With the MVP Awards being handed out next week, I went around the MLB Network Studio to see who the favorites are in our halls.

Now Al and Victor agree that it's going to be Albert Pujols in the NL and Joe Mauer in the AL.  They seem to be strong favorites.   

Harold agrees on Pujols, but he believes that Derek Jeter will take home the title in the AL.  For Jeter, an MVP would really top a busy award season.  He's already won the Hank Aaron Award, Roberto Clemente Award, Silver Slugger Award, Gold Glove Award, and another one of those World Series rings. 

As for my picks, I'll have to agree with Al and Victor: Pujols and Mauer Power all the way.

















Don't forget to tune in to Hot Stove tonight at 6pm ET.  Harold, Victor, and Al will be talking to now 2-time Cy Young winner, Tim Lincecum. - Hazel Mae

Click Here to watch the interview with Tim Lincecum from Thursday night.

Here's What's HOT......Doc on the Block.

Congratulations to Mike Scioscia and Jim Tracy, two skippers who lead their teams through difficult situations to a great and successful season.  Hats off to you gentlemen.  

Hope you'll tune in at 6pm Eastern, where in the Insider Segment, I'll be sitting down with Sports Illustrated Senior Writer, and MLB Network's own Jon Heyman to discuss some potential trades.

The biggest trade commodity out there is Roy Halladay, from my hometown Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto's rookie GM Alex Anthopoulos said he was open to the idea of trading Halladay in the AL East, something former GM J.P. Ricciardi was adamant about averting.   

The interesting twist in this development is that the biggest suitors out there for the former CY Young winner are the Yankees and Red Sox.  Halladay has always been a "Yankee Killer," and would do wonders for a Red Sox team that has lost their starting pitching depth due to injuries and trades.

For the Yankees, the addition of Halladay to a stacked staff that already includes C.C. and A.J. could potentially be lethal to all of baseball.

The tug-of-war over Halladay might just be another chapter in the already heated Red Sox/Yankees rivalry.  And you know the MLB Network will be there as this battle unfolds.

Halladay is a fierce competitor and his timeline for winning a championship might not be aligned with the Blue Jays plans for building a championship team.

Do I want Roy Halladay, possibly the best player ever to wear a Toronto uniform, to win a championship elsewhere?  

NO, but can a trade for Halladay help this young Jays team be more competitive when they're ready to put up a fight against the heavyweights in the AL East?  

I don't know, but I do know growing up a Jays' fan, I'd hate to face Doc in Game 7 of the ALCS, that would be painful...especially in anything other than a Toronto uniform.

Till next time, eh? - Hazel Mae

Click here to watch our segment on Roy Halladay from Wednesday night.

Kudos to Zack Greinke for putting it all together this year and wining the CY Young Award.

His numbers speak for themselves, but what I'm most impressed with is the adversity he's overcome to reach this point.  

Zack has always had the talent and the stuff to go out there and dominate on the mound, but until 2009 he hasn't been able to really show it.

His ability to stay focused on a struggling team is just one of the many obstacles he faced.  Standing out in the center of the diamond can be a tough place for someone battling clinical depression and social anxiety, so today is really a particularly special day and a special year for him.   


What really impressed me about Zack this season was his drive to win, because being on a bad team with no chance can be mentally draining.  But with Zack, the opposite happened, and he continued to dominate.

This is also the first year of a multi-year deal, which for some players proved to be a letdown year.  Not having that carrot in front of him didn't change his concentration, nothing fell off, and he just got better. The lack of a carrot really shows how mentally tough Zack has become.

Being considered one of the best really vindicates all the hard work, strenuous routines, and dedication that we put in to go out there every fifth day to compete.  To win the CY Young is the pinnacle in our area of the game.  In 1998 I was 6th, and just to be considered one of the best pitchers in the game is a great feeling.  

Make sure to tune in at 6 for Hot Stove, where the man of the hour, Zack Greinke, will join us. - Al Leiter 

To all you Tigers fans out there, I know you might feel Rick Porcello got hosed out of winning the Rookie of the Year, I get that.  He had an awesome year.  But being an A's fan, I'm pumped that Andrew Bailey is taking home the hardware for Rookie of the Year.  He may not have pitched his team to the brink of the playoffs, but he had a fantastic year for his club.

