1. Who has been the surprise team and player this year?
Doug Smith: It's the Marlins. They missed the postseason, but they got close without Jose Fernandez. They had 15 more wins than last year. Ozuna and Yellich performed above expectations. Surprise player is Corey Kluber. Just didn't see this happening all year.
Karl Capen: The surprise team for me would have to be the Kansas City Royals. Every year we think they are going to be the bottom feeders of that AL Central division but Ned Yost has brought this team together. Timely hitting and excellent pitching has gotten to them where they are and hopefully they can continue this magic carpet ride. My surprise player would have to be Michael Brantley of the Cleveland Indians. He has put up MVP caliber numbers this season but barely anyone outside of Cleveland has heard of this guy. So much attention in Cleveland is on the return of Lebron and Johnny Manziel when a lot of it should be focused on the emergence of this kid.
Raymond Bureau: Team Good = Baltimore Orioles. Team Bad = Tampa Bay Rays. Player Good = Jose Abreu.
Parker White: The most surprising team this year has been the Miami Marlins. This was a team the season before who lost 100 games and had little expectations coming into the year. They finished the 2014 season with a 77-85 record, 15 games better than the season before. The reason it was so surprising was the fact their ace pitcher Jose Fernandez tore his UCL in April and missed the season and their best hitter Giancarlo Stanton was hit in the face by a pitch and missed the final three weeks of the season, and at that point the Marlins were still in playoff contention. This team is young and is on the uptick, there are ahead of schedule but look to contend in 2015. The most surprising player this season had to be Josh Harrison of the Pittsburgh Pirates. I’m pretty sure nobody has Harrison pegged as an All-Star and someone who would contend for the batting title until the final day of the season. Coming into the season Harrison was a utility player who provided a spark off the bench. He only had 532 career at-bats in three seasons; in 2014 he had 520 at-bats and batted .315. Harrison became the full-time third baseman when Pedro Alvarez proved he could not defend the hot corner and bring a consistency at the plate. When you look at who was the MVP of the Pirates look no further than Josh Harrison. I realize Andrew McCutchen is their best player and a former league MVP but when McCutchen was on the DL Harrison was the guy who came up big and provided the Pirates key hits when they needed it most. Harrison has become a pleasant surprise, look for him to be one of the better hitters in the National League for the foreseeable future.
Cecelia Metz: The surprise team is the Kansas City Royals. They have so much talent on the team, but some other teams have the same or more talented players. Surprisingly, not another team from the AL East made it.
Evan Petzold: The surprise team has been the Chicago Cubs. We all knew they had the prospects, but the question was if they would be able to produce. As the season went on, we learned that they all have tons of skill. If they can expand on the pitching next season, they may be able to compete for a playoff spot. The surprise player this season has got to Josh Harrison from the Pirates. Not many expected him to put up the numbers he has so far. If the Pirates win the Wild Card match, it will be interesting to see what kind of damage he can do in the rest of the postseason.
Blake Williams: The surprise player this season has been Josh Harrison of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Harrison has a 4.8 WAR this season, 137 wRC+, and a .365 wOBA. Harrison has been a huge part of the Pirates this season and he earned his first all star game selection. The surprise team this season is the Kansas City Royals. The Royals reached the postseason for the first time in 29 years led by a strong offense and amazing bullpen. If the Royals stay hot, they can do some serious damage in October.
David Magee: Has to be the Royals. Especially with a slow April. Playoffs for the first time since the 1985 World Series title.
Austin Burnett: Surprise Team: Baltimore Orioles. Buck Showalter's club entered this season flying under the radar, but they quickly showcased their potential. Known for their deep, powerful lineup, the O's have gotten solid pitching from both their rotation and bullpen to compliment a lethal offense, and create a well-balanced team. Baltimore could be looking at a deep run into the postseason. Surprise Player: Corey Kluber: Kluber has enjoyed a stupendous, breakout 2014 season. He's made huge strides forward, and has asserted himself as one of the top pitcher's in the game today. He had an outstanding 2.44 ERA in 235.2 innings, and fangraphs estimates his WAR at 7.3.
2. Who wins AL Rookie of the Year?
Smith: Jose Abreu. Period.
