Not QUITE as good a year as last…
And there was no repeat for the D-backs. While they did win five more games in the regular season than in 2023, that wasn’t enough to get them to the dance. Consequently, no Cinderella run to the World Series for Arizona in 2024. However, I think it’s safe to say that the season still had its moments – both good and bad, and it’s still better to be playing meaningful baseball to the very end, than… that [gestures vaguely in the direction of the 2021 season]. So, this is the part of the off-season where we honor the campaign which ended, before we start to look forward to next year. At least the lack of playoffs makes things a little less complicated!
The format will be the same as we’ve run in recent years. Each week, there will be an initial list of potential candidates on Sunday, with an open thread for discussion and other nominations, which can be rec’d for support. On Wednesday, the ballot will be posted, with details of each candidate. And on Saturday, the winner will be revealed. The schedule is as follows:
- Week beginning November 24: Play of the Year
- December 1: Performance of the Year
- December 8: Game of the Year
- December 15: Rookie of the Year
- December 22: Unsung Hero
- December 29: Pitcher of the Year
- January 5: Most Valuable Player
Some have obvious, and frankly, near-certain winners [coughMVPcough]. Others… not so much. It will be interesting to see what criteria people use in terms of nominations and deciding what matters. Below are last year’s nominations (the category name goes to those) and winners. If you want the full list since 2006, here you go.
2023 Awards
- Most Valuable Player: Corbin Carroll
- Pitcher of the Year: Merrill Kelly
- Unsung Hero: Kevin Ginkel
- Rookie of the Year: Corbin Carroll
- Game of the Year: Regular season: 9/16, 7-6 (13) vs. Cubs – The Longest Day + Post-season: NLCS Game 7, 10/24 ‐ 4-2 @ Phillies
- Single-game performance: Regular season: Zac Gallen complete game versus Cubs, September 8 + Post-season: Merrill Kelly’s dominant World Series Game 2 start
- Play of the Year: No doubting Thomas and McCarthy