After a back-and-forth battle in the World Series, it was San Francisco who came away with the crown after a 7-game World Series classic. San Francisco, the NL's top team with 110 wins, didn't have an easy path to the title, going the full 7 games in both the NLCS and the World Series. Despite some pitching staff implosions throughout the playoffs, it was Louie Concepcion and Willie James who were able to reel it in for an otherwise shaky San Francisco pitching staff to lead them to the title. With their top two starters stepping up, to go with a steady and consistent offense, it was enough to put San Francisco over the top this season. Richmond had another great playoff run, trying to win their 2nd title in 3 years, but the HBD gods determined it was not meant to be. Still it was a tremendous season for them, and they are truly establishing their squad as one of Cobb's best teams.
Now, let's take a look at the major individual awards for Season 39!
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
American League - Glenallen Good, Seattle - .332 AVG 49 HR 133 RBI
It was all good for good in Season 39, taking home the AL MVP trophy with a phenomenal season at the plate. The 25 year-old's numbers are even more impressive taking into account that he plays in Seattle's pitcher friendly park. Good also made his 2nd straight All-Star game and took home his 2nd straight Silver Slugger award in Season 39. He's establishing himself as one of Cobb's top sluggers at an early age in his career.
National League - Vic Guillen, San Francisco - .318 AVG 53 HR 146 RBI
Speaking of Cobb's top sluggers, the 30 year-old Guillen did it again with another outstanding season posting a ridiculous line to earn his second straight NL MVP trophy and third in four years. The leading slugger for the Season 39 World Champions, Guillen also made his 5th straight All-Star appearance and won his 4th straight Silver Slugger award this season. Guillen is establishing himself as one of the all-time great hitters in Cobb history, and still has more productive years ahead.
CY YOUNG AWARD
American League - Gordon Ward, Detroit - 25-5 3.17 ERA 183 K
The workhorse lefty who anchored the staff for the American League's best regular season team is this season's AL Cy Young winner, earning his first trophy at age 33. His 25 wins are tied for third for the most in a single season in Cobb history. He made his 4th All-Star appearance in Season 39 as well. This is his 5th straight season of outstanding numbers, so it's nice to see it finally pay off with a Cy Young trophy for the Detroit hurler.
National League - Al Osoria, San Jose - 19-6 2.05 ERA 240 K
The 25 year-old flame-throwing righty from San Jose is Season 39's Cy Young Award winner. On top of an outstanding strikeout rate, Osoria eclipsed the minimum innings threshold and is now Cobb's all-time career leader in ERA. Osoria made his 2nd straight All-Star team this season and even won a Silver Slugger! It will be interesting to see how he builds on one of the best starts to a career for a starting pitching in Cobb history going forward.
That's it for the Season 39 Wrap Up. See you back soon for Season 40!
