Looking Back: First Half Awards for the Houston Astros

First-Half Cy Young

Jun 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros fans in Keuchels Corner cheer during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Looks like the fans in Keuchel’s Corner already know the answer.

The first half Cy Young, based on the weekly awards, is none other than Dallas Keuchel. The Houston Astros ace has been phenomenal so far. Keuchel is gamer, day in and day out. He comes to the mound and makes opposing batters look as weak as a nuclear treaty with Iran.

He won consecutive AL Pitcher of the Month (the actual MLB award) and earned the start in last night’s All-Star game. Keuchel is King!

CTH Pitcher of the Week awards: 6

So did the CTH staff differ from this pick? SUR-VEY SAYS:

Issa Cook: Dallas Keuchel. “How can you not give it to him? The historic year all around and Astros ace for the near future.”

Aric Cisneros: Dallas Keuchel

Thomas O’Banion: “Dallas Keuchel. Among the starters, he’s got most wins, IP, lowest ERA, Ks, All-Star, best beard…the list goes on.”

Larry Manch: “Keuchel is a lock for team CY, as he is such a dominant pitcher.”

Brandon Del Castillo: Dallas Keuchel. “Keuchel has distinguished himself as one of the best pitchers in the game, not just the Astros.  He is a true ace.”

Eric Huysman: “If Keuchel starting the All-Star game is not enough for you to understand that he is the best Astros pitcher, maybe the 12-3 record. While the Astros normally don’t get much face time in the media, the broadcasters of the All-Star Game gave plenty of praises to him.”

Okay. Not a hard choice here. You already knew the answer, and if anyone had said otherwise, it would’ve just looked silly.

Dallas Keuchel is the first half Cy Young winner for the Houston Astros.

David A. Miniel: “There’s no doubt this award belongs to Dallas Keuchel. No explanation needed.”

Next: Best Reliever

Best Reliever

Jun 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros pitcher

(36) throws against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Seattle beat Houston 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

The best reliever award was not on our weekly awards list. Who knows, maybe it should’ve been since Jeff Luhnow made that a point of emphasis during the offseason. The bullpen has been MAJOR reason the Houston Astros have had so many wins so far. With the bigger money guys, like Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek, added to the stable, the supporting cast of Will Harris, Tony Sipp, Chad Qualls, and Joe Thatcher could relax a bit and just do their jobs. One can only hope that they’ll be refreshed after the break and can get back to that “lights-out” mentality.

So, what did our staff here say? Who did they choose as the best reliever of the first half?

Brian del Castillo: “While some would say that the back end of the bullpen is the most valuable. I’m going to say that what Will Harris has done has been the most valuable part of the pen for Houston.  He’s got a 0.87 ERA in 41.1 innings.  That does it for me.”

Brandon del Castillo: “Luke Gregerson has come in and stabilized the back end of the bullpen. All of those blown saves from 2014 are now literally things of the past. Honorable mention – Pat Neshek.”

Aric Cisneros: “Will Harris (41+ innings, 4 ER!, so often came into tough spots and bailed others out)”

Issa Cook: “Will Harris.  This guy came out of nowhere in the first half. Should have been an All-Star. The opposite of Chad Qualls in every way possible, which is a good thing.”

Larry Manch: “Harris leads the team in WHIP and ERA, and deserves the top RP award.”

Eric Huysman: “Will Harris, he is the pure definition of a Fireman because he comes in and puts out the flames. He has a knack for stranding runners on base, and most of the runs he has given up are from the long ball. He should have been in the All-Star game, one of the best relievers in the game.”

Thomas O’Banion: “Luke Gregerson. I love Will Harris, don’t get me wrong, but Gregerson gets my vote. He comes in and puts the nail in the coffin. Without him, who would close? Harris is my runner up.”

David A. Miniel: “Chad Qualls. Just kidding, but the obvious choice has to be the 30-year-old right-hander who was born in the city of Houston, Texas. Despite giving up three home runs in as many appearances in June, he’s been lights out for the majority of the first half and hasn’t allowed a run in five innings of work to begin July.”

Will Harris gets the lion’s share of the CTH votes, and with good reason. Can’t argue much with that choice.

Next: First Half Offensive MVP

First Half Offensive MVP

May 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder

George Springer

(4) and second baseman

Jose Altuve

(27) celebrate after Altuve hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Last year’s offensive MVP was never in question. Jose Altuve stole the show with his record-setting season. However, this year Gigante has some competition. Luis Valbuena has hit a ton of HRs; George Springer clubs homers, steals bases, takes walks, and scores runs; and Colby Rasmus has been a boon to the offense. It’s no longer just one guy carrying the team, which is a great thing.

When it comes to the weekly awards, Jose Altuve leads the pack with four, and two a-piece went to Springer and Gattis. That’s not all that surprising, to be honest, because Altuve has been consistent most of the season. Gattis and Springer had slow starts to the season, too, which may explain why they haven’t earned more. In an objective sense, then, Altuve is the MVP.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Objectivity is not always the name of the game. What did our CTH staff have to say?

Issa Cook: “George Springer. Of course Jose Altuve will always be in this conversation, but in 2015 George Springer was definitely the most valuable player on this team. When the team wasn’t clicking, he was still on fire. When the team was on fire, he was right in the middle of it. His loss also helps show how valuable he truly is.”

 Brandon del Castillo: “This is not even close. As evidenced by his absence, George Springer is the one indispensable offensive force and clearly the offensive MVP if this team. His .365 OBP and .822 OPS lead the team. He also adds 13 home runs and 14 stolen bases. He is the engine in the Astros offensive machine.”

Brian del Castillo: “The offensive MVP for the Astros is definitely George Springer.  He is the catalyst for the ball club.  His numbers look a lot different than what I had expected/predicted, but he was the main reason that the Astros offense was clicking before hitting the DL.”

