AL Award Predictions

1983 RLB Preseason Award Predictions – American League

Good morning, readers. As promised, I will be taking a look at some AL contenders for individual awards this season. Let us delve into the American League, land of easier lineup decisions and where former great NL players go to die. Lookin’ at you, Weisberg.

AL Rookie of the Year

· DH/LF Tony Acosta, Baltimore Orioles

Kicking off this list with Acosta, who has the potential to be one of the best bats in the American League. The former 8th Round pick has finally found his home in Baltimore after being involved in four separate trades in his young career. Rated as the #22 prospect as of publication, Acosta is ready to make his break into the majors this season. A high contact rate and great eye will help in a home field that favors pitching; with such a talent, it would take much more to keep him from reaching his potential. With a young and rebuilding squad in Baltimore, even if some struggles are to be had he should have plenty of opportunities and time to find himself.

· SP Bryan Capers, Detroit Tigers

Capers may not be a flashy or a sexy pick to shine in his first full season, but the 23-year-old right-hander showed enough in his few starts at the end of 1982 to gain a shot at joining the rotation this year. Relying mostly on his curve and changeup, Capers has excelled at keeping the ball on the ground in his ascent to RLB, maintaining a 58% groundball rate combined at all levels. He also has a high enough baseball IQ to make adjustments on the fly as needed. Steady and reliable should be the way to describe Capers as he begins his RLB career.

· SP Jason Rhodes, California Angels

Much like McDaniel in the NL, if Rhodes was guaranteed to start the season in RLB he would be nearly a lock to take home RotY in 1983. Already possessing some of the best stuff of any SP in the majors, if Rhodes can limit his home run total and refine the control it will not be long before he is seen in California. His slider and changeup combination is second to none; there is no doubt that he will rack up high strikeout totals whenever he is called up to the big club.

AL Pitcher of the Year

· SP Josh Haun, California Angels

Why did Pittsburgh ever trade this guy? Their GM should probably be fired. Since making the jump to the AL, all Haun has done is make a couple All-Star appearances, win a PotY award, and lead the AL in wins, strikeouts and ERA in his two full seasons. Haun also takes the ball every 5th day without question, taking the hill for at least 30 starts every year since 1976. Need I say more? Always a favorite for the top pitcher in the league.

· SP Dave Anderson, Toronto Blue Jays

Anderson, a veteran that already has five PotY trophies in his showcase, is poised to make yet another run at the hardware again this season. While he will not bring a high number of swing and misses, Anderson remains great by limiting the long ball and free passes handed out. His impact can be felt in the Blue Jay clubhouse as well, his strong work ethic a great example for a relatively young pitching staff. It has been four years since Anderson has claimed a Pitcher of the Year award, but nobody should be surprised if number six comes in 1983.

· SP Rauno Myllyniemi, Minnesota Twins

Before White Sox fans (or their GM) send a mob after me for not including Rich Hare, deciding between Myllyniemi and Hare was one of the closest calls in this piece. The favor goes slightly to Rauno with his potential for high strikeout numbers. The young flamethrower proved his is more than ready in rookie campaign in 1982, posting a 3.94 ERA and 11 wins in 25 starts. As he matures, Myllyniemi should only improve with his four elite pitches. Somebody get this guy a nickname that is easier to type out!

AL MVP

· 1B Phil Krueger, California Angels

As much as this article feels like a team report for the California Angels, all teams and players have been taken into consideration. It did not take long for the former first round pick to settle in and start producing at the RLB level. In three full seasons, the star 1B has driven in at least 115 RBI’s twice, and is in the Top 10 in batting average, slugging percentage, and home runs to boot. There is nary a weakness in Krueger’s game, effective enough against left handed pitching to take the field every day. You heard it here first; Krueger has a legitimate chance to break the single season HR record. No help from high elevation needed.

· 1B Mike Belkin, New York Yankees

Belkin has quietly become one of the best pure hitters in all of RLB baseball. The career .321 hitter took home his first batting average crown in 1982, and has the ability to lead the league every season. Belkin has yet to fully grow into his power potential, if it does develop as hoped his numbers will become even more impressive. What possibly stands out the most is his patience and eye at the plate, only striking out 12 (12!) times while walking 90 to assist a .430 OBP. Belkin has already won a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove, an MVP is also well within reach.

· CF John Bar, Seattle Mariners

Can Bar continue to stay healthy and play 140+ games a season? If that answer is yes, he is easily one of the top players in RLB. Bar is a true 5 tool player, providing Seattle above average numbers in every offensive and defensive category. Three All-Star appearances, three Silver Sluggers, Rookie of the Year, Bar has nearly done it all in just 4 seasons in RLB. The hard working youngster has been plagued with unfortunate injuries, yet he still finds a way to produce and put up exceptional numbers when on the field. A former #1 overall pick, Bar has not disappointed fans or management in Seattle and looks to continue his success with a young and dangerous Mariners team. Bar will be a key piece if they hope to make some noise in the division and Wild Card hunt in the coming years.