Articles by Jeff Fletcher

Evan Longoria named AL’s top rookie

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria was a unanimous choice as the American League winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award. He became the first player in Tampa Bay’s 11 seasons to win a BBWAA award. Longoria, 23, was listed first on all 28 ballots submitted…


Cubs’ Geovany Soto wins NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year

Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto was the overwhelming National League winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award by the BBWAA. He was the only player named on all ballots. Soto, 25, was first on 31 and second on one of the 32 ballots cast by two writers…


Jimmy Rollins makes 2 Phillies in a row to win NL MVP

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the offensive and defensive catalyst for a club that reached post-season play for the first time in 14 years, was elected the National League Most Valuable Player in a tight race against Colorado Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday in balloting by the BBWAA. Of the…


Alex Rodriguez ties AL record by winning 3rd MVP

Alex Rodriguez, who enjoyed an abundantly productive 2007 season in an already formidable career, was elected Most Valuable Player in the American League for the third time in balloting by the BBWAA. “A-Rod” became the fifth AL player to win the award thrice and the ninth overall combining leagues to…


Jake Peavy wins NL Cy Young unanimously

San Diego Padres righthander Jake Peavy, who won the triple crown of pitching by leading his league in victories, earned run average and strikeouts, was a unanimous choice as the National League Cy Young Award winner in balloting by the BBWAA. Peavy, 26, was listed first on all 32 ballots…


Indians skipper Eric Wedge wins AL Manager of the Year

Eric Wedge, who piloted the Cleveland Indians to the American League Central title and shared with the Boston Red Sox the best record in the majors in 2007, was elected AL Manager of the Year in balloting by the BBWAA. He is the first Cleveland manager honored with the award,…


Diamondbacks’ Bob Melvin wins Manager of the Year

Bob Melvin, who guided the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 90-victory season and first place in the National League West, was elected NL Manager of the Year in balloting by the BBWAA. Melvin was named first on 19 of 32 ballots submitted by two writers in each league city, second on…


CC Sabathia ends Indians’ Cy Young drought

C.C. Sabathia of the Cleveland Indians was elected the American League Cy Young Award winner in balloting by the BBWAA. It marked only the second time in the 52-season history of the voting that a Cleveland pitcher was honored. The other was Gaylord Perry in 1972. Perry won a second…


Ryan Braun narrowly wins NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year

Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun was elected the National League winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award by the BBWAA in a very close vote over Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Braun, 24 next week, was listed first in on 17 of 32 ballots cast by…


Red Sox’ Dustin Pedroia wins AL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia was an overwhelming choice as the American League winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award in voting by the BBWAA. Pedroia, 24, was listed first on 24 of the 28 ballots submitted by two writers in each league city and…