Ken Davidoff's 2010 MLB crystal ball
MVP AWARD
AL: Why won't Mauer repeat?
Now Armed with a long-term commitment from his hometown Twins, Joe Mauer will put up another strong season, and Mark Teixeira will post strong numbers again. Yet the White Sox's Gordon Beckham will lead his pitching-heavy club back into the playoffs and become the second sophomore in three years (Boston's Dustin Pedroia won in 2008) to win this honor.
NL: Who can top Pujols?
At what point do they just re-name this "The Albert Pujols Award"? The Cardinals' face of the franchise will pick up his fourth trophy with a characteristic season. Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki and the Mets' David Wright will be flattered just to have a role in the conversation.
CY YOUNG AWARD
AL: Is this Verlander's year?
Boy, Detroit's Justin Verlander is impressive, isn't he? He'll finally get some headlines. Boston's Jon Lester, Chicago's Jake Peavy, Yankees workhorse CC Sabathia and the Angels' Jered Weaver will trail Verlander only by a little.
NL: How can Halladay lose?
You already can hear the Philadelphia fans warming up their "Roy!" chants every time Roy Halladay gets to two strikes on an opponent. He wins it in his first NL season. Teammate Cole Hamels and Houston's Roy Oswalt (in a bounce-back season) will be runners-up.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
AL: What about Matusz?
The Orioles don't have it easy (in the AL East), but this year, lefthander Brian Matusz will exemplify Baltimore's progress by winning this award over Cleveland catcher Carlos Santana and Texas flamethrower Neftali Feliz.
NL: Is Heyward that good?
Who are we to break away from the conventional wisdom that Atlanta's Jason Heyward is the next great thing? Washington's Stephen Strasburg likely won't be in the big leagues until June or so, and Cincinnati's Aroldis Chapman will need time to mature. Keep an eye on Milwaukee's Alcides Escobar.
MANAGER OF THE YEAR
AL: Can you say Guillen?
There won't be any significant surprises in the AL this year, so Ozzie Guillen, in leading this "small-ball" White Sox team to the AL Central crown, will get the recognition.
NL: Will Joe find a way?
Even with an ownership in turmoil and a pitching staff short a few arms, the venerable Joe Torre will find his way back to the playoffs - for the third straight season with the Dodgers and the 15th straight year for him.
COMEBACK OF THE YEAR
AL: Don't bet against Burrell.
Andrew Friedman, the Rays' executive vice president of baseball operations, hasn't made many mistakes since taking over after 2005. One mistake, though: Pat Burrell, who recorded an absolutely brutal 2009 season. Look for Burrell, now playing for another deal, to bounce back and help Tampa Bay contend for a playoff spot.
NL: Will Soriano rebound?
The Cubs' Alfonso Soriano will take back his good name, somewhat, with a more characteristic campaign.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS
AL: Still time for Wood?
Since we've already said Beckham will surprise and win the MVP, the bet here is that at 25, Brandon Wood changes from a phenom to, at best, a late bloomer as the Angels' new third baseman.
NL: . . . and Milledge, too?
What the heck, how about Pittsburgh's Lastings Milledge? He'll turn 25 April 5, the day the Pirates open their season, and he's running out of chances. We know the talent is there.
. . . AND WHAT ELSE?
MOST HOME RUNS
AL: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit
NL: Ryan Howard, Philadelphia
MOST RBIs
AL: Mark Teixeira, Yankees
NL: Ryan Howard, Philadelphia
MOST STRIKEOUTS
AL: Justin Verlander, Detroit
NL: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia
MOST WINS
NL: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia
ALL-STAR GAME MVP
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