A little blip :)

I usually try to refrain from posts about baseball.  Writing about a major success or downfall might be followed by the opposite observation the following game, fickle sport!  Too much of a roller coaster!  Anyhow, I wanted to give Lance some "props" for his 2009 title of "Most Pleasant Surprise" for the Rays team.  Lance had a great season, and we are preparing for an awesome off-season!  Here's the copy/pasted version of the 2009 Awards given by the Tampa Tribune.  The full article can be found by clicking HERE.  What an honor!  Welcome home, babe!

AWARDS

Most Valuable Player - Ben Zobrist

Starting at every position but pitcher and catcher increased his value exponentially even though his offensive numbers would have been impressive enough on their own

Outstanding Pitcher - J.P. Howell

Versatile lefty led staff with 2.94 ERA and added seven wins and 17 saves while serving in variety of roles up to de facto closer

Rookie of the Year - Jeff Niemann

Led what looked to be a well-established rotation in wins and pitched consistently well before hitting a wall late in the season

Most Consistent - Carl Crawford

After posting the worst individual season of his career in '08, C.C. returned to his game-changing ways with an impressive showing in steals, walks and power

Most Pleasant Surprise - Lance Cormier

Signed with minimal fanfare in mid-January, he was slotted in as a long reliever, did a nice job there, and continued to get outs when moved into a meatier role

Biggest Disappointment - Pat Burrell

The franchise's biggest offseason signing since the Hit Show days didn't come close to meeting anyone's expectations

Biggest Regression - Dioner Navarro

Watching the young catcher slog through a miserable season, it was difficult to remember he was an All-Star a year ago

Best In-Season Addition - Randy Choate

Following a path similar to Grant Balfour's in '08, the veteran became a reliable bullpen fixture after being brought up from Durham on May 25