He was the only rookie in the All-Star game, and looking at his stats, only Mariano Rivera had a better statistical season in the closer role.  Entering the season, the A's were going to have Brad Ziegler take care of most of the closing duties, with Bailey filling in, but after Ziegler battled some health problems, Bailey took over.  Bailey is a guy who was turned into a reliever in the minors, but got really comfortable in that role this year in the big leagues.

Hopefully with the A's history of ripping ROY Awards off in chunks, this is a sign for good things to come.  They had Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, and Walt Weiss, from '86- '88.  And another ROY chunk with Bobby Crosby and Houston Street in '04 -'05, with Ben Grieve thrown in there in '98.  

We know the A's are awesome at evaluating and developing young talent, but they need to fix market inequalities.  Time and time again, it's so frustrating to see these young players fly out the door once the time comes around to paying them.  Like the Expos of the early 90's, we don't want to be a farm team for the teams with holes in their line-ups and in their pockets.

Until the A's prove they have what it takes to keep their young stars, I'll put off buying any jerseys with their names on it.

In the National League, Chris Coghlan won the NL ROY in another tight race.  J.A. Happ had a pretty good year, and the Braves wouldn't have been in the race in September without Tommy Hanson.

There were so many outstanding rookies this season, and it really made it a cool race.  In years past it seemed like some rookies won almost by default, but with great breakout seasons by Elvis Andrus, Andrew McCutchen, and Gordon Beckham, there was a lot to discuss around the water cooler today.

Tune in at 6 to Hot Stove because we're going to be hearing from Chris Coghlan who will join us from Tampa, and Andrew Bailey is going to call in, so you know what, it's time I break out the Andrew Bailey T-shirt poster.  After a rough season, it's time the A's got some love. - Matt Vasgersian

Click here to watch the interview with Chris Coghlan from Monday night.

 

Hot Stove is back on the air.  MLB Network is the one place you can get baseball 24/7 365.  There is no real offseason as we gear up for what free agents will sign where. 

The topic I want to talk about today is who is the best position player available this offseason.  Last year it was clearly Mark Teixeira.  This year I think you have 2 choices and while most people think Matt Holliday is the #1 choice I'm here to tell you that I'd sign Jason Bay if I were a GM of a baseball team.

Bay had more HRs and more RBIs in 5 fewer games and he played in the toughest division in baseball in the AL East.  He also is a better fielder.  Let's also keep in mind that Holliday enjoyed great success while joining forces with Albert Pujols.  He may want to keep that in mind as St. Louis could be a perfect long term fit.

Listen Holliday is a top free agent, but I like the guy that was able to replace Manny Ramirez rather seamlessly and deal with the pressure cooker of Boston.  St. Louis isn't the easiest place to play either, but it's nothing like Boston. 

Again, if I were looking to sign an outfielder this offseason Bay would be my first choice.  Make sure you watch Hot Stove weeknights at 6 eastern.-Billy Ripken

 

I hope fans everywhere, not just Yankees fans, got a chance to watch our coverage of the World Series Victory Parade today.  Having the MLB Network cover the entire World Series Ticker-tape Parade is a brilliant idea, and now will become a staple of our complete MLB coverage.

All season we have breakdowns of 5th starters and utility infielders, from "30 in 30", to the X's and O's, and breaking down double plays in Studio 42.   Through all that, we forget that these guys out on the field are human.  Seeing them out on the street, riding floats down the Canyon of Heroes in downtown Manhattan, really humanizes theses athletes, and reminds us that they are still big kids out there playing a fun game.

Today they shed the Pinstripes and dress like regular Joe's.  All of them are out there in their own skin showing off their fashion sense, wearing jeans, with scarf's, hats, and gloves, sharing the moment with their families, smiling and waving to a sea of people who love them.

Fans in Kansas City, Cincinnati, and Seattle should see the scene.  It's a part of baseball that shouldn't be only enjoyed by the winning fans in the winning city.  