Aric Cisneros: “George Springer (Highest OPS, 2nd SB, Impact when out of lineup)”

Larry Manch: “Altuve’s dynamic play on offense and defense gives him the MVP.”

Thomas O’Banion: “Super George Springer is the complete package at the plate. What can’t he do? His maturation at the dish is showing, like with taking more walks and not swinging out of his shoes on every pitch. And with his absence, he looks to be the glue that holds this team together.”

Eric Huysman: “Springer, while the obvious choice is Jose Altuve, you have to realize how big an impact that Springer has on the Astros since he’s been out. Whether it’s his offense, his defense, or his DJ of Club Astros work, he is the MVP. While Altuve has the better stats, Springer is the team leader for Crush City.”

So, the staff is nearly unanimous in its decision to go with Springer over Altuve. Altuve gets one staff vote from Larry. Guess we’ll need fan input for this one…Either way, though, there is no incorrect answer.

David A. Miniel: “While I’d like to give it to my boy, Luis Valbuena, I’ll have to roll with George Springer on this one. Not only is he great in the batter’s box, but I’d expect him to steal more bases during the second half of the season as this team looks to reclaim the top spot in the division. If Valbuena’s batting average wasn’t so low, he would be my pick. But for right now, I’ll settle with Springer.”

Next: First Half Best Rookie

First Half Best Rookie

Jun 14, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) pitches during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros have relied heavily on their rookies this year, both in the starting rotation and out in the field. Carlos Correa, Preston Tucker, Lance McCullers Jr. and Vincent Velasquez have been had to carry quite a load on the major league squad. One might think that’s a recipe for disaster, but all four of those guys have proven themselves as being ready for the big show. It’s quite impressive how well they’ve performed overall.

Since this was not one of our weekly awards, this is a staff vote. See if you agree with our picks.

Thomas O’Banion: “LMJ has been dynamite. I’m picking him primarily because he’s been up longer than Correa, who gets my second place vote.”

Larry Manch: “Correa made such an immediate impact, and played so well that I have to pick him for ROY.”

Issa Cook: “McCullers has done an unbelievable job when called upon by his team. Correa gave him a run for his money, but McCullers turned way too many heads this year with his ability to just dominate games on the mound.”

Aric Cisneros: Lance McCullers

Brandon del Castillo: “All due respect to Carlos Correa, who has announced his arrival as a future superstar, but to this point of the season Lance McCullers has built a better resume and had a slightly bigger impact.”

Brian del Castillo: “Rookie of the year is Lance McCullers for me at this point.  It’s so hard to find a quality starter and this one cost you nothing.  Correa got off to a great start to his rookie campaign, but ultimately, pitching is more valuable to a team.”

Eric Huysman: “Correa, he is already one of the best shortstops in the game. I did the math on what he would have done if he started opening day with the Astros; he would have close to 21 home runs/ 61 RBI/ 14 SB. You can read more about Correa here.”

David A. Miniel: “Carlos Correa hasn’t been with the team that long, which is why I’d say McCullers earns this honor. This kid has a bright future with this starting rotation, eventually turning this duo between himself and Keuchel into a possible Roy Oswalt/Roger Clemens reboot.”

Next: First Half Least Valuable Player

First Half Least Valuable Player

Jun 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter

(23) is congratulated by shortstop

(2) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Seriously, guys! This is no time to celebrate!

No one wants to be the least valuable player on their team. If we were nicer people, we could’ve just omitted this award. But we aren’t nice, and it makes our blood boil to see guys give games away due to bad hitting or stupid base running errors or boneheaded defense. It’s part of the game, and they aren’t super human, but jeez, some of these guys are more prone than others to doing something that costs the team.

Anyhow, the guys that got this award the most this season are Jonathan Villar with three and Chris Carter with two. Both earned a hitter of the week award, but that doesn’t count for much when your name is down here. I’ll bet you’re surprised…(just kidding).

Here’s our staff picks:

Brian del Castillo: “Chris Carter is my least valuable hitter.  I find it hard to justify trotting out a guy who is hitting under .200 at a prime offensive position.  It’s been brutal.”

FanSided

Larry Manch: “Carter’s lack of production and spectacular ability to strike out makes him the least valuable Astro.”

Brandon del Castillo: “This award goes to Chris Carter. Instead of building off of a big second half in 2014, Carter has been a tremendous disappointment. He has arguably been the worst 1st baseman in the major leagues. Honorable Mention – Jonathan Singleton.”

Thomas O’Banion: “I’ll go with Jonathan Villar. He’s got the talent, but his head costs him. He could film a how-to video on TOOTBLANs.”

Aric Cisneros: Chris Carter

Issa Cook: “Chad Qualls. Every time he comes into pitch, I get nervous. Doesn’t belong on a contending team and needs to be dumped. Sometimes I think that I can go out there and pitch better (definitely not true). “

Eric Huysman: “Carter, no one ever gets as many chances as he has to break out of a slump batting under .200, and his play has started hurting the Astros recently. The Astros need an upgrade at first base. One thing Carter can do well is take a walk and make pitchers work, but in fantasy baseball he is a big bust.”

David A. Miniel: “While watching the Astros from a distance, the man who caught my attention was Chris Carter. Former hitting coach John Mallee turned this man into a machine during the 2014 campaign when he finished with 37 home runs, 88 RBI, 115 hits while slashing .227/.308/.779 in 507 at-bats.”

Ok. That’s a wrap on the first half awards. Do you agree or disagree? We love our readers’ comments so let us know what you think: Correa vs. McCullers, Springer vs. Altuve, Carter vs. Villar.

Next: Astros Mark Return To Relevance With All-Star Game

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