NL Rookie An intriguing race. Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki appeared to be rising at the end of the season as he helped the Rockies go on their amazing run. But it was hard to overlook Milwaukee third baseman Ryan Braun, who didn't even come up until May 25 and then smacked 34 homers and knocked in 97 runs with a .324 average. The argument for Tulowitzki was that he was the better all-around player, being superb defensively (only 11 errors and a .987 fielding percentage). Braun could be Dr. Strangeglove at third, committing 26 errors. This will be close.
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My pick: Tulowitzki.
Predicted winner: Braun.
NL Cy Young This one should go to San Diego righty Jake Peavy, who won the Triple Crown with most wins (19), strikeouts (240), and lowest ERA (2.54). The Diamondbacks' Brandon Webb (18-10, 3.01 ERA), the 2006 NL Cy Young winner, will get some votes but should finish second. Brad Penny (16-4, 3.03) also merits consideration.
My pick: Peavy.
Predicted winner: Peavy.
NL Most Valuable Player Strong cases can be made for three players - Colorado left fielder Matt Holliday, Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder, and Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Holliday's numbers were tremendous on the Cinderella Rockies (.340, 36, 137), while Fielder stroked 50 homers to lead the league and also drove in 119. With Rollins's huge contribution to the Phillies' surge to the NL East title (.296 average, 30 homers, 94 RBIs, 41 steals, and only 11 errors), he won many people over with his leadership and all-around play.
My pick: Holliday.
Predicted winner: Rollins.
Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com.
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