Flame's World Mid-Season Awards

Well since we have reached the all-star break I am here to announce my MLB's mid-season awards. There have been some stellar statistical achievements thus far and it will be difficult to choose just 2 MVP's and 2 Cy Young's. My awards are not predicated on team success, but just on individual performance. That is why A-Rod has won MVP's on last place teams and Tim Lincecum won the Cy Young on a sub .500 team. Team success isn't as important when determining individual success. A-Rod cannot control that his team's best pitcher was 13-14 with a 4.85 ERA. So without further ado, I present Flame's World's Mid-Season Awards.

NL MVP - Albert Pujols - .332 AVG, 1.179 OPS, 32 HR, 87 RBI, 73 R - This man is off the charts. He leads the league in over 5 major statistical categories and its not even close. He is on pace to have the highest OPS for his career as well. To put his 1.179 OPS into perspective, Ted Williams had an OPS during his 2 MVP season's of 1.164 and 1.141 respectively. Honestly Pujols could not play another game and he should be the MVP. He is so good, its ridiculous. This guy is getting into the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) category. He has already won a championship, 2 MVP's (on his way to a 3rd), Rookie of the Year and an 8 time all-star. No doubt he wins it this year.

AL MVP - Joe Mauer - .373 AVG, 1.069 OPS, 15 HR, 49 RBI, 49 R - Those are some pretty ridiculous stats and oh yeah he missed a month of baseball as well. This kid is the perfect baseball player that plays the hardest position, catcher. It is so rare to see a catcher that can even hit above .350, but also to be a premier game caller and defender is remarkable. To put Mauer's numbers in perspective, lets look at arguably the greatest offensive catcher of all-time, Mike Piazza. In Piazza's best years he had an OPS of 1.01 and 1.07. Right now Mauer is right there with him and a much, much better defender. Mauer also leads the AL in RC27 (runs created per 27 outs. This stat states if a team was made up of 9 Joe Mauer's how many runs would they score), which is 10.16 (1 full run higher than any other player). The AL MVP race is going to be tight however, because his teammate Justin Morneau is right behind him. Other candidates include Torii Hunter, Carl Crawford and Miguel Cabrera.

NL Cy Young - Dan Haren - 9-5, 129 K's, 2.01 ERA, 0.808 WHIP, 8.06 K/BB, .189 BAA - We know the D-Backs are a bad team, but it certainly has nothing to do with this guy. Haren has really been unbelievable so far this year. Greg Maddux is considered to have had the best control of all time and he has finished with a K/BB ratio over 8 only once in his career. That is how good Haren has been. He is still 9-5 with only getting 5.85 runs per 9 innings (Lincecum is getting a full run more). Haren has 5 tough losses (losses while pitching a quality start) as well. And his quality start % is 93%. The major argument here is Tim Lincecum. Lincecum is only beating Haren in 2 statistical categories, strikeouts and wins. Lincecum's K/BB ratio is 4.38 and is allowing nearly 2 more baserunners per 9 innings as well. Lincecum's batting average against is also .215, which is higher than Haren's. Haren not only leads the NL in ERA, but all of baseball. He is the best player in baseball, that no one is talking about. Oh, and by the way Haren has an OPS of .707 and hitting .265 this year. He deserves the Cy Young this year. Other candidates include Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Josh Johnson.

AL Cy Young - Zach Grienke - 10-5, 129 Ks, 2.12 ERA, 1.076 WHIP, 6.14 K/BB, .245 BAA - This was another tough decision. It came down to his league leading ERA and one of the best records, while pitching for a very average team. Greinke has been dominating at times this year. Greinke has won 1o games and he is only getting 4.66 runs per 9 innings. He also leads the league in complete games and has a quality start % of 83%. Greinke's numbers and pitches look very similar to another Cy Young winner, Pedro Martinez. He changes speeds very well and can over power you with a fastball as well. The AL has many other deserving pitchers as well, so this was not easy. Other candidates include, Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, Roy Halladay, and Justin Verlander.

A Look at the NBA Free Agency Landscape

From the end of the NBA Finals, til the beginning of NFL training camp, the sports world takes a massive break. Yes, MLB is around, but baseball in July just doesn't really do it for me. Especially this year for baseball. There hasn't been any compelling stories and for the most part a boring season so far. So then, how do I get by? Well the NBA free agency season is actually very interesting and exciting. And this year, teams are LOADING up to make a run at that Larry O'Brien Trophy. Even the defending champs are fine tuning an already championship caliber team. In no other sport do as many players exchange jerseys and move to different teams as they do in the NBA. Only in the NBA can the addition of 1 player put your team over the top. What the top teams are doing is what we like to call an "arms race". As far as I am concerned their only 5 teams next year positioning themselves to win the NBA title. With my apologies to the Nuggets and Blazers, every team is making moves and trying to make themselves better, while those 2 teams have done absolutely nothing. I can certainly see Portland making a move, but their ever so trade happy GM, Kevin Pritchard, has not made that big move to put them over the top. So, the jury is still out on Portland. Anyways, here are my thoughts:

