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Daily Scoop

SI's prolific baseball expert presents his 2009 midseason awards. This is just a taste of what you'll get online.

AL MVP Joe Mauer
Twins
Looks as if it'll be the third time an AL catcher will win a batting title (and the previous two winners were also Mauer). He's a terrific defender as well. On a level all by himself.

NL MVP Albert Pujols
Cardinals
No contest here. His numbers (31 homers, 82 RBIs, .336 average) are crazy, even for a reigning MVP. The absolute best.

AL Cy Young Zack Greinke Royals
He doesn't have that sub-Gibby ERA anymore (now there's an unbreakable record), but Greinke (above) has generally been the best pitcher in the league. How else to win 10 games with that offense?

NL Cy Young Tim Lincecum
Giants
What happened to that slow start? He's 9--2 with a 2.23 ERA and 141 strikeouts. The Giants have to get off their duffs and lock this guy up.

AL Rookie of the Year Ricky Romero
Blue Jays
Toronto was ripped for taking the lefthander a spot ahead of Troy Tulowitski, but he's 7--3 with a 2.96 ERA.

NL Rookie of the Year Colby Rasmus Cardinals
After a poor spring he's showing the talent everyone saw in him last spring (10 HRs, 32 RBIs, .282).

Check it all out at SI.com/bonus

PHOTO

DARREN CARROLL (GREINKE)