Tony DeMarco

As the phony, over-hyped popularity contest to pick the 33rd-and-last players on the two All-Star squads wrapped up, we tackle more-important subject matter — the first-half awards:

American League MVP: Angels manager Mike Scioscia thinks it should be his guy — Torii Hunter. And you certainly can make a case for Hunter holding together an injury-ravaged but still contending team with his bat, glove and leadership.

Some more names deserving consideration: Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay, Ichiro Suzuki, Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria, Joe Mauer, Miguel Cabrera and Zack Greinke.

But we’ll go with Mauer’s teammate, Justin Morneau, who if not for Suzuki running away with the batting title, would be a legit Triple Crown threat.

National League MVP: You really can’t go any other way but Albert Pujols. He is a legit Triple Crown threat, and is so far ahead as baseball's slugging percentage leader that it’s downright scary. The only thing that can slow him down will be the intentional and semi-intentional walk totals that surely will rise down the stretch.

That said, Hanley Ramirez is the biggest reason why the Marlins are in contention, ditto Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun in Milwaukee, and if you’re just talking about the first half, Juan Pierre deserves a mention.

AL Cy Young: Could this be the second straight season a serious Cy Young candidate gets traded — and perhaps changes leagues? One thing is certain: Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi is going to get a few phone calls in the next month regarding Roy Halladay.

That could help Greinke’s candidacy — not that he needs it, because for the first half, you have to give him the nod. He’s either leading or second in the AL in ERA, innings, complete games and wins.

Two more names: Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander.

NL Cy Young: There’s more than a decent chance the award could be staying San Francisco. Take your pick of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain. But from here, it’s a repeat for the former, whose last few starts have been awe-inspiring.

Dan Haren easily could have 11 or 12 wins with more run support, and don’t count out Johan Santana. More names: Chad Billingsley, Josh Johnson, Chris Carpenter.

AL Rookie of the Year: The whining Michael Young did last winter about changing positions looks even worse now that Elvis Andrus is proving the Rangers correct with an impressive debut both offensively and defensively. And don’t forget Nolan Reimold.

A handful of pitching names are led by All-Star Andrew Bailey, Rick Porcello, Ricky Romero and Brian Bergesen. But watch out for Brett Anderson, the best of the Oakland kid starters.

NL Rookie of the Year: This is the year for center fielders, as Dexter Fowler is putting together a solid first season in Colorado after skipping Class AAA, and Andrew McCutchen is fast (play on words intended) becoming a force in Pittsburgh. But on top in most offensive categories for NL rookies is St. Louis’ Colby Rasmus, the choice here.

Slideshow   The 2009 All-Star Game Highlights from baseball’s big event, including the Home Run Derby and the rosters for the AL and NL teams. more photos

Names on the pitching side: J.A. Happ, Randy Wells, Jordan Zimmerman, Tommy Hanson.

AL Manager of the Year: Ron Washington’s job was thought to be in jeopardy, but he has landed an extension by leading the Rangers to an impressive, contending first half.

Meanwhile, Don Wakamatsu is making it a quick reversal of fortune in Seattle, Jim Leyland is benefiting from improved pitching in Detroit, and Mike Scioscia is maintaining despite working with less than usual on the mound.

NL Manager of the Year: Joe Torre has far and away the league’s best record, and it’s not like he hasn’t had more than his fair share of issues to deal with.

Bruce Bochy may not win the award, but it’s hard to argue that he is the perfect guy for the Giants’ pitching-first, scramble-to-generate-offense roster. Fredi Gonzalez is doing more with less — again. And Jim Tracy’s candidacy will build if the Rockies win the wild card.

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AL comeback player: How about Andruw Jones — his candidacy punctuated by a three-homer game in Anaheim, and seven in his last 10 games through Wednesday?

NL comeback player: It’s almost unfair to put Carpenter in this category, because he’s so good when healthy. But after not winning a big-league game since 2006, he’s got six wins already. And believe it or not, Mike Hampton has stayed in the rotation and won five games in Houston.

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