by Tim Anderson

Created on: November 25, 2008

After the World Series ends and before the free agent signing period begins, there is a little thing called the Award Season in the MLB. These awards Cy Young, MVP, Manager of the Year, and Rookie of the year are voted on by the members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. One of the duties of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, as stated by their Constitution, is "to foster the most creditable qualities of baseball writing and reporting." Sure, many of these great contributors to the world of baseballs fall under that past quality. However, others' "creditable qualities" can surely be put into questioning. It was surely made obvious this award season.

The Excusable Blunders

The Gardenhire Vote

We all saw Joe Maddon lead the Tampa Bay Rays from worst to first in a fashion that falls just short of a miracle. However, of the 28 first place votes for AL Manager of the Year, Maddon only got 27. One first place vote went to the manager of the Minnesota Twins. Yes, the same Minnesota Twins that did not make it into the playoffs. Ron Gardenhire did not take his Minnesota Twins from worst to first in the toughest division in baseball. Ron Gardenhire did not inspire a group of young players and put into their head that they CAN compete with the likes of the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Joe Maddon single handedly did what Lou Piniella and Larry Rothschild could not do. That was leading the Rays to a .500 record. Joe Maddon should have got 100% of the first place votes. Something tells me the man who did not vote for Maddon for first place is Joe Souhan, a writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and member of the BWAA.

Lidge in 2nd

You cannot deny the amazing season that Brad Lidge had. As a closer for the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, Lidge collected 41 saves with an outstanding 1.95 ERA. There is no problem in singing Lidge's praises with awards such as the Rolaids Reliever of the Year and other things. But, Brad Lidge receiving one vote for 2nd place in the NL Cy Young race is a bit too far. That means that that person put Brad Lidge ahead of Johan Santana, Brandon Webb, and possibly Tim Lincecum. I agree that Brad Lidge had a great 2008, but not well enough for 2nd best in the NL among all pitchers.

Player

Wins-Loses

K's

ERA

WHIP

Tim Lincecum

18-5

265

2.62

1.172

Brandon Webb

22-7

183

3.30

1.196

Johan Santana

16-7

206

2.53

1.148

CC Sabathia

11-2

128

1.65

1.003

Brad Lidge

2-0 (41 SVs)

92

1.95

1.226
As you can see from the level of talent in the NL, Brad Lidge

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