2008 SPIBL Awards Nominees

Nominees for each award will be decided by the office of the commissioner and made public for all owners to vote upon.  Check here for detailed statistics and highlights of all award nominees.  Click on any player picture for more statistics.

  AL Most Valuable Player 

Nominees (in alphabetical order):

Ryan Braun (San Francisco Sea Lions) -- Surprise newcomer Ryan Braun burst onto the scene in the city by the bay and propelled his team to a first-place finish and second-most prolific scoring offense in the AL .  Braun finished in the top twelve in batting average, homeruns, and slugging percentage, despite missing 32 games due to nagging shoulder problems.  He led the league in batting average and homeruns against lefties (.496, 20) and intentional walks (18).  .304 BA (11^th), 484 AB, 147 H, 31 DO, 5 TR, 36 HR (T-8^th), 89 RBI, 85 R, .374 OBP, .612 SLG (5^th), .986 OPS (6^th).

Adam Dunn (Texas Missions) - Coming over to Texas in a midseason trade last year, Adam Dunn was anxious to make an impact in his new home.  He did just that in 2008 while mashing 42 homeruns and driving in 107, both career highs.  Dunn finished in the top twelve in homeruns, RBIs, runs, walks, slugging percentage, and OPS.  His season high point was a three-game series against Toronto in July where he batted .500 (5-10) with four homeruns and five RBIs.  .262 BA, 522 AB, 137 H, 29 DO, 42 HR (4^th), 107 RBI (T-7^th), 96 R (T-12^th), 98 BB (T-4^th), .376 OBP, .559 SLG (8^th), .935 OPS (8^th).

Brad Hawpe (Pittsburgh Conspiracy/New York Flatirons) - Brad Hawpe had a breakout year for two teams in 2008 and helped one of them to 95 wins and a playoff berth.  His overall numbers are amazing (.354, 36 HR, 103 RBI), but when he was traded to the bright lights of a contending New York team there was talk that his dream season would fall back to earth.  Hawpe put that talk to rest in a hurry, batting .327 with ten homeruns and 32 RBIs in his last 40 games.  He earned his first batting title and also led the AL in on base percentage and OPS.  No question: Hawpe became a superstar in 2008.  .354 BA (1^st), 506 AB, 179 H, 36 DO, 2 TR, 36 HR (T-8^th), 103 RBI (T-10^th), 108 R (8^th), 76 BB, .441 OBP (1^st), .646 SLG (2^nd), 1.088 OPS (1^st).

Matt Holliday (Boston Blizzards) - Getting it done from day one.  That’s how Matt Holliday played in 2008, starting the season with a four-hit game against Pittsburgh and ending it by hitting safely in 17 of his last 18 games.  Holliday placed in the top ten in an amazing ten offensive categories, while leading all of SPIBL with 151 RBIs (7^th all-time).  He set a new SPIBL record for doubles in a season with 69.  Holliday led the AL in runs scored with 131 and led all of SPIBL with 112 extra-base hits.  .339 BA (3^rd), 666 AB (3^rd), 226 H (2^nd), 69 DO (1^st), 3 TR, 40 HR (5^th), 151 RBI (1st), 131 R (1^st), 68 BB, 6 SB, .405 OBP (6^th), .632 SLG (3^rd), 1.037 OPS (4^th).

Derek Jeter (San Francisco Sea Lions) - One of the most consistent and often overlooked players in SPIBL is Derek Jeter of the Sea Lions.  He takes care of business at a high level every year and 2008 was no different.  He finished in the top ten in five categories including batting average, hits, doubles, runs scored and at bats.  His season highlight was an impressive 25-game hitting streak that occurred from August 13^th to September 8^th.  From July 31^st to the end of the season, Jeter had at least one hit in all but five games.  He played stellar defense while posting a .976 fielding percentage (19 errors)  .313 BA (7^th), 672 AB (2^nd), 210 H (3^rd), 42 DO (T-8^th), 6 TR, 9 HR, 75 RBI, 114 R (7^th), 70 BB, 17 SB, .395 OBP (7^th), .403 SLG, .828 OPS.

David Ortiz (Milwaukee Maulers) - One of the most feared hitters in the league, David Ortiz once again showed why in 2008.  Not only did he smash 49 homeruns and drive in 120, both good for second in the AL , but he also became a .300 hitter for the first time in his SPIBL career.  Ortiz finished in the top ten in seven offensive categories including homeruns, RBIs, runs scored, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and walks.  He had five multi-homerun games in 2008 and led the AL in walks.  .300 BA, 554 AB, 166 H, 35 DO, 1 TR, 49 HR (3^rd), 120 RBI (2^nd), 116 R (T-3^rd), 123 BB (1^st), .430 OBP (2^nd), .632 SLG (4^th), 1.062 OPS (3^rd).

