN LEAGUE <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wil Myers<\/p><\/div>\n Wil Myers, Outfielder, Tampa Bay<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Myers, the 2012 Minor League Player of the year (.314-37-109 in 134 games), was acquired by the Rays in the James Shields trade. The 22-year-old Myers was called up to Tampa in mid-June.\u00a0 At the time, he was hitting .286-14-57 at AAA Durham \u2013 and once he joined Tampa, he got even better. Myers played in 88 games for the Rays and put up a .293-13-53 line, with 50 runs, 23 doubles and five steals \u2013 despite a bit of a slump in August.\u00a0 A strong September secured BBRT\u2019s vote.<\/p>\n Wil Myers – 2013<\/p>\n G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AB\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 R \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 H\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2B\u00a0\u00a0 3B\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 HR \u00a0 RBI\u00a0 Avg. \u00a0 \u00a0SB<\/p>\n 88\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 373\u00a0\u00a0 50\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 98\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 53\u00a0\u00a0 .293\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5<\/p>\n Following Myers in BBRT\u2019s consideration was his teammate, Rays\u2019 right-handed pitcher Chris Archer<\/strong><\/span> (9-7, 3.22, 101 strikeouts in 128 2\/3 innings pitched \u2013 including two complete-game shutouts in 22 starts).\u00a0 Ranking third for BBRT was Detroit shortstop Jose Iglesias<\/strong><\/span> (who started the year with Boston). Iglesias played highlight-reel defense and put up a .303-3-29 line in 109 games.\u00a0 Iglesias, however, tailed off in the second half. He hit .330 in 63 games with the Red Sox and .259 in 46 games for the Tigers.<\/p>\n NATIONAL LEAGUE<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n My top rookie vote in the NL goes to Miami Marlins’ right-handed pitcher Jose Fernandez.\u00a0 Let me reaffirm (and add to) what I wrote about the 21-year-old rookie in the Walter Johnson Award section.\u00a0 Fernandez finished 12-6 on a Marlins team that lost 100 games.\u00a0 He had the NL\u2019s second-best ERA (2.19 ERA) and MLB\u2019s second-best batting average against (.182).\u00a0 He was also one of only four major leaguers with a WHIP under 1.00 and struck out 187 hitters in 172 2\/3 innings.\u00a0 If he hadn\u2019t been shut down after passing the 170-inning mark, Fernandez might have put up even better numbers (perhaps three more starts). In his two September starts (facing the Braves and Nationals), \u00a0Fernandez went 2-0 \u2013 giving up just 6 hits, 5 walks and one run, while striking out 14 in 14 innings. Fernandez produced his 2013 record with a 93\/94-mph fastball, a sharp-breaking overhand curve and a change-up that he is still \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0working on (imagine when he masters that pitch).<\/p>\n Jose Fernandez \u2013 2013<\/p>\n W-L\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ERA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 GS\u00a0 CG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ShO \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0IP \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0H\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ER\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 BB\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 SO<\/p>\n 12-6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.19 \u00a0 \u00a0 28 \u00a0 0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 172.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 111\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 47\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 58\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 187<\/p>\n Also in the running for BBRT\u2019s NL rookie vote was Cardinals\u2019 right-hander Shelby Miller<\/strong><\/span>, who put up a 15-9 record with a 3.06 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 173 1\/3 innings pitched. \u00a0Dodgers\u2019 outfielder Yasiel Puig<\/strong>\u00a0also\u00a0<\/span>deserves mention. Puig played in only 63 minor league games before his June 3, 2013 call up \u2013 hitting .328-13-52 with 21 steals. His 2013 line reads .319-14-42 with 11 steals in 104 games for LA, and he played a key role in the Dodgers comeback to win the division.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"Mike](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/mike_trout.jpg\")
<\/a><\/a>Paul Goldschmidt, First Base, Arizona Diamondbacks.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>Jose Fernandez, Pitcher, Miami Marlins<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n