1) Who will be the rookie of the year for NL and AL?

Josh McSwain: AL - Kendall Graveman, Oakland Athletics. NL - Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers

The AL is totally wide open in this category. He’s up there with Rusney Castillo, Andrew Heaney, Francisco Lindor, and others. But pitching in a hitter friendly park in Oakland I think gives him the advantage.

Kris Bryant absolutely lit it up in Spring Training and is the most famous send down in the history of the game with the firestorm that happened after he was demoted after hitting nine longballs in spring training. I wonder if he will be a victim of his own hype, and just not perform up to the expectations and allow Pederson to steal the award. 

Josh Biesiada: AL - Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians. NL - Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs

To be frank the AL does not have a lot of strong rookies coming up this year and Francisco Lindor does seem to be the best of the bunch. He still has to develop consistency with the bat but he is hands down the best defensive prospect in the minors and will likely be the first of the top tier prospects to get into the majors. When he finally does get the call he will likely hit somewhere around a .230/.290/.400 slash line but his defense is so good that it will move him up the ranks. Personally I believe he will hit better than that and it will just add to his potential at becoming RotY.

We have all heard about Kris Bryant and while it is very possible he does break out and becomes the next best thing since air was invented, if Scott Boras is to be believed, there will likely be growing pains. Bryant does strike out quite a bit averaging a 26% strikeout rate in the minors but he does show a potential to lower that with a decent walk rate of 14.5% in the last two seasons. Overall Bryant is more likely to hit .250/.330/.490 than the .300/.350/.540 some people believe him to be but speaking as a fantasy guy that first slash line is just as good as most other third baseman out there.

Noel Alberto:  AL - Kendall Graveman, Oakland Athletics. NL - Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs.

For Kendall Graveman of the A’s, he is not really someone who is a favorite in the early going, but he could be important for the A’s. I see him as a Sonny Gray type.

With Bryant of the Cubs, this man is the “sexy pick” to win this award and with good reason. He dominated spring training with the Cubs hitting nine homers with 15 RBIs. He really impressed me after hitting that homer against King Felix. I’m expecting at least 20 HRs and 75 RBIs from this young man.

Ricky Salvatore: AL - Carlos Rodon, Chicago White Sox. NL - Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs.

Carlos Rodon of the Chicago White Sox will be the AL Rookie of the Year for 2015. Rodon is a promising young pitcher who performed very well in Spring Training. He was the only player in the spring to have 21 strikeouts or more in less than 18 innings, which he did with a healthy 3.06 ERA over 6 games. As he fine tunes over the beginning of the season in Triple-A, Rodon will build himself into a Rookie of the Year-worthy pitcher.

Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs will be the NL Rookie of the Year for 2015. This pick is pretty self-explanatory based on Bryant's performance this spring and all of last season. Starting in the minors will have minimal effect on Bryant's 2015 season, and his call-up is well worth the wait.

Tyler Polhill: AL - Devon Travis, Toronto Blue Jays. NL - Jorge Soler, Chicago Cubs.

Devon Travis won the starting second base job already with the Blue Jays and he won't get any legitimate competition all year for playing time because the rest of the Toronto second baseman shouldn't even be in the MLB.  Travis has put up consistent legitimate numbers throughout all minor league levels.  His numbers to me says that offensively he will be somewhere between Neil Walker and Jose Altuve.  He will be a top 10 second baseman going into next year in fantasy and when Brian Kenny does his show on MLB Network.

As for Soler, we have a better Cuban outfielder than Yasiel Puig.  Better plate discipline and better general human discipline and knowledge of the game.  Unreal offensive production potential and automatic playing time immediately on a team who should put a good lineup around him all year.  If he doesn't win rookie of the year, his team mate Kris Bryant will.

Josh Eastern: AL: Rusney Castillo, Boston Red Sox. NL - Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers.

My pick for Rookie of the Year in the AL is Rusney Castillo of the Red Sox. He isn’t yet in the Majors, but he should be up in the first half of the season and when he does get the call, he will make an immediate impact on that team.

In the NL, I have to go with the center fielder for the Dodgers in Joc Pederson. Pederson has been waiting his turn to break out on to the scene and this is the year where the whole league will know who Pederson is. Both of these guys can get it done in the field and at the plate, which makes them such special rookies.