Carlos Pena (San Diego Black Sox/Los Angeles Skyhawks) - Another multi-team player who posted monster numbers, Carlos Pena is unique in that he started his season with San Diego playing Los Angeles and then ended the season with Los Angeles playing San Diego.  Needless to say, no opponents were excited when Pena came to town.  His season totals are mind-blowing, hitting 54 homeruns, driving in 103 RBIs, and scoring 116 runs.  It’s safe to say that Pena has finally reached his potential.  .295 BA, 532 AB, 157 H, 24 DO, 3 TR, 54 HR (1^st), 103 RBI (T-10^th), 116 R (T-3^rd), 119 BB (2^nd), .429 OBP (3^rd), .656 SLG (1^st), 1.085 OPS (2^nd).

Alex Rodriguez (Cleveland Clubbers) - One of just two players to notch 50 homeruns in the American League, Alex Rodriguez was a force to be reckoned with in 2008.  He finished in the top ten in nine offensive categories including homeruns, RBIS, runs scored, hits, walks, slugging percentage, on base percentage, and OPS.  He was hit by a pitch 25 times as well.  The highlight of his season was a 3-homer game against New York on September 26^th.  .309 BA (T-8^th), 586 AB, 181 H (T-10^th), 21 DO, 50 HR (2^nd), 105 RBI (9^th), 130 RS (2^nd), 95 BB (6^th), 18 SB, .425 OBP (5^th), .601 SLG (6^th), 1.025 OPS (5^th).

Alfonso Soriano (Houston Black Dogs) - The offensive leader of the AL Central’s premier team, Alfonso Soriano put together a great 2008 campaign.  He finished in the top twelve in eight categories, including batting average, RBIs, runs scored, doubles, homeruns, and plate appearances.  In a special statistic of note, Soriano had a streak in late-May where he recorded at least one run and one RBI in eight straight games.  .309 BA (T-8^th), 640 AB (8^th), 198 H (4^th), 43 DO (8^th), 4 TR, 38 HR (T-6^th), 110 RBI (T-4^th), 11 SB, .335 OBP, .567 SLG (7^th), .903 OPS (11^th).
 

Ichiro Suzuki (Los Angeles Skyhawks) - SPIBL’s all-time career hits leader had another great season.  Ichiro Suzuki posted 243 hits in 2008, which is good for third all-time in league history.  He batted an amazing .350 and scored 115 runs.  He also posted 36 steals.  From the leadoff position, Ichiro logged an impressive 85 RBIs.  While appearing in all 162 games for the AL champion Skyhawks, he kept opposing runners at bay with his stellar defense (0 errors) and cannon arm (7 assists).  .350 BA (2^nd), 694 AB (1^st), 243 H (1^st), 23 DO, 8 TR, 10 HR, 85 RBI, 115 R (T-5^th), 44 BB, 36 SB (6^th), .391 OBP (10^th), .450 SLG, .841 OPS.

  NL Most Valuable Player 

Nominees (in alphabetical order):

Garrett Atkins (Colorado Black Bears) - In what was supposed to be a rebuilding year in Colorado , Garrett Atkins led an upstart team of overachievers that nearly made the playoffs in 2008.  This young slugger was clearly the offensive anchor for his team and seemed to make everyone around him play better.  Playing everyday this season, he logged an impressive 211 hits with a sparkling .323 batting average, good for 6^th in the NL.  Atkins made just seven errors at third base all season.  .323 BA (6^th), 654 AB (4^th), 211 H (4^th), 30 DO, 32 HR (11^th), 110 RBI (T-10^th), 107 R, 55 BB, 5 SB, .375 OBP, .515 SLG, .890 OPS.

Miguel Cabrera (Minnesota Moose) - Where would the Moose have been this season without Miguel Cabrera?  He was one of the most reliable offensive producers in the league this season and led his team to a Wildcard berth.  Cabrera was in the top twelve in seven offensive categories including batting average, hits, homeruns, RBIs, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and at bats.  On August 1^st, he started a hitting streak that last 16 games.  .302 BA (T-10^th), 639 AB (10^th), 193 H (10^th), 39 DO, 1 TR, 34 HR (8^th), 120 RBI (6^th), 105 R, 77 BB (T-12^th), .381 OBP (10^th), .526 SLG (12^th), .906 OPS.

