Here we are on Soxtober first, with Game 1 of the ALDS less than twelve hours away. It's time for the 2008 InSOXicated Awards. For the purpose of getting the "bad news" out of the way first, here are the more dubious honors (hey, at least they got recognized!)
The Dr. Strangeglove Award, in honor of the original "Dr. Strangeglove," the former Red Sox first baseman Dick Stuart goes to Julio Lugo
The Cardiac Warning Label Award for most stress-inducing bullpen pitcher goes to David Aardsma. Dubiously Honorable Mentions: Mike Timlin and former blood-pressure raiser Craig Hansen, now with Pittsburgh.
The Captain K Award for most whiffs at the plate, well I hate to have to give this to the team captain since he's so vital to the success of the team's pitching staff, but it goes to Jason Varitek. Sorry, Captain.
And now for the "good news"...
The King of the Hill Award goes to Jon Lester, for his ace-like performances on the mound this season. Honorable Mention: Justin Masterson, for coming up from AA Portland to contribute both as a starter and as a reliever at the major league level.
The Flashin' The Leather Award for best defensive player goes to Jacoby Ellsbury for his stellar defense in all three outfield positions. Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia
The Teddy Yaz Award for best offensive player goes to Kevin Youkilis. With Papi having a down year and You-Know-Who getting traded, Youk really stepped it up and produced in a big way throughout the season. Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia
The Dirt Doggery Award for the grittiest player who isn't afraid to get the uniform dirty goes to Dustin Pedroia. Honorable Mention: Kevin Youkilis
The Golden Welcome Mat Award for best newbie goes to Jason Bay, who made a smooth transition to big-time Boston baseball from his very first game on August 1. Honorable Mention: Jed Lowrie
The Harry Houdini Award for escaping pitching jams goes to Daisuke Matsuzaka
The You've Come A Long Way, Baby Award for most improved player is Jon Lester. Honorable Mention: Kevin Youkilis
The Greased Lightning Award for biggest basepath threat goes to Jacoby Ellsbury. Honorable Mentions: Coco Crisp and Dustin Pedroia.
And finally...drumroll please...my vote for the 2008 Red Sox MVP...
KEVIN YOUKILIS!!!!
While Pedroia may be the leading candidate to most of Red Sox Nation, I'm more sold on Youk. He has 29 home runs and 115 RBI, meaning he is a serious power threat and he drives in the runs. He has stepped up admirably into the cleanup spot behind Big Papi and his defense is Gold Glove caliber just as it was last year. He can play two positions very well. There was no second-half fade for him this year and I believe, at 29 he is entering his prime as a baseball player. Pedroia has been magnificent as well and he gets my honorable mention here. I will be happy if either Red Sox player were to win the AL MVP, but if I had to choose between two supremely qualified candidates, my vote would be with Youk.
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