MLB Awards Watch: Can Kris Bryant catch Joc Pederson?

Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) signs an autograph prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Miami won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) signs an autograph prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Miami won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Baseball is fun.

In the midst of arguing over steroid suspensions, potential corporate “espionage” and various other nefarious issues, watching (and, in my case, covering) the game has never been more enjoyable. The 2015 season continues to provide an endless amount of positive story lines on the field, ranging from the red-hot nature of a few elite clubs to some special individual production from players like Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and the rising stars of tomorrow.

In this space each week, our task is to take a glance at how the league’s individual award races are shaking out to this point, and we will do just that in advance of the upcoming All-Star break. Last week’s list can be found here, and given that only seven days have passed, there will always be similarities between the two rankings. There is, however, some shuffling to go through, and that is also to be expected given the every day nature of baseball itself.

Instead of further delaying the inevitable, we will begin with the National League rookies, alternating between NL and AL for the rookies, Cy Young, and MVP “voting” until we conclude with the

Mike Trout

, ahem, AL MVP award. Let’s go.

Next: NL Rookie of the Year