Bureau: Jose Abreu .317, 36 HR, 107 RBI (I would have said Tanaka if he kept pitching)
Capen: Jose Abreu. End of discussion. His power numbers for a rookie are surreal and as long as he can stay clean of the PEDs it is a good sign for baseball to have a young player with this kind of raw hitting power.
White: The American League Rookie of the Year is a no brainer, its Jose Abreu. This Cuban superstar burst on the scene and made the game look so easy. In 145 games Abreu hit 36 home runs with 107 RBIs and a slash line of .317/.383/.581. If Abreu played on a better team we could be talking about a contender for the American League MVP. For someone who is 27 and came over from different country, Abreu had a seamless transition. His approach at the plate and the way he carries himself you would mistake him for a 10-year veteran. Jose Abreu is truly a superstar in the making, look for the Chicago White Sox to build this team around him with the retirement of longtime White Sock Paul Konerko.
Metz: The AL rookie of the year is Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox. This rookie was absolutely sensational he hit 36 home runs and drove in 103 runs.
Williams: The AL Rookie of the Year is without question, Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox. Abreu was everything the White Sox could have asked for and more. He hit 36 home runs, drove in 107 runs, and posted a 165 wRC+ while accumulating a 5.3 WAR.
Petzold: Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox is the clear choice from a deep class.
Magee: I'm going with the Angels Matt Shoemaker. Jose Abreu and Tanaka are NOT rookies. Shoemaker made 20 starts and posted a 2.89 era, just as Garrett Richards was lost for the season. If he isn't there, the season might've ended up a lot different for LAA.
Burnett: Jose Abreu: The powerful Cuban rookie has taken the league by storm in 2014. He's mashed to the tune of a .581 slugging percentage and 169 OPS+. Not to mention his 36 homers and 107 RBI in a White Sox lineup that didn't provide him with much protection.
3. Who wins AL Cy Young?
Smith: Kluber - King Felix ends the season by leaving a bad taste in the voters' mouths.
Capen: Felix Hernandez. Kershaw's incredible season over in the National League has kind of foreshadowed the great year King Felix has had. 15-6 record with a 2.14 ERA and an excellent strikeout to walk ratio is exactly what the voters for AL Cy Young will determine is the deciding factor in their decision.
White: The American League Cy Young Award is one of the tougher awards to decide. The depth in the American League is staggering. Guys like Corey Kluber, Chris Sale, Max Scherzer, David Price, and Jon Lester made this decision tough. With that said my AL Cy Young award winner is Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez. He leads the league in ERA and WHIP. Hernandez is 2nd in IP, 4th in SOs, and 2nd in WAR. He finished the season with a 15-6 record; in his 34 starts 27 of them were quality starts which led the American League alongside Jon Lester. Hernandez gave his team a chance to win every start and he was a big reason why the Seattle Mariners contended for a playoff spot all year, unfortunately they came up short.
Bureau: Felix Hernandez: 15-6, 2.14 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 236 IP, 248 K/46 BB, .200 BAA.
Metz: AL Cy Young award goes to King Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners. The King absolutely dominated this season by winning the lowest AL battle with a 2.14 ERA.
Williams: The AL Cy Young winner should be Corey Kluber of the Cleveland Indians. Kluber has had a breakout year, posting a 2.44 ERA, 2.35 FIP, 66 ERA-, and he had a 7.3 WAR. This is probably the closest award race in baseball, with Felix Hernandez finishing 2nd.
Petzold: It's a toss-up between Seattle ace Felix Hernandez, the 2010 winner, and Cleveland right-hander Corey Kluber, who virtually came out of nowhere this season. Since it was a breakout year from Kluber, I think he deserves the award.
Magee: Jon Lester. He had his best season, and the A's needed every ounce of it after the trade. Jon Lester is the AL Cy Young winner. Felix Hernandez doesn't get my vote. He was destroyed by Toronto in the final week. That loss was huge as the Mariners missed the playoffs by that one game.
Burnett: Corey Kluber: King Felix is a very worthy candidate, but I'm giving the slight edge to Kluber. He boasted a sensational 2.35 FIP and he struck out nearly eleven batters per nine innings. The Cleveland Indians have finally found their ace.
4. Who wins the AL MVP?
Smith: Mike Trout, Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera take votes off of one another.