Ryan Somers: AL: Andrew Heaney, Los Angeles Angels. NL - Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers.

Andrew Heaney was one of the top pitching prospects in the Miami Marlins system until he was suddenly dealt twice this past offseason. After being dealt to the Dodgers, he was quickly flipped to the Los Angeles Angels in the Howie Kendrick deal. The left-hander should slide in nicely at the backend of the Angels rotation. Look for Heaney to put up some impressive numbers in his first full season!

In trading Matt Kemp, the Dodgers opened the door for the highly touted youngster to take over in centerfield. Pederson is coming off an impressive Spring, and although it's possible that he could split duties with Scott Van Slyke in CF, it is more likely that Pederson will stake his claim to the position early in the season. Pederson's defensive abilities combined with his power and speed should make him a key contributor to the Dodgers in 2015.

Parker White: AL: Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox. NL: Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs. 

My rookie of the year in the American League is Boston Red Sox centerfielder Mookie Betts. Betts is a small centerfielder with speed, but he poses some power with that small frame. Last season between Double-A and Triple-A, Betts hit .346/.431/.529 with 11 homeruns, 65 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases. Betts won the centerfield job in Spring Training by batting .451/.491/.804 with two homeruns and seven runs batted in. I realize its Spring Training but even his outs he hit the ball on the money. This guy is going to be a legitimate big-leaguer, and what better place to do it than Boston

My rookie of the year in the National League will be Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. Bryant will miss the first couple weeks of the season, but he will surely take the field in the month of April and take off. Last season between Double-A and Triple-A, Bryant slashed .325/.438/.661 with 43 homeruns and 110 runs batted in. This spring he displayed his light-tower power by slugging nine homeruns. 

Raymond Bureau: NL: Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs. 

Kris Bryant will in the National League. He has already proved he belongs, and he will handle the pressure once he makes it up to the Cubs to stay. Not many other rookies already stand out like Bryant does, so the title appears as his to lose.

2) Who will be the manager of the year for NL and AL?

McSwain: AL: Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians. NL: Bud Black, San Diego Padres.

Francona is one of the best managers in the game and has built a great lineup in Cleveland. I think he gets them to the AL central title this season. Bud Black finally has some tools to work with in San Diego and if he get the Padres back to the playoffs, which I think will happen.

For the NL, I think manager of the year goes to Clint Hurdle of the Pittsburgh Pirates. This year, it’s going to be him instead of Mattingly because the Pirates will edge out the Cardinals for the NL Central. The Pirates do not have the money available to them to spend like LA and St. Louis does, so beating St. Louis to the division will be massive. For the AL, it will be Buck Showalter. The Orioles manager has found ways to get his team into the playoffs recently by winning the division and wildcard. Now with the loss of Markakis and Cruz, he will help guide his team once again back into the playoffs.

Alberto: AL: Buck Showalter, Baltimore Orioles. NL: Clint Hurdle, Pittsburgh Pirates.

For the AL, it will be Buck Showalter. The Orioles manager has found ways to get his team into the playoffs recently by winning the division and wildcard. Now with the loss of Markakis and Cruz, he will help guide his team once again back into the playoffs.

For the NL, I think manager of the year goes to Clint Hurdle of the Pittsburgh Pirates. This year, it’s going to be him instead of Mattingly because the Pirates will edge out the Cardinals for the NL Central. The Pirates do not have the money available to them to spend like LA and St. Louis does, so beating St. Louis to the division will be massive.

Salvatore: AL: John Farrell, Boston Red Sox. NL: Matt Williams, Washington Nationals.

John Farrell of the Boston Red Sox will win AL Manager of the Year for 2015. Farrell, similar to Williams, has an abundance of talent to work with, young and veteran. Looking to lead his team from worst-to-first-to-worst-to-first, Farrell has the ability to lead the Red Sox to their second World Series in his three years as manager. With key offseason acquisitions of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, as well as a complete renovation of the starting rotation, Farrell can create the team to beat in the American League.

Matt Williams of the Washington Nationals will win NL Manager of the Year for 2015. Williams has tons of talent to work with, and has all the ability to lead his team to the World Series and win the award for the second time in a row. With four legitimate number one starters to work with, as well as a healthy amount of depth throughout the field, Williams and his Nationals can be the team to beat in 2015.

