2009 Cy Young Races (NL)

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-Digger's Daily-

Baseball's 2009 Cy Young Award features many eligible pitchers. Last year's winner Tim Lincecum has been getting much attention from the sporting media again in '09. He's definitely in the hunt, but, there's more than one horse in this race. Only a few more starts remain for NL candidates. Here's my short list of NL's top hurlers. All of these guys have a legit chance of taking home the hardware...

Tim Lincecum (SF) - Dominating in first half (10-2, 2.33) but has managed only 3 wins since the All Star break. He's been the main reasons Giants remain in playoff contention. Overall, 13-4, 2.33, 222 K. Mighty fine numbers but faces stiffer competition this year.

Adam Wainwright (STL) - 16-7, 2.47 has been improving every year. 6-2, 1.29 since the break. AW has a shot at being NL's only 20 game winner. If he gets 20, then he's my pick. Dominating 2nd half has helped Cards pull away in NL Central. Only 1 complete game and no shutouts might work against him if voters are stat happy. Nonetheless, Wainwright is one of NL's top hurlers.

Chris Carpenter (STL) - 14-3, 2.20 Former winning has returned to dominating form after recovering from surgery. Nasty stuff and my current front runner to take home CYA. I'm expecting LaRussa to restrict Carp's innings down the stretch in an attempt to keep him well rested for playoffs.

Matt Cain (SF) - 12-4, 2.60 but only 2-2 after break. Victim of lack of run support even though his 2nd half ERA is better than 1st half. Also working against his chances is Lincecum's popularity. He's deserves consideration even though I don't belief he has any shot at winning CYA.

Ryan Franklin (STL) - Relievers generally don't bring home CYA's. Franklin's career year is worth noting. 2-1, 1.37, 36 of 38 Saves has been dominating and a key ingrediant to Cards winning NL Central. Never had an ERA below 3.00 in career. He's making it look easy.

Three Cardinals and two Giants on my short list. Some might argue Florida's Josh Johnson (13-4, 3.08) deserves to be in the mix. The others have been far too dominating so I doubt JJ will garner any first place votes. We'll see how it shakes out. As of this moment, Carpenter is my pick unless Wainwright reaches 20 wins.

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MLB Top 1st Half Performers of 2009

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-Digger's Daily-

Major League Baseball's All Star week is here. Get ready for a couple of days of All Star fun. Futures game, home run hitting contest, celebrity softball and the Mid Summer Classic. St. Louis will play host to this years game.

Every season fan voting determines the All Star starters. The American League has dominated play in recent years. They've won every game since 1997 except for a 7-7 tie game in 2002. Here's my list of most deserving All Star starters top 1st half performers of 2009):

American League
1B - Justin Morneau (MIN)
2B - Aaron Hill (TOR)
3B - Evan Longoria (TB)
SS - Derek Jeter (NYY)
OF - Ichiro Suzuki (SEA)
OF - Carl Crawford (TB)
OF - Torii Hunter (LAA)
C - Joe Mauer (MIN)
DH - Adam Lind (TOR)
SP - Zack Greinke (KC)
CL - Joe Nathan (MIN)
MGR- Don Wakamatsu (SEA)

National League
1B - Albert Pujols (STL)
2B - Chase Utley (PHI)
3B - Pablo Sandoval (SF)
SS - Hanley Ramirez (FLA)
OF - Raul Ibanez (PHI)
OF - Ryan Braun (MIL)
OF - Adam Dunn (WAS)
C - Benji Molina (SF)
SP - Tim Lincecum (SF)
CL - Ryan Franklin (STL)
MGR- Joe Torre (LAD)

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