"As always, the first end-of-season column focuses on the fantasy MVPs and LVPs. Awards are given to players that most over- or underperformed according to my preseason projections. I tend to give injured players a break when it comes to LVPs
I also have my real MVP/Cy Young/ROY choices below.
The Fantasy Most Valuable Players
Catchers
MVP - Alex Avila
Projection: .257/.338/.405, 11 HR, 41 R, 43 RBI, 2 SB in 358 AB
2011 stats: .295/.389/.506, 19 HR, 63 R, 82 RBI, 3 SB in 464 AB
More was expected of Avila after he hit just .228/.316/.340 in his first full season in 2010, but a .900 OPS? I had him projected as an above average offensive catcher, but I never thought he'd hit for so much power. He had as many homers in August alone this year that he did in all of 2010 (seven). All in all, he was the game's most productive full-time catcher this year, and it's well worth noting that he's just 24 years old.
Honorable Mention - Mike Napoli, Miguel Montero, Wilson Ramos
2010 Winner - Buster Posey
2009 Winner - Joe Mauer
2008 Winner - Ryan Doumit
2007 Winner - Russell Martin
2006 Winner - Brian McCann
2005 Winner - Brandon Inge
2004 Winner - Craig Wilson
2003 Winner - Javy Lopez
2002 Winner - Eli Marrero
2001 Winner - Paul Lo Duca
2000 Winner - Charles Johnson
1999 Winner - Mike Sweeney
LVP - Joe Mauer
Projection: .323/.411/.483, 14 HR, 91 R, 82 RBI, 3 SB in 520 AB
2011 stats: .287/.360/.368, 3 HR, 38 R, 30 RBI, 0 SB in 296 AB
I am forgiving when it comes to injuries, but Mauer just didn't do his fantasy owners much good even when he was in the lineup. He hit .243 with no homers and nine RBI in 111 at-bats during the first half of the season. He did play a whole lot better in the second half, but the power wasn't there and the struggles of his teammates led to subpar run and RBI totals.
Dishonorable Mention - Jorge Posada, Kurt Suzuki, Geovany Soto
2010 Loser - Matt Wieters
2009 Loser - Russell Martin
2008 Loser - Kenji Johjima
2007 Loser - Ramon Hernandez
2006 Loser - Javy Lopez
2005 Loser - Jason Kendall
2004 Loser - Mike Piazza
2003 Loser - Paul Lo Duca
2002 Loser - Charles Johnson
2001 Loser - Jason Kendall
2000 Loser - Michael Barrett
1999 Loser - Todd Hundley
First Basemen/Designated Hitters
MVP - Mark Trumbo
Projection: .236/.292/.409, 8 HR, 26 R, 30 RBI, 1 SB in 203 AB
2011 stats: .254/.291/.477, 29 HR, 65 R, 87 RBI, 9 SB in 539 AB
Expected to fill in for the injured Kendrys Morales for the first month, Trumbo was instead needed all season long and put together a strong bid for Rookie of the Year honors. The 30-homer power is legitimate, but he always figures to have big problems getting on base, and I'm skeptical that he'll be able to top his 2011 performance going forward. Still, he made a big difference in some fantasy leagues this year.
Honorable Mention - Lance Berkman, David Ortiz, Eric Hosmer
2010 Winner - Joey Votto
2009 Winner - Kendrys Morales
2008 Winner - Aubrey Huff
2007 Winner - Carlos Pena
2006 Winner - Ryan Howard
2005 Winner - Derrek Lee
2004 Winner - Travis Hafner
2003 Winner - Carlos Delgado
2002 Winner - Derrek Lee
2001 Winner - Ryan Klesko
2000 Winner - Frank Thomas
1999 Winner - John Jaha
LVP - Adam Dunn
Projection: .247/.357/.516, 40 HR, 94 R, 111 RBI, 1 SB in 562 AB
2011 stats: .159/.292/.277, 11 HR, 36 R, 42 RBI, 0 SB in 415 AB"
