Sheets has finally been healthy this season, and the results have followed. In the NL, only Jake Peavy has a lower RA (Run Average — a better measure than ERA because it takes into account unearned runs), and Sheets also ranks in the top five in innings and strikeout-to-walk ratio and leads the league in complete games. Oh, and he's doing it all while pitching his home games in a park that modestly benefits hitters.

Runner-Up: Tim Lincecum, Giants

AL Rookie of the Year — Evan Longoria, Rays

Because the Rays wanted to delay the start of Longoria's service-time clock, they didn't call him up until the 11th game of the season. Despite the missed time, though, Longoria has accumulated enough value to garner him RotY honors. Defensively, he's been better than advertised, and the 40 extra-base hits and the solid OBP prove that his bat is as good as advertised. He's still just 22 years of age, so there's plenty more to come.

Runner-Up: Greg Smith, A's

NL Rookie of the Year — Geovany Soto, Cubs

It's a tougher call than you might think between Soto and the pitcher named below. However, Soto's defensive skills and power stroke earn him the nod. He's hitting .288 AVG/.370 OBP/.526 SLG, and he's on pace for 74 extra-base hits--all great numbers for someone who ably mans the catcher position and who's been quite durable thus far in 2008.

Runner-Up: Jair Jurrjens, Braves

AL Manager of the Year — Joe Maddon, Rays

No debate permitted. The Rays lost 96 games and finished in last place a year ago, but this season Maddon has brought the young roster together and guided them to the best record in the American League. We knew the Rays would be improved but not to this drastic extent. In part, that's a credit to Maddon's steady leadership and cool glasses.

Runner-Up: Bob Geren, A's

NL Manager of the Year — Tony La Russa, Cardinals

Coming into 2008, expectations were low for the St. Louis Cardinals. They were coming off their first losing campaign since 1999, and the roster was mostly a patchwork of retreads and reclamation projects. Well, at this writing the Cards, despite toiling in the NL's toughest division, lead the wild-card chase. After the Cubs' and Brewers' recent trades, the odds remain against St. Louis, but the underdog role seems to suit them quite nicely. It all starts with the best manager in the game today.

Runner-Up: Fredi Gonzalez, Marlins