• I hate the San Antonio Spurs. Its plain and simple. They are smarter than everyone and they know it. And how the hell did they get Richard Jefferson for that turd in a bag group of players? So they added a versatile wing who can drive and shoot for nada, squat or whatever other phrase you want to use. Then during the draft, some how the top rebounder in college, Dajuan Blair, falls to them in the second round. And to add salt to the wound they add a very good role player in Antonio Mcdyess. So their 4th quarter lineup will be Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan and Antonio Mcdyess. That is one heck of a lineup. Oh yeah, they also have Greg Popovich as their coach. So once again the only team in the West that scares me are the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs did it again and mark my words they will be playing the Lakers in the WCF.


• Their have been a lot of mixed reactions to the Magic's acquisition of Vince Carter. I personally loved the move. Turkoglu was a big time player for them last year, but disappeared in too many big games. He did make the big shot at the end of the games many times, but for the first 45 minutes, he often played terrible. And Turkoglu's clutchness (did I make that word up?) is vastly overrated actually. Thanks to 82games.com he ranked 51st in the NBA in clutch points/48 minutes and only shot 35% from the field during clutch situations. And Vince Carter had a very underrated season as well. He averaged over 20 ppg last year and shot 39% from the 3 point line. Also, many of his 3 pointers were contested and he will have many more open 3's, while playing with Howard. Compare that to Turgkoglus 35% 3 point shooting and its no question you would rather have Vince shooting then Hedo. Vincanity is also ranked 18th on that clutch list and shot 50% from the field during the clutch, which is much better than Hedo's clutch numbers. Also the Magic acquired Ryan Anderson, who is currently tearing apart the summer league and can shoot the 3 point shot very effectively. The Magic will trot out a lineup of Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus, Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard. That is really, really good if you ask me.


• Bron and Shaq or Shaq and Bron, however you say it, its going to be fun. When the Cavs acquired Shaq-daddy, it started the wave of trading/free agent frenzy. This is a great move for the Cavs, because they gave up nothing. The Suns were simply doing a salary dump, so the Cavs still got a productive center. Shaq has actually done a very good job at defending Dwight Howard in the past and to quote Shaq "There will be no double teams this year", meaning the Cavs can stay true to the Magic's shooters (if they meet in the playoffs). And the Cavs are getting a very motivated Shaq too. Kobe just won the title, Dwight Howard is supposedly the new superman and he has a chance to be the 1st to 5 rings (Kobe has 4 and Duncan has 4), so I certainly think Shaq is ready to bring it. But I am assuming the Cavs aren't done yet. They still have yet to use their MLE and blew a big opportunity last week when they were introducing Shaq. While the Cavs were laughing at Shaq's jokes, the Lakers and Rockets swooped up the Cavs most coveted Free Agents in Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza. The Cavs are still missing a good wing to go with Lebron, because Delonte West can't be trusted to guard the Ray Allen's and Vince Carter's of the world. So as far as I am concerned, they get an incomplete.


• The Boston Celtics were a really good team and with the addition of Rasheed Wallace, they just became an ultra elite team. I absolutely love this move for that team (even though I hate it, because I hate the Celtics). Sheed brings much needed front court depth and is a perfect compliment to KG on offense and defense. Sheed also owns Dwight Howard, which is very important as well. If the Celtics can stay healthy, they should be the favorites in the east. Their 4th quarter lineup will be Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace. Wow, thats all I am going to say. I am sorry Lebron, but if this team stays healthy, there is not much you will be able to do.


• The defending champs not only got better, but added a piece that will add a whole other dimension for the Lakers. Ron Ron is one of the most multi talented players in the NBA. Artest can guard positions 1-4 and has a well rounded offensive game as well. Losing Ariza certainly hurts, but for a team trying to win the next 3-4 titles, Artest makes perfect sense. He is an absolute monster on the defensive side of the ball. The Lakers will arguably be trotting out the 2 best on-the-ball defenders in the NBA (Kobe and Ron). Ariza shot incredibly well during the playoffs, but overall Artest is a more accomplished 3 point shooter. Ariza last year shot 31% from the 3 point line and Artest shot 40% from the 3 point line. Most of his shots in Houston were highly contested as well or shot with only 1 second left on the shot clock. With the Lakers, Artest will have nothing but space to shoot his 3's. Another dimension Ron brings is toughness. No longer can pundits call the Lakers "soft". Artest is one of the toughest and most ruggid players in the league and wont back down from anyone. He will be the enforcer, and frustrate the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Manu Ginobili, Brandon Roy, Paul Pierce and Lebron James. The Lakers will have a 4th quarter lineup of Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom (assuming he re-signs) and Pau Gasol. Now my friends that looks like a team ready to repeat and defend the title. A true test of a champion is how they defend it and I feel the Lakers will do that amazingly well and win the NBA title again.

