Normally, I keep my post to the Greeneville Astros, their alumni and the Astros farm system. However, as a member of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance, I get the opportunity to put in my two cents in post season awards the group gives out. So here are my thoughts on who deserves the National League hardware from the 2012 season.
Connie Mack Award (Manager of the Year - nominate 3)
1. Dusty Baker
2. Davey Johnson
3. Freddi Gonzalez
With all due respect to Johnson, Baker handled early season injuries to his bullpen and managed several DL trips by several key parts to lead the Reds to a 97 win season. I believe he did more with less than any other manager this season.
Willie Mays Award (Top Rookie - nominate 3)
1. Bryce Harper
2. Wade Miley
3. Lucas Harrell
Harper gets my vote here. Though, I would have loved to have voted for Jose Altuve if Ed Wade hadn't rushed him to the majors last year.
Goose Gossage Award (Top Reliever - nominate 3)
1. Craig Kimbrell
2. Arnoldis Chapman
3. Jason Motte
Kimbrell gets my vote for the second year in a row. Kimbrell's 16.66 Ks per 9 is slightly ahead of Chapman and gives him the edge.
Walter Johnson Award (Top Pitcher - nominate 5)
1. R. A. Dickey
2. Clayton Kershaw
3. Gio Gonzalez
4. Johnny Cueto
5. Kris Medlin
Dickey took the mound more innings than the other top four and walked fewer batters while throwing a knuckle ball as his primary pitch. Enough said. Medlin is added in for his performance. It is a shame he wasn't in the rotation all year. If he was, the Braves might be NL East Champs.
Stan Musial Award (Top Player - nominate 10)
1. Andrew McCutchen
2. Buster Posey
3. Yadier Molina
4. Ryan Braun
5. Joey Votto
6. David Wright
7. Jason Hayward
8. Michael Bourn
9. Giancarlo Stanton
10. Chase Headley
McCutchen carried a team as much as one player can. There was no other offensive player on his team that was in the top 40 in WAR. The Pirates faded in the end but it shouldn't diminish McCutchen's impressive season.
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