Sept. 23
As the MLB regular season winds down, it's time to give my picks for the biggest baseball awards.

AL MVP: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers
I've been singing the praises of A-Rod all season long. He's been a star in the field, and that's often overlooked. Despite playing on a bad team, he has come to play night in and night out, and as he closes in on 60 home runs, you can't overlook those stats. It's been a great season for Miguel Tejada and Oakland, but my choice is A-Rod.

NL MVP: Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants
This is a no-brainer. Bonds has an on-base percentage of nearly .600 and a slugging percentage just under .800. His Giants appear to be headed to the playoffs. Albert Pujols of St. Louis has enjoyed a terrific season and would be a worthy the runner-up.

AL Cy Young: Barry Zito, Oakland Athletics
I know Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe have been solid all season, but my choice is Zito. He's been consistent all season and has won 14 of his last 16 decisions.

NL Cy Young: Randy Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks
Earlier in the season, Curt Schilling would have been the choice. But Johnson is 8-1 with a 1.61 ERA in his last 10 starts. You can certainly make a case for John Smoltz of Atlanta and Eric Gagne of L.A., but I feel Johnson deserves the nod.

AL Manager of the Year: Mike Scioscia, Anaheim Angels
There are several good candidates, guys like Art Howe of Oakland and Ron Gardenhire of Minnesota. I have to go with Scioscia -- his Angels have played hard night in and night out.

NL Manager of the Year: Tony La Russa, St. Louis Cardinals
I have to go with another paisan. He has done a terrific job holding his team together despite tremendous adversity.