Kapler for NL Comeback Player of the Year?

[lcbj68c]

I like to bleed Brewer blue once in a while, but I have to believe I heard total homerism today at the ballpark when I heard a guy explaining that Kapler was the runaway winner for the 2008 NL Comeback Player of the Year award. I just sat politely and listened and thought I'd gauge informed BF.net minds later. So here they are.

 

Here are the top eight candidates in my opinion, in order.

 

1)Jody Gerut .297/.352/.495 with only 52 K's in 327 atbats and 14 dingers (Jody had not played in the Majors since 2005)

2)Jorge Cantu .274/.322/.463 w/ 23 homeruns, 34 doubles and 75 RBI (only 115 atbats in 2007 and 15 total homeruns since 2005 before 2008)

3)Fernando Tatis .293/.361/.484 w/ 11 homeruns, 12 doubles and 44 RBI (Since 2003, only played in 2006 w/ 56 atbats prior to this season)

4)Rick Ankiel .266/.339/.515 w/ 25 homeruns, 21 doubles and 71 RBI (First full season since 2004, newly converted outfielder from pitcher)

5)Kerry Wood 56 appearances, 28 saves with only 3 losses 72K 15BB 2.81 ERA, 0.98 WHIP (max 22 appearances since 2003 prior to 2008)

6)Jim Edmonds .255/.370/.569 with 16 home runs and 16 doubles in 200 atbats with the Cubs (Had been castaway by SD mid-season)

7)Gabe Kapler .301/.339/.491 w/ 7 home runs as a part-time player (Manager in 2007)

8)Chan Ho Park 43 appearances, 4-3 3.05 ERA, 1.37 WHIP (hurt all of 2007 after leaving in first start)

 

In the AL, I'll have to say Cliff Lee, though he may win a Cy Young as well.

[BrewCrewForever]

That's tough, lot of good candidates in the NL. It would be cool if it ws Kapler, but I do like Tatis as well. I mean I thought he was out of baseball hadn't heard of him in forever.

[T B0NE 10]

I have to say Tatis

[zzzmanwitz]

Gerut should get it... Wood will get it. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/frown.gif

[trwi7]

I'd go with Gerut.

[Ennder]

I'd say it should be Wood considering he not only overcame the injuries but completely swapped roles.

[Fatter than Joey]

I like Wood as well.

[True CryM]

Josh Hamilton is far and away the AL comeback player of the year. In the NL Wood will probably get it, but Kapler and Gerut are also deserving.

[RU Rah Rah]

Josh Hamilton is far and away the AL comeback player of the year. In the NL Wood will probably get it, but Kapler and Gerut are also deserving.

Hamilton played 90 games for Cincy last year, though.

[lcbj68c]

I agree on it not being Hamilton in the AL. Jon Lester should win it in my opinion. Hamilton had a fine season last year with plenty of at bats and appearances.

[endaround]

The comeback player on the Brewers isn't Kapler, its Salomon Torres. Th guy had a 5.47 ERA last year

[Ennder]

I have to go with Cliff Lee as comeback player in the AL. From a 6.29 ERA in 2007 to a 2.32 ERA and 20+ wins this year, seems pretty clear cut.

[Nottso]

In my mind (old and feeble as it may be) it should be Ankiel. What an amazing story.

 

As for Mr. Kapler, I wish he could play third base. It just kills me to not have this guy in the every day lineup.

[cubfan1126]

Good list in the NL.

Personally I would discount Gerut because in my mind you have to have been good at 1 time in order to "come back". I don't think he ever was. However, the 3 years off is a good story as it is with Tatis also.

Now, I'm going to shock you guys by also discounting Wood. One main reason - Three guys from 1 team all in the running for the same thing (and I say 3 because Ryan Dempster could also be included in the NL group) tend to cancel each other out.

Who votes for this anyway? writers or players?

Might have to give a slight edge to Tatis.

[lcbj68c]

I dont see Ryan Dempster for this award. He's doing the same things he's been doing most of his career 3.00 ERA and pitching well, it's just a different capacity. Writers vote, it used to be strictly just The Sporting News award, but MLB picked up their own in 2005.