Capen: That is a tough one. My vote would be for Brantley but from the lack of publicity he has gotten nationwide I believe voters will give the award to Mike Trout. Trout WAR (Win Above Replacement) is one of the highest in the entire league and I think when you look at who is the Most Valuable Player for a team that makes it clear how valuable Trout is to the Angels.
Bureau: Nelson Cruz: .271, 40 HR, 108 RBI. Few others stand out.
White: I really don’t think the American League MVP is up for debate this year. After two years of being snubbed by Miguel Cabrera’s historic seasons it’s time for the best player in the game Mike Trout to be crowned AL MVP. Even though you could argue Trout had a better year last year, the Angel outfielder still led the league in RBIs with 111 while hitting 36 HRs. Now the only negative to Trout this season was his strikeout total, he led the AL in strikeouts with 184. What puts Trout over the top this year is simply the fact that he led his team to the postseason. It matters where your team ends up and Trout led the Angels to a 98-64 record, which is the best in MLB. Mike Trout is clearly the best player in the game. He can beat you in so many ways and he continued to show it this year. It’s time for him to receive the MVP award.
Metz: Jose Altuve wins the AL Mvp this man is a difference maker. He is the face of that Astros franchise. He won the batting average title.
Williams: The AL MVP is Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Trout is the best player on the best team in baseball. He finished the season with a WAR of 8.1, a 167 wRC+, and a .402 wOBA. He hit 36 home runs, scored 115 runs, and drove in 111 runs.
Petzold: Widely considered the best all-around player in baseball, Trout was runner-up to Cabrera the last two seasons. But this time, Trout and the Los Angeles Angels (98-64) boast the top record in the majors, making him a heavy favorite.
Magee: It's Mike Trout. MLB's best player 36HR, 111 RBI, 173H, 115R and a gold glove! Yet, the resurgence of Albert Pujols is the most valuable Angel.
Burnett: Mike Trout: Trout affects the game in too many ways to count. The epitome of a 5 tool player, Trout has enjoyed another sensational season, clubbing 36 home runs and driving in 111 runs. His ability to create havoc on the base paths makes him a lethal offensive threat, and adds to his seemingly unending supply of tools. He's simply the best player in baseball, and he's proved that once again in 2014.
5. Who wins the NL Rookie of the Year?
Smith: Jacob deGrom, Billy Hamilton had an impact, but some injuries and slumps derailed his chance at the award.
Capen: My boy Jacob deGrom. I will personally write a complaint to all the voters if deGrom does not win this award. Since June his ERA is only topped by Clayton Kershaw. If it wasn't for the lack of New York Mets' hitting deGrom would have a much better record than what he has. He has been deGrominant since coming up in May but voters seem to usually favor position players. In my opinion though there is no argument for anybody else for this award besides deGrom.
White: The National League Rookie of the Year is tough only because there wasn’t a ton of great years by rookies. However, my NL Rookie of the Year is Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom. The Mets right-hander finished the season going 9-6 with a 2.69 ERA in 22 starts. deGrom amassed 140.1 IP while racking up 144 SOs, better than a strikeout per inning. Coming into Spring Training the Mets didn’t have deGrom pegged for the rotation, at best he would be placed in the bullpen. Well the Mets found a diamond in the rough in deGrom. He has electric stuff and commands it to both sides of the plate very well. Aside from deGrom the only real contender for the award was Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton. Hamilton showed flashes of great play but wasn’t able to sustain for a full season. Jacob deGrom was a pleasant surprise and could be a nice arm in the Mets rotation for a long while.
Bureau: Jacob deGrom: 9-6, 2.69. I would have said Kyle Hendricks of Cubs if he had pitched more than half a season.
Metz: The NL rookie of the year goes to Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets. This man, two starts ago struck out eight in a row. He's has nine wins and six losses with a 2.69 ERA.
Williams: Another close race but the award goes to Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets. deGrom had a great season for the Mets. He started 22 games and posted an ERA of 2.69. He had a WAR of 3.0, a FIP of 2.67, and an ERA- of 78. He was very good for the Mets and he could be one of the pitchers that lead the Mets back into contention.
Petzold: Sort of slim pickings this season. Make it New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom over Cincinnati Reds speedster Billy Hamilton.
Magee: Billy Hamilton. 56 SB kept the Reds in it until injuries devastated them in the end.
