Handing out D-backs' first-half awards
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It's not technically the midpoint of the season -- the D-backs have played 92 games already -- but we just wrapped up the All-Star break so let's hand out some midseason awards:
MVP: Christian Walker
Yes, I'm aware that Walker is hitting just .204, but if you're looking at batting average to evaluate players, you might want to reconsider.
Walker has 22 home runs and while his slugging percentage is nothing to sneeze at (.460), if you look at the advanced metrics, it should be even better. Walker entered the break in the 70th percentile of hard-hit balls and his expected slugging percentage of .515 ranks in the 94th percentile.
Walker has also played Gold Glove-level defense at first base.
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Cy Young: Merrill Kelly
Kelly tends to fly under the radar nationally and even at times on his own team, but he puts together quality start after quality start, something that is extremely valuable for a pitching staff.
When you give the ball to "Merrill the Mainstay" every fifth day, you know what you're going to get. Very rarely does he deliver a short outing or a poor one. No one on the staff is better at finding a way to go deep in a game or recovering from a rough inning than Kelly.
The D-backs signed him to a contract extension this spring because they wanted him to provide stability and consistency -- and he's done just that.
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Fireman Award: Joe Mantiply
What a first half it's been for Mantiply. Given up on by the Tigers, Reds and Yankees, the reliever has found a home in the desert. After a solid year in 2021, Mantiply was dominant in the first half, finishing with an ERA of 2.21 in 39 games.
The lefty has been durable and has gotten both right-handers and left-handers out. He's been a reliable piece for manager Torey Lovullo and was a deserving All-Star Game selection.
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Best Play: Alek Thomas Robbery
You could put together a long highlight reel with all the plays Thomas has made since coming up from Triple-A Reno. His play in center has been as good as advertised when he was coming up through the Arizona system.
Possibly his best play came against the Reds on June 8, when he robbed Joey Votto of a two-run homer in the first inning.