Polhill: AL: Robin Ventura, Chicago White Sox. NL: Joe Maddon, Chicago Cubs. 

Always been a great manager, now he is in position to take team into a playoff run.  The big jump in wins the White Sox experience this year will be at least partially credited to Ventura and he will win the award because they will be the most improved AL team.

Joe will make this Cubs team look completely different.  He will turn Alcantara into the Ben Zobrist style utility man of the Cubs and get credit for it.  He will also screw around with the lineup a lot and do crazy stuff in the clubhouse that garners attention.  He will be in the spotlight for all of these reasons and be on peoples mind in general all season.  Not to mention that the Cubs will likely be the most improved time in the NL.  Seems like we should just give him the award now.

Eastern: AL: Lloyd McClendon, Seattle Mariners. NL: Mike Redmond, Miami Marlins. 

In the AL, I am going to go with Lloyd McClendon for the Mariners. Seattle hasn’t made the playoffs since 2001 and even though they are expected to make the playoffs and make a run at the World Series, getting over that hump of making the postseason will make McClendon a worthy candidate. 

In the NL, Mike Redmond for the Marlins is my pick. The Marlins have made some moves this offseason that have boosted their stock and their chances at the postseason. A season ago they finished way above expectations without Jose Fernandez and this year I expect Redmond to manage this team close to a playoff spot.

Somers: AL: Lloyd McClendon, Seattle Mariners. NL: Mike Redmond, Miami Marlins. 

The fiery McClendon has always impressed me as a Manager. He has effectively carried over what made him a solid big league player into his managerial career. The Mariners appear to be on the verge of finally taking the next step, and if they are able to do so, McClendon will certainly play his part. The acquisition of Nelson Cruz will pay dividends for Robinson Cano, and the young pitching staff and bullpen are among the best in the American League.

Redmond fits the bill as a player's coach, the importance of which cannot be underestimated. Considering the injuries the Marlins dealt with last season I feel that he did a great job in Miami finishing just below .500. Now he gets another shot with a revamped lineup, and more importantly, a solid young pitching staff which may be flying under the radar in the National League. The Marlins could very well be the surprise of the 2015 MLB campaign.

White: AL: Lloyd McClendon, Seattle Mariners. NL: Joe Maddon, Chicago Cubs. 

My American League Manger of the Year goes to Lloyd McClendon of the Seattle Mariners. Last season with the addition of second baseman Robinson Cano the Mariners took enormous strides in becoming a contender in the AL West. With some question marks regarding several teams in the division this might be the year McClendon can get his club over the top and in the postseason.

As obvious as it looks, my National League Manager of the Year is the Chicago Cubs’ Joe Madden. This will be his first time managing in the National League and he poses a young, talented team that could make some noise in the NL Central. If Madden can out the pieces together and get this team to the playoffs he will be the runaway winner. 

Bureau: AL: John Gibbons, Toronto Blue Jays. NL: Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals. 

John Gibbons will likely lead the Blue Jays to a division title. They fell last year when they had key injuries to key players, but their lineup is now healthy and upgraded.
 

Mike Matheny of the St. Louis Cardinals is the best manager in the National League. Joe Maddon is brilliant, but Matheny will win the division with a less-than-stellar lineup. Matheny gets the best from ever player at just the right time. In the  American League,

3) Who will win the Hank Aaron award for NL and AL?

McSwain: AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins.

I’m not going out on a limb in this one. I think Trout is the best player in the AL and will put up more ridiculous numbers this season and take home the hardware. Same for Stanton, who should hit 40 homers again.

Biesiada: AL: Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians. NL: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates. 

I am a big fan of the Indians this year and from what I can tell I am not alone in thinking this. Michael Brantley will be a big part of that and I expect a big step forward for him in 2015 given the trends. Brantley has taken up the Tony Gwynn approach to batting deciding that it is ok to not to walk all that much only walking 7.7% of the time last year as long as he does not strike out, which he was very good at only striking out 8.3% of the time. The main reason I am putting him here is because I see a big increase in power since he raised his ISO over fifty points from his career average and at 27 I do not think that is a fluke.