Burnett: Jacob deGrom: His immense success early in the season seemed rather unsustainable, but the New York right-hander managed to continue his proficiency over the entire season. deGrom posted a dazzling 2.69 ERA in just over 140 innings pitched.
6. Who wins NL Cy Young?
Smith: Kershaw, of course.
Capen: Clayton Kershaw. Any analyst or expert who thinks different should be fired.
White: The National League Cy Young award is a no brainer, its Clayton Kershaw. Before we celebrate his brilliance from this year lets congratulate two guys who would win any other year. Adam Wainwright and Johnny Cueto were phenomenal this season but Kershaw happened to have one of the ten best pitching seasons in the history of this game. Wainwright finished the season going 20-9 with a 2.38 ERA while striking out 179 batters in 227 innings pitched. Cueto was even better going 20-9 with a 2.25 ERA while striking out 242 batters in 243.2 innings pitched. But Kershaw was brilliant and he missed all of April due to injury. The Dodger left-hander went 21-3 with a 1.77 ERA while striking out 239 batters in 198.1 innings pitched. His WHIP was a 0.86 and he had the highest WAR among pitchers with a 7.5. In his 27 starts 24 of them were quality starts. Kershaw had one start all year where he gave up more than three runs and that was in mid-March against the Diamondbacks. To top it all off he threw a no-hitter and the only reason it wasn’t a perfect game was because of a fielding error. Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher in the game and he should win his third Cy Young Award in four years.
Bureau: Clayton Kershaw: 21-3, 1.77 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, .198 BAA, 198 IP all in just 27 starts.
Metz: The Cy Young for the National League is Johnny Cueto. It's a surprise pick, I understand, but he's certainly deserving of this. He was 20-9. He was the first 20 game winner for the Reds since 1989.
Williams: The NL Cy Young award winner is Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kershaw had a historic year, he posted an ERA of 1.77, he had an ERA- of 50, his FIP was 1.81 and he had a 7.2 WAR. Kershaw finished the season with a record of 21-3 and became the first pitcher in history to lead MLB in ERA for 4 straight seasons.
Petzold: Kershaw rolls to his third in four years. Tough luck for Johnny Cueto of the Reds and Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals, who both went 20-9 in Cy Young-caliber seasons.
Magee: Clayton Kershaw in a landslide.
Burnett: Clayton Kershaw: What else can you say about this guy? Kershaw has been spectacular this season. He dominated to an astonishing 1.77 ERA and 1.81 FIP in 198.1 innings. Opponents hit just .194 against him, and he struck out 10.85 batters per nine innings. I could go on and on.
7. Who wins NL MVP?
Smith: I'm with the argument that a person should be on the field more than every fifth day to win this. Andrew McCutchen's numbers are actually better this year, so repeat MVP makes sense. It probably won't happen though.
Capen: Clayton Kershaw as well. My reasoning behind this is not only has his numbers been Godly this year but if they really gave the AL MVP to Justin Verlander a few years back Kershaw's numbers this year have made Verlander's season that year look average. If Giancarlo Stanton didn't suffer the injury he did early in September he might have had a case for it but missing the last month of the season has hurt him. Clayton Kershaw has been amazing.
Bureau: Clayton Kershaw.
White: Because there was no standout offensive player in the National League besides Giancarlo Stanton, who was hurt the last three weeks and his team was below .500, I’d give the award to Clayton Kershaw. I’m not a fan of a pitcher winning the MVP because they don’t affect more games than an everyday player but what Kershaw did this year was ridiculous. Aside from one game, Kershaw gave the Dodgers a chance to win every night and they did the majority of the time. His ability to save the bullpen because he’s going eight or nine innings is very valuable to team throughout the long season. If Stanton would have stayed healthy and continued his trajectory he could very well be the NL MVP but Kershaw was just too amazing.
Metz: NL MVP is Clayton Kerahaw. He's one of the most dominant pitchers in the NL. Without him, the Dodgers wouldn't be just as good.
Williams: The NL MVP is Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kershaw leads MLB in ERA+ (197), FIP (1.80), WHIP (0.86), Opponents OPS (.523), strikeouts per 9 innings (10.8), and average game score (70). In 199 of Kershaw's innings, 172 of them have been scoreless. Of the past 1,000 batters faced, only 238 of them have reached base. and the Dodgers won 20 of his 21 final starts. The Dodgers would not be in the playoffs without him, he is the MVP.
