A recent trend has been to devalue wins, which makes some sense. A starter can't control his run support or what the bullpen does after he leaves the game. At the same time, the deeper he pitches into games, the less he leaves to chance. And each of the Phillies' troika ranks among the leaders in innings per outing.
This really will be decided down the stretch but, if the season ended today, the predicted order of finish would be: Halladay, Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers), Hamels, Lee, Ian Kennedy (Diamondbacks). Apologies in advance to Giants fans for omitting Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong and Matt Cain. And to Atlanta's Craig Kimbrel and Milwaukee's John Axford for bypassing closers altogether.
Most Valuable Player: Tigers righthander Justin Verlander might turn out to be an exception in the American League this year, but MVP voters generally shun pitchers. So even though the Phillies have the best record in baseball, with their gold-plated rotation getting most of the credit, they may be largely ignored when the MVPs are handed out in November.
Ryan Howard will get votes for his power numbers and Shane Victorino deserves consideration. Carlos Ruiz should be talked about, too, but won't be because the offensive numbers aren't there.
Prediction: Prince Fielder (Brewers), Matt Kemp (Dodgers), Justin Upton (Diamondbacks), Joey Votto (Reds), Howard, Ryan Braun (Brewers), Dan Uggla (Braves), Lance Berkman (Cardinals), Victorino, Michael Morse (Nationals).
Rookie of the Year: There's been a lot of local buzz about Vance Worley, and that's only fair. The Vanimal has been terrific. But he's not going to win. The bet here is that he'll finish third behind Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and Atlanta closer Kimbrel.
