Dibble's first-half NL awards
Let me know what you think of my National League awards. Weigh in at danpatrickshow@espn.com.
MVP: Mike Piazza, New York Mets
He's been a true warrior this year. It seems that he has gotten every key hit the Mets have needed. And he has consistently carried them while other guys were hurt. Piazza's toughness still impresses me. He prides himself on being a catcher and loves playing defense as much as hitting. Despite taking a beating back there, it's everyone else who talks about Piazza changing positions, not Mike. I respect that a lot.
| |  | | Mike Piazza watches his solo homer go over the wall. |
Comeback Player of the Year: Andres Galarraga, Atlanta Braves
Some of these other awards may change but not this one. Just like Lance Armstrong, Galarraga has triumphed over a disease that too often wins. His mere presence is an inspiration. The 21 homers, 76 RBIs and .293 batting average are just further proof of his determination, strength and talent. His story is amazing.
Cy Young: Randy Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks
Johnson continues to dominate hitters every way possible. Let's see how many ways there are: on both sides of the plate, home and away, day and night, purple jersey or black jersey, during the Republican convention and. I'm sure, during the Democratic convention. The numbers are staggering and he has two months to go. 15 wins, 239 Ks, just 48 walks and an era of 2.18. Curt Schilling takes some pressure off Johnson to win every time out but I don't think Randy feels much pressure any way. I think the hitters feel the pressure when they see him walking out to the mound.
Manager: Bobby Cox, Atlanta Braves
From John Smoltz going down in spring training to the whole John Rocker mess, Bobby Cox has done a great job of holding that team together. They lost Quilvio Veras and now have to rely on Rafael Furcal, the 19-year old rookie, as a starter. Terry Mulholland and John Burkett have come in and out of the rotation but you never hear anyone complain. He has brought guys back from injury while not overworking his bullpen. You might think it's easy with that mostly veteran team but guys get frustrated no matter their experience level. Cox just keeps them on course, rolling along to another playoff berth. You take Atlanta's success for granted because they have been good for so long. Well, they've been good as long as Bobby Cox has been there.
NL Rookie of the Year: Rafael Furcal, Atlanta Braves
In the beginning of the season, the 19-year old middle infielder was slated to split time between shortstop and second base and play about three times a week. The Braves were going to ease him into the big leagues. That worked well until Quilvio Veras went down and Furcal became the starting second baseman. He may end up stealing 35 bases and hitting about .300 after being put in the starting lineup. That's a pretty great season for anybody, let alone a rookie.
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