Prince Fielder (Baltimore Stars) - After enduring a 100-loss season in 2007, Prince Fielder came back this spring vowing to lead his team to bigger and better things.  After his 2008 campaign, it’s safe to say that he made good on his promise.  He led the NL in both homeruns (54) and RBIs (148), as well as cheeseburger consumption.  Fielder accomplished a rare feat from March 31^st to April 5^th, hitting a homerun in six consecutive games.  His 100 extra-base hits were fourth-best in the NL.  .280 BA, 579 AB, 162 H, 45 DO (9^th), 1 TR, 54 HR (1^st), 148 RBI (1^st), 117 R (9^th), 77 BB (T-12^th), .378 OBP (12^th), .641 SLG (3^rd), 1.019 OPS (4^th).

Chipper Jones (Toronto Sharpshooters) - Chipper Jones finally had a season free of injury and the results were spectacular.  He led the league in runs scored (133), slugging percentage (.670), and OPS (1.102) as well as finishing among the league leaders in nearly every other offensive category, including batting average, hits, doubles, triples, homeruns, RBIs, on base percentage, and OPS.  In August, Jones had a 20-game hitting streak and in arguably the best single-game performance of the season, Jones hit four homeruns against Detroit on September 14^th.  .346 BA (4^th), 566 AB, 196 H (7^th), 56 DO (T-2^nd), 8 TR (7^th), 37 HR (T-5^th), 110 RBI (T-10^th), 133 R (1^st), 87 BB (7^th), .432 OBP (3^rd), .670 SLG (1^st), 1.102 OPS (T-1^st).

Derrek Lee (Toronto Sharpshooters) - After winning the NL MVP award just two years ago, Derrek Lee had just one goal in mind for 2008:  Win another one.  His numbers certainly make a good case for him, too.  Consider his .330 batting average, 111 runs, 208 hits, 50 doubles, and 27 homeruns.  His most impressive stat is in the RBI category with 142, good for second in the NL.  Some may say that, behind teammates Chipper Jones and Jorge Posada, Lee is an underachiever with room to improve, but look past all of that and realize that without Derrek Lee, Toronto may have only won 110 games.  .330 BA (5^th), 631 AB, 208 H (6^th), 50 DO (5^th), 1 TR, 27 HR, 142 RBI (2^nd), 111 R (T-10^th), 65 BB, .397 OBP (6^th), .540 SLG (10^th), .938 OPS (8^th).

Magglio Ordonez (Kansas City Monarchs) -

You would be hard-pressed to find more balanced offensive production than what Ordonez accomplished in 2008.  He led the National League in numerous key categories including hits, on base percentage, doubles, and OPS, while batting cleanup in every game for the 100-win Monarchs.  He finished with the second-highest batting average (.363) and was one of only five players in all of SPIBL to log 100+ total bases.  Ordonez finished in the top five in homeruns, runs scored, and RBIs.  .363 BA (2^nd), 606 AB, 220 H (1^st), 65 DO (1^st), 1 TR, 37 HR (T-5^th), 137 RBI (T-4^th), 121 R (7^th), 88 BB (T-5^th), .445 OBP (1^st), .657 SLG (2^nd), 1.102 OPS (T-1^st).

Placido Polanco (Toronto Sharpshooters) - Zero.  That’s how many mistakes Placido Polanco made at second base during the 2008 season.  Forget for a moment that he batted a cool .355 with 209 hits, 119 runs scored, and a terrific .411 on base percentage.  Forget his 57 extra base hits and amazing 86 RBIs, mostly from the leadoff spot of a National League team.  Polanco appeared in 149 games during the 2008 season and never once committed an error in the field.  .355 BA (3^rd), 588 AB, 209 H (5^th), 38 DO, 5 TR, 14 HR, 86 RBI, 119 R (8^th), 51 BB, .411 OBP (5^th), .509 SLG, .920 OPS (11^th).

Jorge Posada (Toronto Sharpshooters) - Perennial all-star catcher Jorge Posada had a season to remember in 2008.  Flirting with .400 virtually all season, he was as high as .392 on September 7^th with 18 games to play.  With nine games left, he was at .389.  Despite falling short of the magical .400, Posada still finished with a SPIBL-best .381 average which is good for second-highest in league history.  He had 216 hits, 21 homeruns, 100 RBIs, and scored an impressive 124 runs, all while captaining the NL’s top pitching staff to a terrific 3.28 ERA.  .381 BA (1^st), 567 AB, 216 H (2^nd), 56 DO (T-2^nd), 5 TR, 21 HR, 100 RBI, 124 R (T-3^rd), 62 BB, .442 OBP (2^nd), .608 SLG (4^th), 1.051 OPS (3^rd).