The celebration on the field is awesome stuff, and the players share the taste of Champagne with the fans along the fences.  But there is no doubt celebrating downtown, with the confetti, with the streets filled with a Million fans, is unlike any experience, in sports, and beyond.

As a player going into the Word Series, you dream about what winning the World Series might looks like.  I'm sure Alex Rodriguez has dreamed about squeezing the final out, and rushing to celebrate with that ball wrapped tightly in his glove.  No one knows how that moment will play out, but being propped above the masses, celebrating in confetti on a sunny day, is what winning the World Series look like.  It's a moment to celebrate with everyone who went along for the World Series ride.

And to top it all off with Jay-Z performing "Empire State of Mind", the day was just phenomenal. You even had Hal Steinbrenner, who was put on the spot because he was standing in the front. You could see the urge to bust out dancing, but he stayed composed because he didn't want his dance moves criticized. You could see that deep down inside, he wanted to strut his stuff.

We are so proud they we're allowed to bring you this special celebration from here on out, giving all fans across the country a chance to watch a celebration of a team, and a celebration of baseball. - Greg Amsinger

Just as the '96 Championship launched a Yankee Dynasty, it's a good time to speculate if yesterday's win will start a new Dynasty run.

We won't know for a few years, but looking at the Club there are good arguments for each side.

With a new core of talent including Teixeira, C.C., Burnett, and the Captain Jeter, you can argue that this crop is going to stay on top.  Unlike the group brought in after the 2000 Championship, this group got the job done with no delay.

You can also argue that this Club just clicked at the right time, laving a lot of issues to work out this offseason.

With all the things they have going for them, they also have a lot of problems on the horizon.

Will they resign key free agents heading towards the twilight of their careers?  Johnny Damon and World Series MVP Hideki Matsui brought the World Series home, but can you maintain a dynasty with your heart instead of your head?
There is a 37-year old Andy Pettitte and a senior Jorge Posada, who still has to play the most demanding position on the field.
Rivera is a year older, and then there is the question of Joba's role next season.

It's safe to say that the Yankees have the money to bring in the high priced talent, but with an 8-year drought because of chasing the wrong players, will they have what it takes to bring in the right type of guy.  

This year they got it right.

Being at the new ballpark, the atmosphere in the postseason was different from past years.

The feeling at the ballpark is just not the same.  I can't say if it's all the empty seats, or that it's quieter; it doesn't have a pulse like the old Stadium.  

Al Leiter made a good point, and said, "It hasn't found its identity yet." With one season down, and a championship won, we'll see if there is a new identity in the Bronx.  Just as it's unfair to compare teams of different vintage, it is unfair to compare Stadiums form different eras.  

A day after the season it's a little ridiculous to start making predictions, but here's what I think.  I didn't have a voice on the show tonight, so I'm going to let it out here.

Look for the Giants to have a big 2010, get some offense and make the playoffs.   I always like to pick a Cinderella team, but I'm not going to make the same mistake by picking the Reds.  I'd love to be able to say with conviction...The Padres will turn it around in 2010. - Matt Vasgersian

We've got Game 6 in a few hours, and the key has got to be Andy Pettitte.  His success will predicate on his ability to get ahead, and get easy outs on the Phillies hitters.   

Cruising early will build his confidence up, while knocking down the Phillies confidence.  He's always been a pitcher who can identify and exploit a hitter's weakness on the mound, using his slider, cutter, and curve arsenal.  Not being at full strength, he'll need his command of those pitches to be on point.  

By attacking the cold hitters, and making good pitches to the hot hitters, he'll be able to get through the early innings quickly, and stay sharp.  On only three days rest, getting off to a good start is essential to his success.

But, if he gets behind the eight ball and has to labor early, it's going to be trouble.  It's so vital to his success because he needs to be confident out on the mound.  With the Phillies facing elimination, every inning he shuts them down will put more and more pressure on the hitters, especially those who are already pressing.


So it's down to this, Pettitte and Pedro, Game 6, Yankee Stadium.

