How many times do you name a mid-season acquisition as your MVP? Taylor has done more than enough to earn that title by posting a .306/.406/.661 line after being acquired by Houston in June. He hit 27 bombs in 271 ABs and if he had posted that pace in Texas he would've beaten Chris Davis for Home Run King of 2011. Nobody did more to help Houston to 85 wins then Taylor and if that isn't the definition of MVP I don't know what is.
Cy Young Winner:Josh Lindblom 16-6 2.61ERA 160K, 43BB in 186.1 IP
Cy Young Winner:Josh Lindblom 16-6 2.61ERA 160K, 43BB in 186.1 IP
We don't have to look to the bullpen this year for our Cy Young! Josh's 2011 campaign is all the more incredible when you think he was closing games for AA Huntsville (MIL) just a year and a half ago. He's not only Houston's CY Young but is getting some national attention for the award as well. Along with Teagarden they provided the quintessential clean-up and ace production every team looks for.
Rookie of the Year: Jos, Trinidad 10-9 3.40ERA 50BB,10HR in 182.2 IP
Rookie of the Year: Jos, Trinidad 10-9 3.40ERA 50BB,10HR in 182.2 IP
Unfortunately for Linblom last year counted as his rookie effort and unfortunately for Jos, another pitcher, RJ Seidel, had a better rookie campaign. However, for Houston, no rookie mattered more. Don't let that record fool you, the bullpen spoiled plenty of his starts and he could've just as easily wont 15 games as Lindblom. Despite being on the block since April 2010 Jos, has stuck around and done nothing but proven the Astros wrong in shopping him around. Along with Braddock and Linblom the Astros have a great 1-2-3 punch with at least 4 years of team control remaining on each.
Comeback Player of the Year: Luke Hochevar 1-2 4.88 ERA 7 saves in 8 opportunities
Comeback Player of the Year: Luke Hochevar 1-2 4.88 ERA 7 saves in 8 opportunities
There wasn't much in the ways of a true comback player for Houston and this maybe be a bit premature but Hochevar was the most effective closer Houston had all year. Before him Houston closer only managed to save 34 games while blowing 20! If Houston had managed to convert even half of their blow opportunities they would've won the wild card by 3 games and own the 4th best record in the league! Either way maybe Hochevar has found himself a new home in the pen and hopefully Houston can find a closer to close that saves to save opportunities gap.
Relief Pitcher of the Year: Nobody
While Medlen and Aardsma got it done neither could lock down the closer job. It's hard to sing praises about the area of the team that cost them so much. Expect major changes for Houston's 2012 bullpen.
No comments:
Post a Comment