This block’s AL and NL recipients of the POTB award have the unique distinction to be players that were involved in a trade for one another before this season began.  One player and his team are looking towards the playoffs while the other player and his team are looking towards building for next season.  So without further ado, here are the Players Of The Block (9^th edition):

American League:  Justin Morneau, Texas Missions

While the Missions have struggled this season, no one has done more to make Texas fans smile then sophomore slugger Justin Morneau.  He has put up team leading numbers all season for Texas, and really put up the big numbers for Texas in Block Nine.  Morneau had an amazing line of .438/.521/.875 for an AL block-leading OPS of 1.396.  He also had 5 HR, 13 RBIs and 15 RS in only 14 games – not bad for a guy many would think might be losing focus while out of a pennant race.  When informed of the award, Morneau responded, “I appreciate the award, but I am more concerned about staying focused and helping my team.  Come talk to me next season when I hope to win another of these awards while fighting for a division title.”  If Morneau is any gauge, the future in Texas looks bright.

Honorable Mentions:

• Manny Ramirez (MIL) -- .390/.610/.644, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 16 RS

• Adam Dunn (LAS) -- .273/.509/.709, 6 HR, 12 RBI, 12 RS

• Travis Hafner (NYA) -- .297/.547/.563, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 12 RS, 2 SB

• Jason Johnson (CLE) – 4-0, 3.82 ERA, 37 2/3 IP, 1 SO, 1.11 WHIP

• Johan Santana (CHA) – 2-0, 1.77 ERA, 20 1/3 IP, 24 K/5 BB, 1.13 WHIP

• A.J. Burnett (BOS) – 3-0, 3.22 ERA, 36 1/3 IP, 38 K, 1 SO

National League:  Derrek Lee, Toronto Sharpshooters

Toronto knows what it is like to have one big cog that carries the offense.  Last year, it was National League MVP Hideki Matsui.  This year, it is second-time POTB winner Derrek Lee.  Lee basically dominated every offensive category for the last block.  Here is a list of categories he finished first in for Block Nine:  AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS, HR, RBI, RS.  Lee’s line was an eye-popping .446/.714/1.036 which translates into an incredible OPS of 1.750.  The fact that the big first baseman was on base more then 70% of his plate appearances and averaged slightly over one base each at bat was a large part of why Toronto had a league-best 14-2 block.  His other numbers were no less impressive as Lee had 10 HR, 18 RBI, and 17 RS in only 16 games.  Toronto fans are hoping for a final month similar to this last block – and if they get it, they will be celebrating a second straight division crown.

Honorable Mentions:

• Chase Utley (ANA) -- .368/.526/.772, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 14 RS

• Juan Encarnacion (ATL) -- .354/.458/.771, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 10 RS

• Lance Berkman (BAL) -- .345/.491/.636, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 7 RS

• Rich Harden (STL) – 2-0, 0.45 ERA, 20 IP, 23 K, 0.85 WHIP

• Carlos Zambrano (TOR) – 3-0, 1.52 ERA, 23 2/3 IP, 25 K, 0.80 WHIP

• Brett Myers (KCN) – 2-1, 1.69 ERA, 32 IP, 25 K, 0.91 WHIP

"Go Figure" Award

Finally, I would like to offer up a new award that I will call the "Go Figure" Award.  This will be given to a player that has surprised us all by exceeding all expectations during a specific block.

There can be no better inaugural winner of this award then this block’s recipient, Jose Lima of the Atlanta Mets.  Despite a less than stellar 5.96 ERA and 7 HR allowed in 25 2/3 IP, “Lima-Time” was able to post a very impressive 3-0 record in four starts during Block 9.  This once again proves that baseball is a funny game and anything can happen.  So to you, Jose Lima, we say…. Go Figure!

- written by Jim Kies