Andrew McCutchen is a five-tooled beast and there is not an offensive category that he does not contribute to. In the last three years McCutchen has not batted below .300/.400/.500 and considering how amazing a .400 OBP is right there should tell you a lot. Sadly he does seemed to get overlooked since he is not likely to hit forty home runs like Mike Trout or Giancarlo Stanton and his team has some offensive issues so RBI’s are sometimes a problem.

Alberto: AL: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox. NL: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates. 

For the American League, I think that Jose Abreu of the White Sox gets the Hank Aaron Award. I think he wins it because last year he showed us what he can do in his first time up in the Majors. This year, he’ll show us his improvement and show us that he is going to be the next power bat for ages.

For the NL, Andrew McCutchen is going to win the Hank Aaron Award. McCutch isn’t going to wow you with absolute power, but he can get it done with home runs or just getting a scrappy single. Stanton I think might be the favorite, but he’ll falter with the pressure of his huge payday he just received.

Salvatore: AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NL: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies. 

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels will win the AL Hank Aaron Award for 2015. Trout has already established himself as one of, if not the best hitter in the game. Following up his 2014 season in which he took home the award, Trout is only getting better. At just 23 years old and entering his fifth season, Trout will be running the show for years to come. He has been a very consistent hitter in the past three seasons, increasing his power as he ages. Despite a slight decline in batting average, Trout has increased his total bases every season, and with ease can hit at least 30 home runs, 30 doubles, and 10 triples in 2015. The three-time Silver Slugger and reigning MVP is only getting better, and will be the player to contend with for the Hank Aaron Award.

Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies will win the NL Hank Aaron Award for 2015. Tulowitzki was injured some of last season, yet still managed to bat a career-best .340 with 21 home runs in just 91 games. Tulowitzki averages more than 28 home runs in seasons that he plays at least 100 games. The two-time Silver Slugger can win the Hank Aaron Award as long as he manages to stay healthy in 2015.

Polhill: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox. NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins. 

Two words (for Abreu), Triple Crown.

This is the year Giancarlo breaks out and hits 50 home runs.  There is a tiny bit of protections around him in the lineup this year and it will go a long way.  Not to mention that he is still in his mid-twenties.  There is no reason to expect anything but an awesome season from Stanton.

Eastern: AL: Jose Altuve, Houston Astros. NL: Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks. 

In the AL, I have Jose Altuve capturing this award. Altuve a season ago started to run away with the Silver Slugger award for second basemen and this season he will continue his tear at the plate. He isn’t that much of a power hitter because he is so small, but he can put the ball in the gap and then run, run, and run.

In the NL, I have Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Goldschmidt battled injuries a season ago but won this award back in 2013. In 2015, Goldschmidt will have to carry the offense for the D’Backs and I think he will excel in that spot. He can plain get it done at the plate and I expect that to continue.

Somers: AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins.

This selection also falls under the no-brainer category. Trout's combination of speed and power are unmatched in the American League and he should continue to post gaudy numbers in a very solid Angels lineup. Trout will drop to 2nd or 3rd in the lineup this year as well which should help him see an increased number of RBI opportunities. Chances are he will be cashing those opportunities throughout the season.

Stanton boasts the most pure power in all of baseball making him an easy choice for this award as the best hitter in the NL. He will be coming back from the scary incident at the end of last season where he was beaned in the face. This could affect his mental state as he enters the box, but Stanton's naturally gifted ability should easily allow him to reclaim his position as the most feared hitter in the game.

White: AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NL: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates. 

My American League Hank Aaron Award recipient goes to Mike Trout. He received this award last season and I don’t see anyone knocking him off this year. Trout has become the best player in baseball and unless he suffers an injury I don’t see anything derailing his path of greatness.

My National League Hank Aaron Award winner goes to Pittsburgh Pirates centerfielder Andrew McCutchen. The former MVP has established himself as a perennial MVP candidate, and he will do so once again in 2015. McCutchen is in the middle of his prime and I expect him to have an all-time great season, thus winning this award as the best hitter in the National League.

Bureau: AL: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers. NL: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Miguel Cabrera, though hampered, will still hit his usual .320 and contend for the league title in home runs and RBI. Even hurt, he puts up the best numbers. Imagine if he stays healthy all season.

Andrew McCutchen is the best overall hitter in the National League, combining average, speed, power, and clutch. He does not strikeout excessively either. 

