Durham's Award Stock Continues to Rise: Breaking Down the NL Postseason Accolades

By KYLE KEOUGH
Double Day Daily

The Tobacconists have been sweeping opponents all season long.

Their next target: the postseason awards.

Durham has claimed the top two finalists for both NL Most Valuable Player and Cy Young when preliminary ballots were announced several days ago, and they stand poised to try to steal Fireman of the Year away as well.

The National League postseason awards could end up being dominated by the three best teams in the league: Durham, Toledo, and Louisville each have multiple finalists eligible for postseason accolades.

As was the case with the American League, we at Double Day Daily will take the time to go through the awards, and wager a guess as to who we think might end up adorned with postseason hardware:

NL Fireman of the Year:
1. Ryan Hurst, Toledo: 39 Saves, 32 K, 6.23 ERA
2. Larry Wakefield, Durham: 35 Saves, 45 K, 4.43 ERA
3. Gabe Buehrle, Louisville: 29 Saves, 1.28 WHIP, 3.05 ERA
4. Danny Diaz, Omaha: 34 Saves, .248 OAV, 37 K
5. Bob Basile, Honolulu: 29 for 31 in Saves, .198 OAV, 3.90 ERA

Prediction: Gabe Buehrle over Bob Basile. Let the Bob Basile campaign begin: despite an ERA looming near 4, Basile has missed only two saves, has opponents hitting below the Mendoza line, and has perhaps been the most consistent reliever in the National League (which isn't saying much). Still, Buehrle pitches for the defending WS champions and has a lower ERA, so he'll likely get the nod.

NL Rookie of the Year:
1. John Cooper, Toledo: 13-4, 2.41 ERA, .224 OAV
2. Les Cloud, Louisville: .278, 39 HR, 100 RBI
3. Daniel Brantley, Tampa Bay: .310,25 HR, 88 RBI
4. Toby Peters, Monterrey: .296, 36 HR, 84 RBI
5. Harry Rodriguez, Toledo: .286, 45 RBI, 42 R

Prediction: Daniel Brantley over Les Cloud. Cloud was our preseason pick and played an exceptional first half of the season, but Brantley, despite less production as a run-driving force, is having a very solid offensive season for the worst offense in Double Day. That more than makes up for his 12-RBI deficit to Cloud and could get him a very narrow victory over the Louisville phenom. Darkhorse starting pitcher Cooper will gain interest if he wins a couple more games down the stretch.

NL Cy Young:
1. Rafael Mercado, Durham: 16-2, 1.01 WHIP, 2.29 ERA
2. Rafael Pena, Durham: 14-2, 1.06 WHIP, 1.89 ERA
3. Leon Haynes, Toledo: 14-2, .191 OAV, 2.43 ERA
4. Benny Truman: 16-3, 1.14 WHIP, 2.92 ERA
5. Arnold Dougherty: 14-3, 1.10 WHIP, 2.24 ERA

Prediction: Rafael Pena over Rafael Mercado. Five amazing starters compile the current finalists for Cy Young, and in another year, any one would make a deserving winner. Pena's sub-2.00 ERA might sway voters as long as he keeps pace in wins with compatriot Mercado, but our prediction is little more than a wild guess. It's still anyone's race at this point.

NL Most Valuable Player:

1. Dan Hudler, Durham:
.326 AVG | 100 R | 166 H | 29 HR | 136 RBI | 82:49 BB:K | 0 SB | 1.003 OBP
Dan Hudler has had what appears to be a repeat performance to his season-two Most Valuable Player season: he continues to drive in runs faster than large corporate banks can beg for bailouts, he walks constantly and rarely is out on strikes, and leads perhaps the best team in Double Day.

2. Keith Lee, Durham:
.302 AVG | 90 R | 137 H | 37 HR | 98 RBI | 48:73 BB:K | 0 SB | .995 OBP
Lee has certainly had a nice season, but he remains second-fiddle to Hudler, both statistically and in ballot ranks. He has supplied substantial power for the Tobacconists (37 HR) and has an OPS near 1.000, but his production isn't quite as strong as it has been in previous seasons. Still, he remains a top finalist.

3. Derek McDermott, Chicago:
.330 AVG | 95 R | 153 H | 38 HR | 99 RBI | 41:75 BB:K | 1 SB | 1.024 OPS
The catcher from the Whales has had a strong season in leading his team, but one must question how much McDermott will be able to contribute down the stretch. If he doesn't see much gametime, he could slip out of this race. If he can play, a catcher who hits for power and average could certainly garner MVP votes.

4. Livan Gil, Ottawa:
.288 AVG | 85 R | 113 H | 28 HR | 78 RBI | 52:82 BB:K | 20 SB | .953 OPS
Gil has returned to his season one form this year, and the utility man could set personal statistical records in several categories if he continues to play well. But, like McDermott, his candidacy will depend upon how much he can play down the stretch without getting too fatigued.

5. Fritz Neugebauer, Oakland:
.282 AVG | 68 R | 118 H | 19 HR | 62 RBI | 32:47 BB:K | 20 SB | .852 OPS
The Neuge is actually in the midst of a bit of a down year, but balloters still felt compelled to rank him among the NL's five best. His numbers, while not eye-popping, belie his overall contributions as a center fielder with an excellent glove and a good bat. A veteran and a consummate team player, Neugebauer is among the league's best at a difficult-to-fill position.

Prediction: Dan Hudler over Derek McDermott. We're assuming that votes for Hudler might steal away potential votes for teammate Lee, and that runner-up will be McDermott, assuming he can continue to keep pace. But regardless of who challenges Hudler, this race is Hudler's to lose, and is essentially already locked up. Hudler's production and prowess at the plate are virtually unmatched.