Red Sox Mid-Season Honors & Awards '09

With some free time on our hands during the All Star break it’s time once again for the Red Sox Mid-Season Honors & Awards. Let us know what you think of our selections, and feel free to make up a few awards of your own. And while you're at it, take a look back at last year's winners. Without further ado...

MVP: Jason Bay. Although his average has fallen a bit (.260) he still has impressive on-base (.380) and slugging (.527) percentages. He also has 19 doubles, 20 homers and his 72 RBI lead the American League. Runners Up: Josh Beckett, Kevin Youkilis.

Cy Young: Josh Beckett. After a slow start (2-2, 7.22 ERA in April) Beckett has absolutely dominated. Since May 1 the staff ace is 9-1 with a 2.14 ERA. His numbers on the season (11-3, 3.35 ERA) earned him an All Star nod and 2 shutouts in his last 5 starts give us plenty to look forward to. Runners Up: Tim Wakefield, Jonathan Papelbon.

Rookie of the Year: Daniel Bard. The flamethrower has helped make a very good Sox bullpen a great one. He has made 20 appearances and pitched 24.2 innings. In that time he's posted a 2.55 ERA, opponents are hitting .193 against him, and he's struck out 29 while walking just 10 (2 intentional). Runner Up: George Kottaras.

Most Improved: Jason Varitek. Maybe not an obvious choice but consider that in 131 in '08 he hit .220 with 13 HR and 43 RBI. This year, in just 67 games, he is hitting .239 with 13 HR and 38 RBI. His OBP is up .035 and hit SLG is up an amazing .119. Runners Up: Josh Beckett, Jacoby Ellsbury.

Top Newcomer: Ramon Ramirez. After coming over from KC in the offseason Double R has been everything the Sox had hoped for and more: 5-3, 2.33 ERA, .199 opponent batting average. Runners Up: Brad Penny, Nick Green.

Most Pleasant Surprise: Tim Wakefield. Only repeat winner from last year's awards, Wake was considered on the fringe of the rotation in spring training, but now has a league-leading 11 wins and his first All Star appearance under his belt. Runners Up: Nick Green, Ramon Ramirez.

Biggest Disappointment: Daisuke Matsuzaka. There are probably some Julio Lugo bashers out there who wanted him to "win" this award (again) but Dice-K is impossible to pass up here. In '08 he went 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA and in '09 he is 1-5 with a 8.23 ERA. Runners Up: Jed Lowrie, David Ortiz.

Most Random Red Sox: Aaron Bates. If anyone remembers Aaron Bates was once a member of the '09 Red Sox 2 years from now they may get automatic induction into the RBSF Hall of Fame. Runners Up: Hunter Jones, Dusty Brown.