4) Who will win comeback player of the year for NL and AL?

McSwain: AL: Prince Fielder, Texas Rangers. NL: Matt Harvey, New York Mets. 

Prince missed most of last year with a neck injury, but if he comes back healthy he could 30+ homers in the hitter friendly park in Texas. With Beltre in the middle of the lineup too, opponents will have to pitch to Prince. Harvey missed all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he will take over the Mets ace and be dominant this season, perhaps in the Cy Young conversation.

Biesiada: AL: Prince Fielder, Texas Rangers. NL: Mark Reynolds, St. Louis Cardinals. 

OK so some people will say this is a copout and I am going with a big name when I say Prince Fielder but at the same time his last two season have been sub-par. With his neck injury behind him I truly see a resurgence for the thirty year old power hitter hitting in TEXAS. While the slash line may not look too different from his 2013 season but the power I can see a return to the .200+ ISO that he had before 2013.

Some may call me insane, and they would be correct, but I think Mark Reynolds’ 2013 was actually bad luck in terms of his slash line. Reynolds has a has a career .293 BABIP and in 2014 he had a .218 BABIP and BABIP is more or less the “luck” stat if we were to add the difference from his 2013, .282, and 2014 BABIP his numbers would have been .260/.351/.458 with twenty two home runs. Reynolds could weasel his way into playing time at first base, third base, and outfield so it may be a long shot but I am a believer that he can do it.

Alberto: AL: Michael Pineda, New York Yankees. NL: Matt Kemp, San Diego Padres. 

AL Comeback Player of the Year is going to be Michael Pineda. He has not been healthy at all since he’s joined the Yankees. I think with Tanaka’s velocity down this year, Pineda becomes vital in the Yankees’ rotation and could possibly take over that number one role.

My NL Comeback Player of the Year is going to be Matt Kemp. At times last year, there was question of whether or not he would even start in the Dodgers’ outfield.  Now with the Padres and in a smaller market, he should be back to putting up numbers close to his near MVP season once again. 

Salvatore: AL: Derek Holland, Texas Rangers. NL: Matt Harvey, New York Mets. 

Derek Holland of the Texas Rangers will win AL Comeback Player of the Year for 2015. Holland was sidelined with a knee injury last season, managing to make only six starts. With ace Yu Darvish out for the season with Tommy John surgery, Holland will have to step up along Yovani Gallardo atop Texas' rotation. Assuming he doesn't trip over his dog again and reinjure his knee (that's how it happened), Holland has the ability to be comeback player of the year.

Matt Harvey of the New York Mets will be NL Comeback Player of the Year. Harvey missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He has been brilliant this spring, posting a 1.19 ERA in six starts over 22 2/3 innings with 21 strikeouts, one walk, and no home runs. Harvey will help lead the Mets' rotation, and at just 26 years old has the potential to dazzle in 2015 in his comeback from Tommy John.

Polhill: AL: Michael Pineda, New York Yankees. NL: Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies. 

Pineda will have a sub 2 ERA and will be the most productive pitcher the Yankees have this year due to injuries to Tanaka and Sabathia.  He will put up a larger sample size worth of his amazing K/BB ratio, like Phil Huges did last year, but he will have the ERA and WHIP to back it up.

CarGo will play 150+ games, therefor approaches a 30/30 season.  He will do almost half of it on the road and people will have to ignore the Coors Field park factor and he will re-establish himself as an elite outfielder.  Lots of people will say that either him or Robinson Cano has the pretties left handed swing.

Eastern: AL: Shin-Soo Choo, Texas Rangers. NL: Matt Harvey, New York Mets. 

In the AL, Shin-Soo Choo is a player that is due to have a breakout season. Last season, he (and the rest of his teammates) could not stay healthy and that ruined Choo’s first season in Texas. In 2015, I look for Choo to excel in a very good hitters ballpark in Arlington and he could surprise some people and win this award.

In the NL, I have Matt Harvey from the New York Mets capturing this award. Harvey is coming off of Tommy John surgery a season ago and the ace from the Mets has looked fantastic in Spring Training this season. There looked to be no let down from the surgery and we will see if he can carry what stuff he had before the surgery into the 2015 comeback season.

Somers: AL: Allen Craig, Boston Red Sox. NL: Matt Harvey, New York Mets. 

