NL Award Predictions

1983 RLB Individual Award Predictions – National League

Spring Training has kicked off, and it is time to stop worrying and thinking about any other sport. The Washington [name redacted] winning the Super Bowl is old news, and the NHL and NBA playoffs will be dragging on long enough that we don’t need to spend much talk on them. It is all about the crack of a bat and the pop of a glove.

As always, there are plenty of questions for each team heading into a new season. Will that big trade make a big enough difference to put a team over the top? Can the young players on a young and rebuilding team develop and turn them into a contender? Is Daniel Webb really worth all that money? All those questions will be answered as the season rolls on. For now, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack, settle in and read about who the top contenders are for regular season awards for the National League. Do not fret, my Junior Circuit friends. AL predictions also coming soon.

NL Rookie of the Year

· SS Brad Shaw, Atlanta Braves

This slick fielding Shortstop already has the starting job nailed down at the start of Spring Training. Without even a game under his belt, Shaw is considered in along with the elite defenders. Don’t sleep on his bat either, although underwhelming in his brief debut with the Braves last season, Shaw possesses the tools to be more than capable at the plate. His speed should also grant plenty of stolen bases, granted that he is given the green light. The intangibles are there as well; early word out of camp says he has stepped up as one of the team leaders in clubhouse meetings. My top choice for Rookie of the Year.

· SP Bobby Larson, Houston Astros

There is a bevy of young starting pitchers making their debuts, but Bobby Larson should be the best of the bunch. Although is 2-4 record may not reflect it, the 24 year old pitched well in his 14 appearances last season, posting a 3.57 ERA. Larson cut his teeth mostly in the bullpen for the Astros; for now, he is penciled into their starting rotation and should have plenty of opportunities to shine. Do not be overly surprised if Darius Cloud, Ryan Blair, or Jason Helvey make some noise either.

· LF Phil McDaniel, San Francisco Giants

If it wasn’t for a crowded outfield in San Francisco, McDaniel would be guaranteed a starting job and a heavy favorite for RotY. With only a chance to make the big club out of Spring Training, he may not accumulate the needed plate appearances to make a big enough difference for voters. (See Jared McCombs in 1979.) In another savvy trade to bring a talented young player to San Francisco, they gained an elite contact hitter that will make Candlestick Park look much more hitter friendly once he arrives in RLB.

NL Pitcher of the Year

· SP Jeff Dunn, Cincinnati Reds

Dunn is coming off a serious elbow injury, but reports and the eye test say he is back to 100%. Before his injury in early May, Dunn seemed ready to defend his 1981 Pitcher of the Year award, posting a sub 2.00 ERA and 5 wins in 6 starts. A slow start may be in store if the Reds are careful in his recovery, but the southpaw should still log plenty of innings as long as elbow problems don’t flare up and become a continual problem. Dunn still has the stuff needed to rack up a high strikeout total to go along with plenty of wins on the perennial contenders Cincinnati Reds.

· SP Matt Myer, San Francisco Giants

Does Myer ever age? All signs point to no. We thought it had finally happened in 1981, but Myer reminded everyone of his status last season with his third PotY award in his career, first since 1974. He has been the stalwart of the San Francisco rotation since 1972, logging over 200 innings in 10 of 11 seasons with the club along with at least 15 wins in 10 of those seasons. A sure fire Hall of Famer already, Myer looks to cement his status as one of the best and most consistent starting pitchers of his generation.

· SP Jesus Rodriguez, New York Mets

Rodriguez burst onto the scene in 1982, winning the NL RotY in runaway fashion. The young lefty was a key cog in getting the Mets to the playoffs, and they will be looking to him if they continue to have hopes in what should be a hotly contested NL East. An impressive 155:51 K:BB ratio helped Rodriguez along to a 2.40 ERA to go along with his 16 wins. With a full year of experience under his belt, the hard working Rodriguez should only see his star rise in years to come. If not this year, a Pitcher of the Year award is also in his future.

NL MVP

· 2B Jeff Karr, Cincinnati Reds

Somehow, Karr has made it worth the mega haul that Cincinnati gave up for him in their trade with Toronto in 1979. His first few seasons were more than solid, with a true breakout coming in 1982. Karr led the league in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage in his first MVP campaign. The only thing that may hold him back in the future is his average at best play at 2B; if he continues to put up such impressive offensive numbers surely voters will be able to overlook his defensive shortcomings.

· RF Jared McCombs, Chicago Cubs

McCombs looks to gain his first MVP in 1983. Although he may not ever live up to his local media hype, McCombs has put together four impressive seasons since joining the Chicago Cubs. The oft-traded superstar has led the league in extra base hits in three of the last four years; expect that to continue in a very hitter friendly Wrigley Field. Do not be fooled however, Jared Wrigley he is not. McCombs relies on his speed and defense as much as his power game. McCombs is a rare talent that could easily join the 40/40 club; he was only 3 HR’s short of a 40/50 campaign in his rookie season. Cubs good is an ongoing debate. McCombs great? No question.

· RF Marshall Jackson, Philadelphia Phillies

To the casual fan, it may be a surprise to see the 24-year-old RF on this list. Jackson may not have the name recognition and star power of some other names in the National League...yet. He fell just short in qualifying for any batting categories, but his .345 batting average would have been third in the league, and his .570 slugging percentage would have led the league along with his circuit leading 43 doubles. Extra base hits should stay plentiful for the lefty in Veterans Stadium. Jackson also plays a stellar RF, and should be a perennial Gold Glove candidate.