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The Season 15 playoffs have concluded, and Oklahoma City has broken the mold of only winning titles in even-numbered seasons to win back-to-back titles for the first the team. In an unusual spot for them as the #3 seed, they beat Cincinnati in the Play In Series, and then outlasted Honolulu in tough a 5 game series in the DCS. Facing St. Louis, an upset winner over Buffalo, in the NLCS, just about every game was very tight and Oklahoma City won in 6 games. In the World Series, they faced a tough New Britain team that took them to six games, but Oklahoma City came out on top. It was the toughest road of any of Oklahoma City's titles, but they still won it all. It will be interesting to see what this means for their streak of even-numbered season championships next season. There are certainly some strong contenders in both leagues that could challenge them.
Meanwhile, regular season awards were also handed out. Here's a recap of the winners.
Most Valuable Player
American League - Vasco Correa, Oakland - .271 AVG 57 HR 144 RBI
The young 23 year-old slugger took home the AL MVP award in his first full season of Major League play. Correa led the AL in Home Runs, RBI and runs, made the All-Star team, and won a Silver Slugger this season. Correa looks to have many good seasons to come, as he is one of the most powerful bats in the league.
National League - Richard Brohawn, Honolulu - .288 AVG 62 HR 154 RBI
Brohawn, the offensive force leading the way for one of the best teams in the NL, Honolulu, took home his first MVP award at age 25. Brohawn led the NL in Slugging, tied for the lead in Home Runs and RBI, made the All-Star team, and won a Silver Slugger award. Like his AL counterpart, Brohawn has several more stellar seasons ahead of him.
Cy Young Award
American League - Valerio Baez, New Britain - 19-10 3.14 ERA 191 K
In a season where there really wasn't a single dominant pitcher in the AL, the 23 year-old hurler from the AL Champion New Britain squad took home the Cy Young. Baez led the league in Innings Pitched and Quality Starts, while tying for the league lead in wins. He also made the All-Star team. It wouldn't surprise us at all if he was back in this spot one day, as he is one of the best young hurlers in the AL.
National League - Che-Bang Kata, Oklahoma City - 22-5 2.61 ERA 161 K
Breaking the trend of winners in their early 20's is an all-time great, perhaps the greatest pitcher in Kenny Powers history. Kata took home his 4th Cy Young award leading the way for another Oklahoma City title. He may not have the velocity anymore that led to him accumulating the top 5 seasons in strikeouts in Kenny Powers history, but is still an extremely efficient pitcher at Age 38.
Rookie of the Year
American League - Duane Roundtree, New Britain - .290 AVG 34 HR 87 RBI
Roundtree was a runaway winner of the AL Rookie of the Year award putting up strong numbers at the hot corner for the AL Champions. Roundtree has very good power and tremendous splits that should make him a valuable asset for seasons to come, especially since he can play 3rd base at a decent, albeit not spectacular, level.
National League
Miguel Casilla, St. Louis - .245 AVG 18 HR 76 RBI 23 SB
Livan Cordero, Tucson - .300 AVG 21 HR 56 RBI 20 SB
The Rookie of the Year race in the NL was a lot closer, in fact it ended up being a tie! Probably because the co-winners are very similar players, both have nice power and good speed, as shown by their season 15 output. As far as upside goes, Casilla's ceiling is probably a little bit higher, but Cordero will be a nice player as well, and is also a lot better in the field.
Fireman of the Year
American League - Zachrey Coleman, Toronto - 1.82 ERA, 39 SV - 2nd win
National League - Jolbert Camacho, Honolulu - 1.05 ERA, 36 SV, 1st win
That concludes the Season 15 Wrap Up, thanks to everyone for making it a great one, hope to see everyone back for Season 16!