Flame's World AL All-Star Starters

Ok, so lets start to break down the AL-Allstars. The AL is a much tougher decision to decide, because there is a lot more depth at each position. The AL is just a much stronger league and it shows with all of the potential all-stars. So lets begin:

Catcher - Joe Mauer - .390 AVG, 14 HR, 45 RBI, 1 SB, 1.133 OPS - This was actually a tough decision for catcher in the AL. But Mauer has been just off the charts this year and even missed a month. He has already set a career high in HR's and is flirting with hitting .400. He is also an out of this world defender. The other candidate is Victor Martinez.
First Base - Justin Morneau - .320 AVG, 20 HR, 67 RBI, .991 OPS - Morneau has been really strong the last month. This guy is having another MVP caliber year and will be one of the top hitters all year in baseball. Other candidates include Mark Texeira, Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Pena.

Second Base - Ian Kinsler - .256 AVG, 19 HR, 51 RBI, 16 SB, .833 OPS - Second base is really strong in the AL. I went with Kinsler and not Hill, because they have an identical OBP and Kinsler has more power and more speed. Aaron Hill is having a brilliant year, but I think Kinsler is the more complete ball player this year. Other candidates are Aaron Hill, Chone Figgins and Robinson Cano.

Third Base - Evan Longoria - .293 AVG, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 2 SB, .925 OPS - This young phenom has had a great first half of the year. He got off to an incredible start and has cooled off a bit due to injuries, but still is the premier third basemen in the AL. He is a pure hitter and a fantastic fielder as well. Other third basemen could have been, Kevin Youkilis and Brandon Inge.

Short Stop - Derek Jeter - .310 AVG, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 17 SB, .829 OPS - Jason Bartlett has been incredible this year for the Rays, but Jeter has held together a very fragile team in New York and his play has been just incredible. He has been great in more ways then one for the Yankees. I am just having a hard time leaving the Captain off of this list. The other candidate would be Jarson Bartlett.

Outfield - Carl Crawford - .318 AVG, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 40 SB, .833 OPS - Crawford has been such a dynamic player this year for the Rays. If he gets on base, its almost a sure thing he will steal the base. And he has been getting on base at a very high rate as well. He is having a major resurgence this year and definitely deserves a place on the all-star team.

Outfield - Tori Hunter - .303 AVG, 17 HR, 62 RBI, 13 SB, .942 OPS - Tori Hunter is quietly having a MVP season. He has carried the Angels back to first place all season. With Vlad hurt and struggling, Hunter has taken on all of the offensive burden this year. And his defense has been MVP caliber as well. This selection was a no brainer

Outfield -Adam Lind - .309 AVG, 17 HR, 55 RBI, 1 SB, .933 OPS - There are many, many qualified OF's in the AL this year. I went with Lind, becaue he has had a major impact this year in the AL. His power numbers are are really high among OF's and he certainly deserves this. His OPS is also much higher than Jason Bay's as well. Other OF's that could be included are Jason Bay, Johnny Damon, Nelson Cruz, Shin Soo Choo, Ichiro Suzuki, Jacoby Ellsbury and Adam Jones.

Starting Pitcher - Zach Greinke - 10-4, 2.00 ERA, 120 Ks, 19 BB - The AL has many amazing pitchers this year, but Greinke has truly been amazing. He currently leads the MLB in ERA and wins. He has a stellar K/BB ratio 6 and deserves this spot for the AL all-stars. Other candidates include Roy Halladay, Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, Jered Weaver and Kevin Millwood.

Flame's World NL All-Star Starters

Since the MLB all-star game is coming up soon I thought I would give my take on who the starters should be. I will post the NL all-star's first and then the AL all-star's. OK lets begin:

Catcher - Brian McCann - .310 AVG, 8 HR, 33 RBI, .906 OPS - This one was pretty easy. The field of catchers in the NL is very slim this year. Other candidates include Benji Molina and Yadier Molina.

First Base - Albert Pujols - .337 AVG, 30 HR, 77 RBI, 1.205 OPS - OK this one is even easier. Phat Albert is the best player in baseball, hands down. I mean just look at those numbers, they are absolutely off the charts. This guy is a triple crown waiting to happen. He has already locked up the MVP award if he stays healthy. There are 0 other candidates.