Craig is coming off a very disappointing season in 2014, but the fact remains is that he is a solid hitter. The move to Boston should help a great deal as he looks to regain his form in 2015. Playing 81 games at hitter friendly Fenway Park should also help. Craig is your prototypical right-handed hitting doubles type of hitter that should thrive from the enigma known as the Green Monster! Craig may not start the season in the everyday lineup but look for him to find his playing time increasing as the season wears on.

Not exactly a risky pick here either. Harvey is coming off Tommy John surgery and easily has the makeup to become the ace of the staff, and potentially a candidate for the Cy Young Award. The Mets might struggle to support Harvey offensively though which could hurt the number of wins he is able to secure. There is also the possibility of recurring issues with his health, but let's hope for the Mets sake that Harvey is able to stay on the field in 2015.

White: AL: Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles. NL: Matt Harvey, New York Mets. 

My American League Comeback Player of the Year goes to Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado. The Orioles suffered several big injuries a season ago, and non bigger than that of their young phenom third baseman Machado. Last season Machado only played in 82 games where he hit 12 homeruns and drove in only 32 runs. Machado was mentioned in the same breath as guys like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, but with several knee injuries his superstardom has been placed on hold. He looks healthy and ready to go giving Baltimore fans a ton of optimism as the 22-year old gets ready for his fourth major league season.

My Comeback Player of the Year for the National League is New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey. It was two years ago we were talking about Harvey as one of the elite pitchers in the game before he had to undergo Tommy John surgery. After a year and half of recovery and rehabilitation Matt Harvey looks to regain his status in the league. The “Dark Knight” has looked in mid-season form this Spring and looks like a man on a mission to get back to his level of dominance.

Bureau: AL: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees. NL: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds. 

Alex Rodriguez will hit around .270 with 25 HR, and 80 RBI. Those are not “A-Rod” numbers, but they are very solid. There are few candidates up for the title, but expect a good season from Rodriguez.

Joey Votto missed half the season, and the Reds fell apart without him. His return will not boost the Reds to the postseason, but he will hit like his old self and earn the dubious award. 

5) Who will win the Cy Young award for NL and AL?

McSwain: AL: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Not really going out too far on this one either. King Felix arguably should have won this last year and I think with a playoff appearance this year he gets another Cy Young. I could see maybe someone from the Nationals stealing this award from Kershaw, but at this point I think his reputation precedes him and will allow him to take this award. 

Biesiada: AL: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers.

Do Felix Hernandez and Clayton Kershaw really need an explanation as to why they are the best? I really do not know how else to describe them better than: They are really good and everyone wishes to be them. Considering these guys combined for four hundred and eighty seven strikeouts in 2014 and only walked seventy seven, that’s a K/BB of 6.32 by the way, I think it is safe to say they are very good at getting outs.

Alberto: AL: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers.

My AL pick for the Cy Young is Felix Hernandez. The King will be vital this year in getting his team into the playoffs, and he will deliver with flying colors. His fastball is out of this world, and his off-speed pitches are the best in the business in the American League.

My NL pick for the Cy Young is Clayton Kershaw. Easily the best pitcher in the majors, Kershaw just has the stuff to win the Cy Young for years to come. His curveball is without a doubt the nastiest in all of the major leagues with the way it deceives batters with such a high trajectory and finishing low.

Salvatore: AL: Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Sonny Gray of the Oakland Athletics will win the AL Cy Young Award for 2015. This is likely an unexpected pick, as Gray is a very undervalued pitcher. At just 25 years old, Gray is entering his third season in the majors. He went 14-10 last season with a 3.08 ERA in 33 starts over 219 innings with 183 strikeouts. Leading the Athletics in 2015, Gray will rise up to his job as the #1 starter and will unleash his full potential in what can be a Cy Young-worthy season.

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers will win the NL Cy Young Award for 2015. Kershaw has already established himself as one of the best pitchers to play the game. While it is unlikely he will top his Cy Young season last year, Kershaw has the ability to put up numbers just as good that will earn him the Cy Young Award again. He posted a 1.77 ERA last season in 27 starts over 198 1/3 innings as Los Angeles' ace with 239 strikeouts. He has improved every season in the last three years, and can continue to put up jaw-dropping numbers. For these reasons, Kershaw will win his fourth Cy Young Award in five years.

