"The Voice of God" Officially Retiring

Bob Sheppard, "The Voice of God", as Reggie Jackson nicknamed him, is calling it "officially" done at 99 years young. Being a Yankee fan in Ohio, I didn't get the privilege of hearing him often, but I still can hear The Voice saying "Ladies and Gentleman...", whether it was the beginning of a game announcing the singer for "The Star Spangled Banner" or the seventh inning stretch getting ready for "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". Even though he hasn't been the public address announcer for a Yankee game since 2007 and has been going back and forth about retiring, I think all Yankee fans are finally feeling the end to a great announcer and friend. Of course I have to note his first game called was a home opener on April 17, 1951 against the Boston Red Sox. Announcing seven future HOF's (five from the Yankees and two from the Red Sox) the Yankees went on to win 5-0 as Whitey Ford throws out the first pitch and a boy named Mickey Mantle also makes his debut.

Two in a Row for Albert

Albert Pujols sweeps the first place voting and takes home the NL MVP for a second straight year. Pujola joined an elite crowd by winning his third overall MVP. Only Barry Bonds has more with seven. Subtract the steroids and Bonds would have three also. Pujols led the league in homeruns, was sixth in hits and third in RBI. He also finished with a .327 batting average. Albert also led the league in put outs and finished with a .992 fielding percentage. The race for second was much closer. While pujols received all the first place votes and earned 448 points, Hanley Ramirez beat out Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder by mere points with 233 compared to 217 and 203 respectively. Pujols continues to be a premiere player.

Mauer Takes AL MVP

Joe Mauer runs away with the AL MVP award. The best part is that he beat out Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter of the Yankees. Mauer put up some impressive numbers considering he was out for about a month and a half to start the season. Mauer finished the season with a .365 average, 28 homeruns, 96 RBI and 94 runs. Teixeira had slightly higher homerun and RBI numbers but did so in 86 more at-bats. Mauer propelled the Twins to an AL Central penant. Teixeira and Jeter both received ribbons for participation. Maybe next year pinstripers!

Lincecum Wins NL Cy……again

In one of the closest votes in NL Cy Young history, Tim Lincecum edges out Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals. Did they get it right? That’s a tough call. Lincecum dominated in strikeouts with 261 to Carpenter’s 144 and Wainwright’s 212. However, other stats tell a slightly different story. Lincecum lagged behind in overall record (perhaps an overrated stat as you need run support) with a 15-7 record while Carpenter ended the season 17-4 and Wainwright 19-8. Carpenter led the trio with a 2.24 ERA to Lincecum’s 2.48 and Wainwright’s 2.63. Personally I think the WHIP is a very telling stat and one that Carpenter edges out Lincecum with a 1.01 to Tim’s 1.05. Wainwright pales here with a 1.21. Lincecum also gave up many more walks than Carpenter (68 and 38 respectively). Lincecum also led the group in Batting Average Against with a .206. Carpenter was second with a .226 and Wainwright had a .244. While perhaps an argument could be made for Carpenter, there should be no denying that Lincecum is also worthy of the award. I only wonder if the results would have been the same had Carpenter’s teammate not been in the running as well.

Post Season Awards are being Handed Out!

Zack Greinke wins the AL Cy Young although voters don’t go the normal route of choosing the pitcher with the most wins. Greinke won the award easily over second place Felix Hernandez largely based on his domination. Greinke finished 16-8 on a less than stellar Kansas City Royals team that finished 65-97 and tied for last place in the weak AL Central. He failed to earn victories in six starts where he allowed one run or less and received no run support. Greinke finished the season with a major-league leading 2.16 ERA. Just another case of great talent with no support. Rounding out the top five were Justin Verlander of Detroit, CC Sabathia of New York and Roy Halladay of Toronto, respectively.

Rookies of the Year also handed out

The AL ROY went to the Oakland A’s Andrew Bailey who racked up 26 saves and a 1.84 ERA. Bailey led Elvis Andrus, Rick Porcello, Jeff Niemann and Gordon Beckham in voting. The NL ROY was given to Florida Marlin’s Chris Coghlan who hit .321 with nine home runs and 31 doubles in only 128 games. He scored 84 runs and had 47 RBI. Coghlan beat out J.A. Happ, Tommy Hanson, Andrew McCutchen and Casey McGehee for the award.

The Season if Over but Hot Stove Has Just Begun

The season didn’t go as planned and it definitely ended unfortunately with them damn Yankees winning the World Series but do not fret because hot stove is here! The Red Sox have extended their contract with Victor Martinez. Now, let the games begin with Roy Halladay.

Reds (78-84) 13 gb in NL Central
Red Sox (95-67) 8 gb in AL East (won wildcard berth)