As much as everyone wanted Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers to be the feel good story of the year, but my vote goes to Fernando Tatis of the New York Mets. Until Tatis got hurt near the end of the season, I thought he had a great chance at Comeback Player of the Year in the National League. However, Tatis finished fifth in the voting as Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge took the honors.

But it was a nice comeback for Tatis, no matter where he finished in the voting. To be honest, it was shocking to hear that Tatis was back in Major League Baseball. Yet, not only was he back in the big leagues, but he was a main contributor for a few months when the Mets were on a roll.

Tatis actually came back into baseball in order to raise money to buy land in order to build a church in the Dominican Republic. After a two year absence from the game, this was his motivation for returning.

In his injury-shortened season with the Mets, Tatis batted .297 with 11 home runs and 47 runs batted in. It was a surprise season for Tatis and in my opinion the feel good story of the year. I just wish he would have received more votes for the Comeback Player of the Year award.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Why no more love for Fernando Tatis?

If the season ended today, is there a chance that Cliff Lee, ace of one of the worst teams in the American League, could win the Cy Young Award? Not only could this happen, but it should.

Lee, if you remember, had a horrible blow-up season with the Cleveland Indians in 2007. There was a time when Lee couldn’t find the strike zone and left games early enough to tire out the Indians bullpen with regularity. He was sent down to the minors and eventually left off Cleveland’s playoff roster. Yet, in 2008, Lee is totally different pitcher.

This season, Lee has been dominant. He started the year off with a 6-0 mark and a minuscule earned run average usually seen only in video games. By the time the All-Star break rolled around, Lee was 12-2 and named the starter for the American League in Yankee Stadium. Since then, Lee hasn’t lost. Sitting at 17-2, Lee is tops in the AL in wins and ERA (2.93). He’s also ninth in the AL with 134 strikeouts.

He could, and as of right now, should win AL Comeback Player of the Year, along with the Cy Young. You’ve seen several other teams taking the same approach with some of their pitchers as the Indians did with Lee, by sending them to the minors in order to regain what they once had.

Lee has yet to win a Cy Young award, although he did finish fourth in the voting following the 2005 season. By the end of this season, Lee should set career bests in wins, ERA, WHIP, innings pitched and runs allowed. It’s also possible that the former Arkansas Razorback could set a new career high in strikeouts (current career high is 161, set in 2004).

It’s an amazing story, but the only thing that could potentially hinder his chances at receiving some hardware very soon is the final standings of his club.

Post from: EveryJoe

Cliff Lee for Cy Young?