Sliding into September

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and with approximately 30 games left in the MLB regular season, it's time to hand out some awards. Many of these can change with changing in the standings, injuries, and either break-out or wipe out performances, but as of today, here is where they stand.

NL Comeback Player of the Year - Rick Ankiel, Stl OF: With a late call up and a quick power surge, this feel good story (which doesn't have drugs or rehab involved) gives this one time pitcher who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn door at one point this award.

Apologies to: Josh Hamilton, Cin OF; Kerry Wood, Chc P.

AL Comeback Player of the Year - Jon Lester, Bos P: The dude came back from cancer and is pitching in the major leagues. If that doesn't define this award, I don't know what does.

Apologies to: Delmon Young, TB OF

NL Rookie of the Year - Ryan Braun, Mil 3B: This guy can flat out rake. .334, 25 HRs, 66 RBIs, 11 SBs in 82 games.

Apologies to: Tim Lincecum, SF P; Chris B. Young, Ari OF; Hunter Pence, Hou OF

AL Rookie of the Year - Diasuke Matsuzaka, Bos P: The second Boston pitcher in two AL awards. 13-10, 3.76 ERA, 172 K's. He may be 27, but he's an MLB rookie.

Apologies to: Kei Igawa, NYY P (Haha, just kidding); Dustin Pedrioa, Bos 2B; Jeremy Guthrie, Bal P; Reggie Willits, LAA OF; Hideki Okajima, Bos P

NL Manager of the Year - Lou Pinella, Chc: I said it at the All-Star break and I'll repeat it again here. This guy is the man. And with Soriano out for the month, the Cubs have taken over first place (albeit in a very weak division).

Apologies to: Bob Melvin, Ari; Bud Black, SD; Tony LaRussa, Stl

AL Manager of the Year - John McLaren, Sea: I know it's a little unfair because he's only coached less than half a season. However, it's his first managerial job, and after Hargrove left, Seattle could have easily packed it in. They didn't, and this team is poised for the wild card. (Plus giving it to Wedge would have made this very boring).

Apologies to: Eric Wedge, Cle; Mike Scioscia, LAA; Terry Francona, Bos

NL Cy Young - Jake Peavy, SD: Jake has been lights out this season: 15-5, 2.18 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 197 K's. Wow.

Apologies to: Brad Penny, LAD; Chris Young, SD; Cole Hamels, Phi

AL Cy Young - Erik Bedard, Bal: What a year, what a second half. Including his last start where he got a little roughed up: 13-5, 3.16 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 221 K's. The most impressive stat being the 13 W's for Baltimore. With so many good candidates, I decided to go for the guy I root for and the underdog.

Apologies to: Johan Santana, Min; Dan Haren, Oak; Josh Beckett, Bos; John Lackey, LAA; Justin Verlander, Det

NL MVP - Eric Byrnes, Ari OF: Let's hear it. Again, I don't care, but with such a close race and no run away winner, I'm going with the little guy who does it all and is holding the young Diamondbacks together through the playoff race. .298, 81 Runs, 19 HRs, 72 RBIs and 37 SBs.

Apologies to: Price Fielder, Mil 1B; Albert Pujols, Stl 1B; Jose Reyes, NYM SS; David Wright, NYM 3B; Jake Peavy, SD P (Yep.)

AL MVP - Alex Rodriguez, NYY 3B: Cooled off after the break, but had one of the best starts to an MLB season as a hitter that he could afford to. And could possibly, if he picks up the run production, join the 150/150 club. .306, 120 Runs, 43 HRs, 123 RBIs, 18 SBs.

Apologies to: Magglio Ordonez, Det OF; Ichiro Suzuki, Sea OF