Polhill: AL: Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Sale will lead the AL in strike outs now that Scherzer is on the Nats and Darvish is out with TJ surgery.  He will also have a sub 2 ERA at the end of the season while pitching over 200 innings.

The statistical best pitcher in the history of baseball will go about business as usual and will be upset with himself if he doesn't improve upon his Cy Young MVP season in 2014.  He will also hit 3 home runs and take the Dodgers deep into the playoffs.

Eastern: AL: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers.

In the American League, my pick for the Cy Young award is Felix Hernandez. After a very close second place by Hernandez last season, he is going to be more determined in 2015 to go and get his second Cy Young. In addition, the Mariners success this season will fall largely on the back of Felix and he will be more fired up than ever to get this award and help this Mariners ball club reach the postseason.

In the National League, my pick is Clayton Kershaw. This guy is just way too dominate and I don’t see someone overtaking this award from Kershaw. The southpaw for the Dodgers has been untouchable for the past few seasons and there hasn’t been much doubt that the award would be won by him.

Somers: AL: Yodrano Ventura, Kansas City Royals. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers.

With James Shields now in San Diego, the door was left wide open at the front end of the Royals rotation. Ventura figures to step into the role of ace for the defending American League champions. Management has already shown their faith in the young fire-baller by inking him to a long term deal.(5 yrs- $23M) Ventura is still quite raw but certainly has the ability to be the staff's #1 starter. The starting lineup remains in tact and should provide plenty of run support for Ventura. Many feel that last season's run for Kansas City may have been a fluke but this writer feels like they will be in contention once again under the guidance of Manager Ned Yost.

They might have to change the name of this award from the CY to the CK. Kershaw is the best pitcher in the game! There is absolutely no reason to think that he won't dominate again this season. If anything, Kershaw might be even more determined than ever after last season's disappointing post-season where he was roughed up by the Cardinals en route to a quick exit. Kershaw is a fierce competitor who continues to hone his craft. Quite the scary thought for the opposition.

White: AL: Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers. 

My American League CY Young Award winner goes to Chicago White Sox left-hander Chris Sale. The 26-year old is coming into his sixth major-league season and he finally has a team capable of contending. Sale only won 12 games last season, but in his 26 starts he struck out 208 batters and had an ERA of 2.17. His dominance didn’t always lead to wins, but he gave his club a chance to win every time out.

My National CY Young Award winner goes to none other than Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw. The reigning NL CY Young and MVP is on another level than any other pitcher in the game, and he’s only 27-years old. Even missing a full month last season Kershaw won 21 games with a 1.77 ERA. Unless he makes over 30 starts against the St. Louis Cardinals I don’t see him dropping off anytime soon. 

Bureau: AL: Rick Porcello, Boston Red Sox. NL: Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals. 

Rick Porcello will come fast become the Red Sox’ new ace and make Boston fans forget about Jon Lester. With a revamped lineup, Porcello could win 18-20 games.

Adam Wainwright will win 20 games for St. Louis to capture the Cy Young award. He will eat up innings and allow fewer than three runs per game. 

6) Who will win MVP award for NL and AL?

McSwain: AL: Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians. NL: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates. 

These are not the best players, but at the end of the year they will be named the most valuable. Brantley is all-star starter material and with the Indians getting back to the postseason, he will steal this award. A lot of people are down on the Pirates heading in to this season, and when they get back to the playoffs they will be forced to give this award to McCuthen, the Mike Trout of the NL—player that is great in the field, at the plate and on the bases.

Biesiada: AL: Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians. NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins. 

I did mention I was high on Michael Brantley right? I did say pretty much everything I wanted to say about him before: increased power, better team around him to get more RBI’s, improved contacted rate. In fantasy there is a time frame called the “prime years” and while it does vary from player to player it is roughly calculated that a players best years will come in years 26-31 and Brantley fits right in there. Personally think he will have a breakout power season and not sacrifice any of his OBP ability to do it.

Giancarlo Stanton has taken that first step into becoming not just a star in baseball but also a super star. Yes he still strikes out way to much but still hits very well and still walks 12% of the time and that total is on the rise having walked at a 14.7% each of the last two seasons. The biggest question mark for Stanton is the ability to hit for an average and while personally he can hit .250 for all I care as long he keeps that career .364 OBP in tact and the power does not diminish. Since there is not signs of either of those two things happening Stanton could overshadow just about everyone in baseball in 2015.