Hanley Ramirez (Anaheim Ants) - Last year’s AL Rookie Of The Year has his sights set on larger trophies in 2008.  He certainly posted the numbers to make a strong case, finishing in the top ten in nine offensive categories including batting average, runs scored, homeruns, doubles, and at bats.  He led the NL in stolen bases with 67 while being successful over 80% of the time.  His .940 OPS was tops among all shortstops, where he played every day this season.  .319 BA (8^th), 668 AB (1^st), 213 H (3^rd), 48 DO (T-6^th), 6 TR (T-12^th), 35 HR (7^th), 112 RBI (9^th), 125 R (2^nd), 53 BB, 67 SB (T-1^st), .374 OBP, .566 SLG (7^th), .940 OPS (7^th).

Dan Uggla (Philadelphia Phanatics) - Dan Uggla was responsible for 33% of his team’s runs in 2008.  Uggla drove in an amazing 140 RBIs and scored 111 runs, all while batting #2 in the Phanatics lineup.  He was the only player in 2008 to post 50+ doubles, 50+ homeruns, and 110+ RBIs and runs.  Uggla made opposing pitchers work all season as he led the NL in pitches seen (2835).  His terrific OPS of .952 ranks first among all middle infielders.  .278 BA, 652 AB (6^th), 181 H, 51 DO (4^th), 2 TR, 53 HR (2^nd), 140 RBI (3^rd), 111 R (T-10^th), 64 BB, 5 SB, .346 OBP, .606 SLG (5^th), .952 OPS (6^th).

  AL Cy Young 

Nominees (in alphabetical order):

Josh Beckett (Houston Black Dogs) - On July 30^th, Josh Beckett pitched one-third of an inning in a loss to Chicago , surrendering six runs.  His record at that time was 7-10.  After that point, he rattled off 10 straight wins, including two shutouts, while lowering his ERA from 3.81 to a terrific 3.07.  His 10 complete games are good for third in the AL and his 187 strikeouts finished sixth-best.  17 W (T-3^rd), 10 L, .630 Win% (T-7^th), 31 GS, 3.07 ERA (2^nd), 219.2 IP (9^th), 205 H, 55 BB, 187 K (7^th), 19 QS (T-3^rd), 10 CG (3^rd), 2 SHO (T-2^nd).

Joe Blanton (Milwaukee Maulers) - 17-game winner gave it all in every start throughout the 2008 season.  20 of his 34 appearances were quality starts, which was good for second in the American League.  Blanton also proved to be a workhorse for his team as he led the AL in complete games with 13 and was second in innings pitched.  Allowing just 38 walks all season, he posted the third-best BB/9 innings ratio.  17 W (T-3^rd), 12 L, .586 Win% (11^th), 34 GS, 3.41 ERA (6^th), 245.1 IP (2^nd), 234 H, 38 BB, 135 K, 20 QS (2^nd), 13 CG (1^st), 1 SHO.

Kelvim Escobar (Houston Black Dogs) - Kelvim Escobar had as consistent a season as you will see.  Winning 17 games, he never lost more than one game at a time and always followed a loss with at least two wins in a row.  Escobar’s team won 22 of his 31 starts and he logged 19 quality starts for the season.  On April 29^th, Escobar earned a complete game win against Cleveland while recording 12 strikeouts.  17 W (T-3^rd), 6 L, .739 Win% (3^rd), 31 GS, 3.23 ERA (4^th), 181.1 IP, 173 H, 65 BB, 154 K (10^th), 19 QS (T-3^rd), 3 CG.

Cole Hamels (Los Angeles Skyhawks) - This young left-hander certainly came into his own this past season.  16 wins and nearly a strikeout-per-inning put Cole Hamels in rare company.  After an atrocious April (0-5, 6.45 ERA), Hamels put the past behind him and went the rest of the way winning at a .727 clip (16-6).  On June 19^th, he pitched an absolute gem with a complete game win over Oakland , allowing just five hits, no walks, and striking out 12.  16 W (8^th), 11 L, .593 Win% (9^th), 30 GS, 3.75 ERA (10^th), 197.0 IP, 184 H, 62 BB, 188 K (6^th), 14 QS (T-14^th), 4 CG (T-8^th), 2 SHO (T-2^nd).

