By Darryl Reina
RealGM 2006 Awards
American League
MVP: Derek Jeter, Yankees
Cy Young: Johan Santana, Twins
Rookie of the Year: Justin Velander, Tigers
Manager of the Year: Jim Leyland, Tigers
Comeback Player: Frank Thomas, Athletics
National League
MVP: Ryan Howard, Phillies
Cy Young: Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks
Rookie of the Year: Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals
Manager of the Year: Willie Randolph, Mets
Comeback Player: Nomar Garciaparra, Dodgers
2006 Final Player Rankings
This Week (Last Week)
1.(1.) Ryan Howard
Despite the number of K's, the young slugger is my choice for NL MVP and baseball's top ranking in 2006 (58 HR's).
2.(3.) Derek Jeter
The Yankee captain had his most impressive season and is my choice for AL MVP.
3.(2.) Albert Pujols
Pujols is the reason the Cardinals are still playing in October. He will finish a close second to Howard in the MVP voting.
4.(5.) Johan Santana
Baseball's most outstanding pitcher and my choice for the AL Cy Young award.
5.(4.) David Ortiz
Ortiz is the heart of the Red Sox lineup. I hope Theo will protect him with another productive hitter if Manny is moved this winter.
6.(8.) Joe Mauer
The young Twins' catcher is this year's AL batting champion.
7.(6.) Miguel Cabrera
The young Marlin continues to produce hits for a team with a stable of promising stars.
8.(7.) Alfonso Soriano
Let the bidding begin for baseball's first 40-40-40 man.
9.(11.) Justin Morneau
Morneau will become a household name if the Twins advance in the playoffs.
10.(9.) Carlos Beltran
With the recent health woes for the Mets' pitching staff, Beltran and friends are going to have to outscore their opponents in the playoffs.
11.(10.) Jermaine Dye
12.(12.) Miquel Tejada
13.(15.) Brandon Webb
14.(19.) Freddy Sanchez
15.(14.) Vladamir Guerrero
16.(16.) Chris Carpenter
17.(17.) Lance Berkman
18.(21.) Alex Rodriquez
19.(13.) Roy Halliday
20.(18.) Frank Thomas
21.(22.) Ichiro Suzuki
22.(24.) Vernon Wells
23.(20.) Jon Garland
24.(23.) Justin Verlander
25.(25.) David Wright
Honorable Mention: Adam Everett, Yadier Molina, Jason Bay, Mark Grudzielanek, Mark Teixeira, Jake Westbrook, Jamey Carroll, Hanley Ramirez, Joe Nathan, Brian McCann, Jon Papelbon, Francisco Loriano, Alex Rios, Michael Cuddyer, Nomar Garciaparra, Trevor Hoffman, Chase Utley, Manny Ramirez, Travis Hafner, Matt Holiday, Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Cain, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Derek Lowe, Dan Uggla, Jose Contreras, Torii Hunter, Mariano Rivera, Paul Konerko, Ray Durham, Carlos Delgado, Robinson Cano, Mark DeRosa, Joe Borowski, Josh Johnson, Omar Vizquel, Paul Lo Duca, Dave Roberts, Jake Peavey, Dan Haren, Barry Zito, Jason Kendall, Scot Rolen, Steve Trachsel, Lyle Overbay, Chris Young, Todd Helton, Francisco Rodriquez, Roy Oswalt, John Smoltz, Billy Wagner, Chien-Ming Wang, Brad Penny, Ervin Santana, Gary Matthews, Jr., Ivan Rodriquez, Carl Crawford, Jose Reyes, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Casey Blake, Grady Sizemore, Carlos Lee, Bobby Abreu, Jeremy Bonderman, Jim Thome, Michael Young, Bobby Jenks, Ryan Zimmerman, Todd Jones, Johnny Damon, Randy Johnson, Garrett Atkins, Mike Piazza, Juan Pierre, Raul Ibanez, and Jay Payton.






