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After a most interesting postseason, Salt Lake City has come out on top and were crowned Season 25 champions. Ranked #9 in the final power rankings, Salt Lake had a tough first round match-up against defending champion Buffalo, which they came through with ease. Then in the Divisional round, yoker had to take on his former franchise that he won two World Series with, Florida, and came through with the win in a 5 game battle. After tackling a very solid Houston squad in the NLCS in 6 games, they went on to win the World Series rather decisively over Texas, who defeated the top two teams in the power rankings on their way to the World Series. The offense was clicking the entire postseason for Salt Lake, with 5 players contributing 5 home runs or more, to go with clutch starting pitching from their top two starters. Congrats to yoker on a third Cobbfather title, a very impressive feat!
In other news, let's see who took home the individual awards this year.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
American League - Vic Park, Atlanta - .310 AVG 25 HR 81 RBI 42 SB
Park took home the AL MVP trophy as one of the key contributors in leading Atlanta to the best record in Cobbfather. Hitting for a great average, demonstrating good power, swiping bases, and playing good defense, Park showed that he can do it all. He also made his 2nd All-Star team this year, and won his 2nd gold glove. This was the first MVP win for the 26-year old jack of all trades.
National League - Willie Cerda, Jacksonville - .332 AVG 56 HR 155 RBI
Arguably the most powerful hitter in Cobbfather was at again in Season 25, Cerda took home his 2nd MVP trophy in three season with extremely impressive batting numbers. He finished 3rd in batting average, and 2nd in Home Runs and RBI. Apparently, voters discounted the numbers of triple crown winner Greg Riley who played in extremely hitter friendly Santa Fe and gave Cerda the nod. Cerda won his 3rd Silver Slugger and made his 2nd All-Star team as well, and at age 27, will likely be in contention for many more.
CY YOUNG AWARD
American League - Francisco Aramboles, Atlanta - 25-6 3.09 ERA 285 K
The AL Cy Young award was pretty much a decision of which Atlanta pitcher to give it to. Aramboles seems like the right choice, as the 25 year-old shattered his own single season strikeout record, set last season, and tied for the most single season wins in Cobbfather history. Aramboles also made his 2nd All-Star team this year. Even though the competition is fierce for best Atlanta pitcher, much less the AL Cy Young, we have a feeling he'll be back here in future seasons.
National League - Norman LaPorta, Houston - 19-10 3.09 ERA 198 K
LaPorta collected Cy Young award #4 in Season 25, a feat only accomplished by two other players in Cobbfather history. The 36 year-old showed he still has ace stuff, leading the rotation for a Houston team that made the NLCS. He also surpassed the 3,000 strikeout milestone this season, they've already started preparing his spot in the Cobbfather Hall of Fame. A 5th Cy Young seems unlikely, given his age, but we still wouldn't count him out completely from having a chance at it.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
American League - Jiggs Cuddyer, Boston - 1.86 ERA, 42 SV
After seven season of toiling away in the minors, Cuddyer got thrown into the fire quickly in season 25 being named Boston's closer. He answered the call valiantly, posting a tremendous ERA and saving 42 games for the world's second best regular season team. This performance was good enough to earn him AL Rookie of the Year honors. He also made the All-Star team in his rookie campaign.
National League - Dock Kramer, Arizona - 45 SV, 5.14 ERA
A closer also took NL Rookie of the Year honors, as Dock Kramer claimed the NL honors. Despite a mediocre ERA, Kramer saved 45 games, which voters felt was impressive enough to take the Rookie of the Year title in the NL. Kramer, similar to Cuddyer, also made the All-Star team in his rookie season. Overall, his season has to be considered a success.
FIREMAN OF THE YEAR
American League - Carlos Pena, Durham - 2.85 ERA 42 SV, 3rd win
National League - Rodrigo Ontiveros, Las Vegas - 3.67 ERA, 45 SV, 2nd win
That concludes this season's wrap up, don't forget to renew your teams! We'll see you back for Season 26 after what will be a hopefully quick rollover!