Second Base - Chase Utley - .301 AVG, 17 HR, 52 RBI, 7 SB .988 OPS - All of the great second basemen this year reside in the AL, so the second base spot gets easily occupied by Mr. Utley. Always an MVP candidate and has excellent numbers yet again. Other candidates are Orlando Hudson and Brandon Phillips.

Third Base - David Wright - .340 AVG, 5 HR, 42 RBI, 20 SB, .920 OPS - Usually known for his power, Wright has changed his approach to hitting because of the new stadium in New York. He is a gap to gap hitter this year and it certainly shows with his batting average. He also has stolen already 20 SB's and is still a threat to hit the long ball. Other candidates include Mark Reynolds, Pablo Sandoval and Ryan Zimmerman.

Short Stop - Hanley Ramirez - .348 AVG, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 12 SB, .979 OPS - Hanley has been unbelievable this year. He has been showcasing power to all fields and is always a threat to steal when on base. This kid is really a special talent and will also be in the running for MVP this year. There are no other possibilities here.

Outfield - Ryan Braun - .330 AVG, 16 HR, 57 RBI, 6 SB, .990 OPS - He has been the clear cut best outfielder in the NL all year. He is a stellar all around hitter, with power to all fields. Oh and he also hits well above .300.

Outfield - Justin Upton - .309 AVG, 14 HR, 45 RBI, 10 SB, .945 OPS - The 21 year old phenom has emerged as a premier OF in the NL. The OF selection in the NL was very thin this year, so this choice makes perfect sense. Ibanez could have taken his spot, but he is currently on the DL.

Outfield - Brad Hawpe - .333 AVG, 13 HR, 56 RBI, 1.008 OPS - He is definitely having one of the most underrated years in baseball. His numbers have been incredible and he certainly deserves a spot on my all-star team. Other candidates for OF include Matt Kemp, Raul Ibanez (DL), Beltran (DL) and Carlos Lee .

Starting Pitcher - Tim Lincecum - 8-2, 2.37 ERA, 132 K's, 28 BB's - This was definitely the hardest position to pick. The NL does have many top knotch starting pitchers. I went with Timmy, because I can't have 2 D-Backs as my starters and when Lincecum is on, he is the most dominating pitcher in baseball. He leads the majors in K's and is top 3 in ERA. Other pitchers to consider are Dan Haren, Johan Santana, Chris Carpenter , Chad Billingsley, Josh Johnson and Yovani Gallardo.

Whats Your Deal, Trevor?

Well I was at dinner and got bombarded by text messages from many people regarding the free agency status of Trevor Ariza. According to reports from Chris Broussard, Ariza feels disrespected by the Lakers offer of the mid-level exception (MLE). The MLE would equate to a salary of $5.6 million per year. Ariza made $3 million last year and now his salary would nearly double. That is disrespectful? The Lakers are the only reason you are in this situation, Trevor. 2 other franchises (Knicks and Magic) gave up on you and traded you away for nothing. The Lakers gave you a chance and you shined. We hired a special shooting coach (Craig Hodges) just to improve your 3 point shot and you still feel disrespected? The greatest coach of all time trusts you to play in 4th quarters of the biggest games of your career and you feel disrespected? This is your team Trevor and this is your home.You went to UCLA and went to Westchester high in LA as well. You will never be more beloved by another fan base and I promise you that Trevor. If you leave for another team, especially the Cavs and sign for the MLE with them, you will have the largest fan base turn on you in a heart beat. That fan base includes me and I would hate to do it. I love your game and I feel you are better than this. You are the definition of hard work and should be rewarded. Having your salary nearly double is very rewarding. I am certainly taking the Lakers side on this one and I sure do hope Mitch has a back up plan, if Trevor does make the biggest mistake of his NBA career.

Speaking of that back up plan, I have a perfect solution for the Lakers...Ron Artest. This is a pretty obvious solution for many reasons. Ron Artest is a bigger, stronger and better version of Trevor Ariza. He does virtually all of the same things. Imagine if you are Carmelo Anthony having not only Kobe Bryant body you up, but also having to deal with Ron freaking Artest as well. He is a tenacious defender that would add more toughness to an already championship team. Artest is very capable of hitting wide open 3's, which he will have lots of, because Kobe and Pau demand double teams. Another wrinkle to this is Artest is very good friends with Lamar Odom and Kobe. He grew up with Lamar in New York and has played with Lamar many times and on many teams. With the growing sense that Ariza is leaving, that leaves Lamar with about a 100% chance to resign with the Lakers. Also sources have said Artest is in LA and has reached out to Kobe and Lebron to discuss joining with either the Cavs or the Lakers. So Ariza can go ahead and sign with the Cavs and the Lakers will be just as happy, if not happier with Ron Artest.