2004 MLB Awards

Vladimir Guerrero pulled ahead of a crowded field to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award. The free-swinging right fielder outclassed the others in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, receiving 21 out of a possible 28 first-place votes.

Barry Bonds long ago staked his claim as one of the greatest ballplayers in history, and at times the Giants slugger seemingly can only top himself for MLB honors. He did it again on Monday, capturing his fourth consecutive NL MVP Award and seventh overall.

After winning 13 straight after the All-Star break for the Twins, it should come as no surprise that starter Johan Santana was the unanimous choice for the 2004 American League Cy Young Award.

Often, the older a pitcher becomes, the less effective he is on the mound. Roger Clemens apparently didn't get that memo. The 42-year-old won an unprecedented seventh Cy Young Award, the Rocket's first as a National League pitcher.

The people who vote for postseason awards have made it clear: A's shortstop Bobby Crosby was the best rookie in the American League this year. Crosby is Oakland's first Rookie of the Year since 1998, when Ben Grieve won the award.

The Baseball Writers' Association of America has confirmed what Jason Bay's peers, teammates and fans believed all along. Despite missing the first month of the season with an injury, Bay batted .282 and led all big league rookies with 26 home runs and 82 RBIs.

As the Rangers were grabbing the attention of the baseball world with their surprise ascension to first place in June and July, manager Buck Showalter simply maintained a poker face and kept on grinding.

This was supposed to be the year the Braves faltered. Instead, it was one in which Bobby Cox provided one of the greatest seasons in his already legendary managerial career.