Yadier Molina amongst BBWAA Awards Finalists

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Yadier Molina was one of three St. Louis Cardinals players that were a finalist for the annual awards given out by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Molina was joined by pitchers Adam Wainwright and Shelby Miller as finalists representing the Cardinals.
Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (4) reacts during the fifth inning of game six of the MLB baseball World Series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Image Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The MLB Network will announce the winners at 6 PM eastern starting next Monday: Rookies, 11/11; Managers, 11/12; Cy Youngs, 11/13; MVPs, 11/14.

Molina beat out teammate Matt Carpenter in MVP voting. Given the numbers that Carpenter put up this season, there was some thought that he would edge out Molina in voting but that does not appear to be the case.

Molina was joined by Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen as finalists for the National League MVP award. I give Yadi the edge in the voting because of how much he brings to the game not just as being one of the best catchers right now but because of what he brings to helping the rookie pitchers.

Wainwright was joined by Florida Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw in being nominated for the Cy Young Award. It’s a lot harder to tell what could happen here. Wainwright did lead the league with 19 wins but Kershaw led in ERA and strikeouts. Wainwright did finish in the top 3 for strikeouts but I’m having a hard time envisioning Kershaw not bringing home his second CYA in 3 years.

Miller was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year voting along with Florida Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez and Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig. I’m giving the edge to Fernandez on this one.

Mike Matheny was not one of the top three finalists for Manager of the Year. The finalists were Atlanta Bravers manager Fredi Gonzalez, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, and Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. I give the edge to Mattingly since he was going to be fired in June before they turned their season around.