Petzold: Despite spending 15 days on the disabled list in August with fractured rib cartilage, McCutchen led the NL in on-base percentage at .410 and OPS at .952, which was two points better than Stanton. Pittsburgh went 5-9 while he was sidelined, but took off in September on the way to a second straight wild-card berth as McCutchen posted an outstanding OPS of 1.048 during the final month. However, I am sorry MCutchen, Clayton Kershaw has pitched amazing all season long. He has been so dominate at the age of 26. He will only improve throughout his career, so who knows where he may end up. Kershaw for NL MVP.
Magee: I'd never put a SP as MVP. Everyday player is much more valuable. Buster Posey hit over .350 since the All-Star Break. He kept that team together behind the plate as well. Just like 2010 and 2012. It's an even year again!
Burnett: Giancarlo Stanton: I still hold on the seemingly unpopular opinion that a pitcher should not win the MVP award. As good as Clayton Kershaw has been, an everyday player deserves this honor, in my opinion. Stanton put up monstrous numbers in 2014, including a slash line of .288/.395/.555, to go along with 37 homers and 105 RBI, playing on a daily basis. He deserves to take home the hardware.
8. Who do you see going to the World Series? Who wins? And who is the MVP of the World Series?
Smith: Tigers beat the Nationals in a low-scoring Series. Victor Martinez, who is 7-12 against Gio Gonzalez, is the MVP.
Capen: San Francisco Giants - LA Angels. Maybe this is just me being different but I believe the Giants have what it takes to make a run to the World Series. They have had their hitting woes this season but hey, you can always pinch hit Madison Bumgardner for somebody. I also think the LA Angels are too good not to be in the World Series this year. They are the most complete team right now in the American League and I see them taking home the World Series Title this year. Mike Trout the MVP of it all.
White: I’ve got the Nationals and Tigers in the World Series. From there I have the Nationals winning it all. As much as it pains me as an Atlanta Braves fan the Washington Nationals are the most complete team in MLB and they have a lot of momentum going into the postseason. There starting staff is the best in baseball and their bullpen is near the top as well. Their offense has come around and become more consistent. There only question is defensively, they’ve been spotty all year but they are capable of catching the ball at a better rate. My World Series MVP is Adam LaRoche. He is Washington’s most under appreciated player and I think the seasoned veteran will come up big at the plate and save some errant throws at first base.
Bureau: Los Angeles Angels defeat Los Angeles Dodgers in 7 games. Albert Pujols steps up his game like he did in St. Louis.
Metz: The World Series prediction is the Baltimore Orioles versus the Saint Louis Cardinals. I have St.Louis winning it all. There experience is going to be a plus for this team. Adam Wainwright will be the MVP.
Williams: The Los Angeles Dodgers will play the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. The Dodgers will win in 6 games, crowning them Champions for the first time since 1988. Matt Kemp wins playoff MVP and Clayton Kershaw wins World Series MVP, winning 2 of the 6 games.
Petzold: I have to take my Detroit Tigers over the Pittsburg Pirates in five games. Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez will continue to stay hot and help add to the already powerful Tigers lineup. The rotaion will only get better and improve down the strech. The only concern is the bullpen. The MVP of the series will go to J.D. Martinez after he hits a walk-off home runs in Game 5, along with two other long balls in the seires.
Magee: Angels versus the Cardinals, Los Angeles win. Mike Trout as WS MVP
Burnett: World Series match up: Nationals - Angels: The Angels are a very talented team that will rely on their powerhouse offense and lock down bullpen to carry them to the promised land. Although they've experienced several key injuries to their rotation, it's still good enough to make it to the Fall Classic, in my opinion. The Nationals look like the most complete team in baseball, and I expect them to squeak by the Dodgers in the ALCS. World Series winner: Nationals: I'm going with the Nats to win it all. They have all the ingredients of a championship squad, and they excel in the most important facet, starting pitching. That's what it takes to win a World Series. World Series MVP: Jayson Werth: He has much playoff experience, and should provide leadership and stability in the middle of the Nationals' batting order as the page turns to October.