Let the Offseason Begin

So, the Cardinals were kind enough to eliminate the Astros.... and won the whole ball of wax for their troubles. Now the year turns toward news of free agency signings, winter meetings and a steady November stream of awards for the season just elapsed. By the time January rolls around the nausea of so much hot stove "intrigue" will have many fans longing for baseball minutia from the actual field of play.

The Rookie of the Year Awards will be announced for both leagues on November 13. And it could very well go to pitchers this year.

My personal pick for AL Rookie of the Year would be starting pitcher Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers (17-9, 3.63 ERA on 30 starts). My runners up would be starting pitcher Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels (11-2, 2.56 ERA on 19 starts) and outfielder Nick Markakis of the Baltimore Orioles (.291 BA, 16HR, .351 OBS, .448 SLG in 147 games).

My personal pick for NL Rookie of the Year would be every rookie on the Marlins starting rotation. That was the biggest stunner of the season. But in cutting the field down to just one I would have to go with starting pitcher Josh Johnson of the Florida Marlins (12-7, 3.10 ERA on 24 starts and 7 relief appearances). My runners up would be starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez of the Florida Marlins (10-3, 2.83 ERA on 17 starts, 1 relief appearance and the only no-hitter pitched in 2006), second baseman Dan Uggla of the Florida Marlins (.282 BA, 27HR, .339 OBP, .480 SLG in 154 games) and third baseman Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals (.287 BA, 20HR, .351 OBP, .471 SLG in 157 games).