Alberto: AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NL: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates. 

My AL MVP is Mike Trout. The Millville Masher is going to continue his ascension in the stardom with another MVP. This young man does it all.  He can hit for power, has a gold glove on him in defense, and he steals bases.  His speed is his most underrated asset of his because he’s not lightning fast like Billy Hamilton, but for his size he has terrific speed.

My NL MVP goes to Andrew Mccutchen. Another five-tool player I have chosen for MVP. Like Trout, McCutchen has an underrated aspect of his game and that is his power. He has the capability of hitting 25+ homers a year with his power, but that is usually overshadowed by guys like Giancarlo Stanton who will go for 35+ annually. Mccutchen is obviously the star of the Pirates but with an MVP year, he will lead Pittsburgh to a division title.

Salvatore: AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels will win the AL MVP for the second year in a row for the same reasons as mentioned above.

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers will win the NL MVP for the second year in a row for the same reasons as mentioned above.

Polhill: AL: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox. NL: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies. 

Two Words.Triple Crown

Tulo will flirt with a WAR of 10 which is what he was on pace for at the time he went down with his annual injury that kills the rest of his season.  People will realize once and for all in this healthy year for Tulowizki that nobody is near his level at short stop in this league.  He will be near the best defensively and beat the second best short stop in the league by about 250 points in OPS.

Eastern: AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins. 

In the American League, my pick for the Cy Young award is Felix Hernandez. After a very close second place by Hernandez last season, he is going to be more determined in 2015 to go and get his second Cy Young. In addition, the Mariners success this season will fall largely on the back of Felix and he will be more fired up than ever to get this award and help this Mariners ball club reach the postseason.

In the National League, my pick is Clayton Kershaw. This guy is just way too dominate and I don’t see someone overtaking this award from Kershaw. The southpaw for the Dodgers has been untouchable for the past few seasons and there hasn’t been much doubt that the award would be won by him.

Somer: AL: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners. NL: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Cano's adjustment to playing in Seattle has been a gradual development but he began to show his MVP calibre form in the second half of 2014. I think he will carry that momentum into this season and will capture the MVP. Having the support of slugger Nelson Cruz in the lineup will help immensely. The Mariners lineup as a whole became much more balanced with the Cruz signing and it will not be surprising at all to see Cano's numbers reap the rewards!

It's very rare for a pitcher to win the MVP. Winning the award in consecutive seasons would be unprecedented. Kershaw may have his detractors after last season's playoff anomaly, but there is no question that he is the most important player to the Dodgers by a long shot. This is the definition of the award as it goes to the most valuable player to his team. Kershaw might be hard pressed to duplicate last season's ridiculously low numbers, but I think he will come into the 2015 season on an absolute mission to lead the Dodgers back to the post-season and then onto the World Series.

White: AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins. 

My American League MVP goes to none other than last year’s MVP Mike Trout. He is the best player in the game and unless Miguel Cabrera has another Triple Crown season I don’t know who could be picked over him. Obviously health is always a factor, but considering the Angels had the best record last season, and should be towards the top again, I just don’t see anyone having an overwhelmingly better season than Trout. 

My National League MVP goes to Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton. If Stanton hadn’t missed the two and half weeks of the season his case for the award last season would’ve been justified. Before getting hit in the face at the plate, Stanton had a career year batting .288/.395/.555 with 37 homeruns and 105 runs batted in. With the Marlins becoming a legitimate NL contender Stanton will be in the MVP conversation all season. 

Bureau: AL: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins. 

Mike Trout is now the game’s best player, and he will capture another MVP crown as he leads the Angels into the postseason once again.

Without Giancarlo Stanton, the improved Miami Marlins are non-contenders. Stanton will put them over the hump. He will approach 40 home runs and 130 RBI to earn that massive AAV paycheck he will get.  

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About the author
Ben Anderson
Hi, folks. I am Ben, a West Virginian, loud and proud. I've been the editor in chief of VAVEL USA since December of 2013, and continue to work hard and make the International Sports Newspaper the best on the internet.