First Half Awards

The All-Star break is upon us and the first half of the baseball season is behind us. It has been an interesting year. The Yankees are not in first place in their division but the MontrealSanJuanWashington Nationals are. Derrek Lee is seriously challenging for the Triple Crown in the N.L. while Barry Bonds has yet to play a game. Brian Roberts of the Orioles has turned into Roberto Alomar at the plate. It has truly been an amazing season to date. As just about every other baseball writer or fan does at this time of the year, I am presenting you with my award ballot for the first half of the year. I will also provide you with the player that I predicted to win this award in the preseason from my column on TheBostonInsider home page next to my choice for first half winner. AL MVP: David Ortiz, Red Sox (David Ortiz, Red Sox) NL MVP: Derrek Lee, Cubs (Albert Pujols, Cardinals) AL CY YOUNG: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays (Barry Zito, A's) NL CY YOUNG: Roger Clemens, Astros (Andy Pettitte, Astros) AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jeremy Reed, Mariners (Joe Blanton, A's) NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: David Wright, Mets (David Wright, Mets) AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Ozzie Guillen, White Sox (Eric Wedge, Indians) NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Frank Robinson, Nationals (Willie Randolph, Mets) I did correctly pick the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals as playoff teams but I missed on the Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. But, of course, there are still games on the schedule. There is a lot of baseball to be played and many questions need answering. Can the Red Sox hold off the Yankees and Orioles? (Yes.) Can Jon Garland continue to pitch like Bob Welch? (No.) Will Pedro lead the Mets in the direction of first place in the N.L. East? (Yes.) Will the N.L. West win a playoff game? (No.) Before I go, here's one last prediction. David Ortiz will win tonight's Home Run Derby and then he will win the Ted Williams Award as the MVP of the All-Star Game.