Jonathan Papelbon (Milwaukee Maulers) - 55 near-perfect innings earned closer Jonathan Papelbon a spot on this elite list.  In those innings, he allowed just 28 hits, 15 walks, and a mere seven runs.  Papelbon saved 37 games in 40 opportunities for a .925 save percentage, best in the AL .  Opponents batted a paltry .149 against Papelbon.  For almost two months (5/2-6/27), he did not allow a run, a span of 21 innings.  37 SV (2^nd), .925 SV% (1^st), 46 GP, 40 GF (T-8^th), 2-0, 1.13 ERA, 55.2 IP, 28 H, 15 BB, 81 K.

John Smoltz (San Diego Black Sox/Los Angeles Skyhawks) - This guy just does not slow down.  The SPIBL Save King is back in the starting rotation and all he did was post 19 wins for two different teams.  From May 10^th to September 10^th, Smoltz lost just once (13-1).  His 2.54 ERA was the lowest in all of SPIBL this season.  Despite starting the season with 98-loss San Diego , Smoltz still managed to post a 12-3 record with a 2.30 ERA, leading that team in both categories.  Smoltz led all AL pitchers with 25 quality starts.  19 W (2^nd), 6 L, .760 Win% (2^nd), 33 GS, 2.54 ERA (1^st), 227.0 IP (4^th), 192 H, 66 BB, 207 K (3^rd), 25 QS (1^st), 1 CG, 1 SHO.

Joakim Soria (Texas Missions) - Virtually untouchable was Joakim Soria out of the Texas bullpen.  Allowing just 39 hits and 18 walks in 67 innings, his ERA was a miniscule 1.48.  Soria was versatile out of the pen, he was asked to perform as middle relief, setup, and as closer.  He found success in all roles, saving 10 in 11 chances and posting a .158 inherited runners percentage.  He allowed just one homerun all season.  Soria was shut down in late-July until mid-September due to a sore arm, but still managed to have a large impact on his team’s success.  10 SV, .909 SV%, 51 GP, 29 GF, 4-2, 1.48 ERA, 67.0 IP, 39 H, 18 BB, 70 K.

Chien-Ming Wang (San Francisco Sea Lions) - Winning almost 80% of his decisions, Chien-Ming Wang became the ace one of the top SPIBL teams of 2008.  Wang was a master of minimizing damage and keeping his team in games.  He allowed just 10 homeruns in 208 innings and induced 32 double plays, which averages out to almost one per start.  He was second in the AL in wins with 17 and led the junior circuit in win percentage at .773.  His first start of the season was a beauty, a 4-hit shutout over San Diego .  17 W (T-3^rd), 5 L, .773 Win% (1^st), 33 GS, 4.14 ERA, 208.2 IP (11^th), 217 H, 79 BB, 102 K, 1 CG, 1 SHO.

Justin Verlander (San Francisco Sea Lions) - Hard-throwing right-hander Justin Verlander had a terrific season for the AL West’s top team.  He posted a 17-10 record with a respectable 3.74 ERA and finished 8^th in the AL with 167 strikeouts.  On July 10^th in Oakland , Verlander came closer than any other pitcher in 2008 to pitching a perfect game.  After seven innings, he had not allowed a hit or walk and had his sights set on making league history.  Inexplicably, he was taken out of the game, but still earned the win.  17 W (T-3^rd), 10 L, .630 Win% (8^th), 34 GS (T-2^nd), 3.74 ERA (9^th), 221.2 IP (T-6^th), 195 H, 78 BB, 167 K (8^th), 3 CG (T-10^th), 2 SHO (T-2^nd).

Brandon Webb (Houston Black Dogs) - After a slow start in early April (0-4, 9.00 ERA), Brandon Webb found his rhythm and posted a 20-5 mark the rest of the way.  He was the sole 20-game winner in the American League.  He pitched an amazing five shutouts, including two against a tough St. Louis team.  His 227 strikeouts were second only to Kazmir and he led the AL in innings pitched. He barely lost out on the ERA title, finishing just one point behind teammate Josh Beckett. 20 W (1st), 9 L, .690 Win% (4^th), 34 GS (T-2^nd), 3.08 ERA (3^rd), 257.0 IP (1^st), 222 H, 88 BB, 227 K (2^nd), 19 QS (T-3^rd), 12 CG (2^nd), 5 SHO (1^st).

  NL Cy Young