Our stage is set; is today going to be the last day of summer, or will we travel to one of the greatest destinations in sports, World Series, Game 7, Yankee Stadium? - Al Leiter

The Phillies have had bullpen issues all season long, so it's no surprise that going into Game 6, it's still a danger zone.

Both pitching staffs are thin, but the Yankees have a clear advantage with Marte, Joba, and Rivera closing out games.  For the Phillies, it's not as easy as 1-2-3; it's more like who in the pen can hold a 1, 2, or 3-run lead.  

Going into Game 6, having the messy Phillies pen facing a confident comeback team like the Yankees is a bad situation.  But this is nothing new, and the Phillies have made it this far without a lock-down closer to finish off wins.

Charlie Manuel was confident in Brad Lidge before his Game 4 meltdown, and now it seems like Ryan Madson is the guy to step in and put out the fires.  We saw last night when Lee ran out of gas who can be relied on.  Chan Ho Park did what he had to do, and Madson got the Phillies to a Game 6.

Cliff Lee has been more than what the Phillies hoped for when they traded for him.  His consistency has boosted the Phillies entire pitching staff this season.

For the Phillies to get to Game 7, they will have to win around their bullpen.  I'm confident in Pedro rising to the big occasion in this tough spot.  The Phillies need him to pitch well into the 7th to stay away from the mess in their bullpen.  Facing Andy Pettitte on 3-days rest, the Phillies offense should be able to generate a nice cushion for the bullpen to hold in the late innings.  

If the offense can provide a safe lead, let's say 3 runs or more, they can avoid the dreaded situation of having to close out a close game with the back end of that bullpen. -Dan Plesac

In 1975 I watched the entire T.V. broadcast of Game 2 of the World Series, and it's striking to see the parallels in the ways games are covered then and today.

For those who don't remember that was the classic between the Red Sox and the Reds, and in Game 2 there was a rain delay.

NBC did a great job with that broadcast because of the access they provided, especially during that rain delay.

During that delay, you had Joe Garagiola, who was dressed in a Sherlock Holmes outfit, talking to Ned Martin, the play-by-play man for the Red Sox.  
This was before the Internet and MLB TV, when you couldn't just watch any game from a Desert Island.

There was nothing fancy about it, just a great conversation where the two discussed some of the things a fan watching the Red Sox for the first time would be interested in.

You also had some inside access that today would almost be impossible.  During the rain delay, instead of texting or tweeting, the players sat down for interviews.  In a 2-1 game in the 7th, there was Johnny Bench and Sparky Anderson in the dugout casually talking to Marty Brennaman with the tension of the game still hanging in the air.

With rain constantly in the forecast this postseason, don't look for Charlie Manuel or Derek Jeter to sit and chat in the dugout with me to give you some honest feedback on the pulse of the game.  

Those were the good old days of broadcasting, where you got a real sense of what was going on at the game and inside the game, straight from the players themselves.

But the similarities are in the way T.V. networks use every asset they have to their potential.

In this respect, Fox has done such a great job with the playoffs.  Today, it's much tougher to get that kind of access, but they have used every resource under the sun to bring the viewer as close to the game as possible.  They use replays and super slo-mo shots at just the right moment; the technology enhances the game instead of taking away from it.  Joe Buck and Tim McCarver are also terrific together in the booth.

Looking at these two broadcasts side to side, you can really how far we've come as an industry of broadcasting baseball.  Our technology and skill has exploded, but the access back then was golden during such an innocent time.  


Another parallel that ties that '75 series to our current fall classic is the inordinate celebrity shots.  Back then you had the same type of star power sitting in the front row, inspiring the players on the field, just like Kate Hudson is doing for A-Rod and the Yankees.

There is no doubt in my mind that Henry Kissinger is an early version of Kate Hudson.  Henry's a viable partner to co-star in romantic comedies, with Matthew McConaughey and Owen Wilson. Had the planets been aligned a tiny bit differently, he could have been a hit teamed up with Dean Martin or Jerry Lewis in classic romantic comedies.

Tune in to MLB Tonight before Game 3.  I'll go into a deeper analysis on this idea.
- Matt Vasgersian