While we’re still high on the euphoria that is the 2007 Championship afterglow, let’s hand out some hardware to the guys who made it happen. Some of these awards will be slam dunks, but couple actually take some deliberation.

The 2007 Web Gemologist Award (best defensive player): Coco Crisp

It was an odd season for one of my personal favorite Red Sox players. At the plate, Coco was streaky, and disappointing overall. He held his regular CF job throughout the entire season up until the World Series, when he was decisively benched in favor of Jacoby Ellsbury while in the midst of a slump. However, his defense in center field was nothing short of phenomenal. Some outfielders make themselves look better than they really are by making diving catches on routine plays (see Edmonds, Jim), and some guys are underrated because they cover vast ground without the flashy leather (Melky Cabrera in NY is a decent example of this). Coco Crisp in 2007 was the best of both worlds: a gaping vortex of leather in the architectural anomaly that is the Fenway center field, both covering range and making Sportscenter caliber plays on a regular basis.

Coco tied for 2nd in baseball in CF Zone Rating behind Grady Sizemore, and led the majors in Defensive Win Shares by an outfielder.

Honorable mention:
Kevin Youkilis - could win a Gold Glove.
Julio Lugo - poor bat overshadowed his steady play at SS.
Mike Lowell - recovered nicely from terrible April.

The 2007 Fred Lynn Trophy (best rookie): Dustin Pedroia

This one is a little more clear-cut, as Dustin should win the AL Rookie of the Year without too much opposition. The diminutive infielder started off slow after hitting only .191/.258/.303 in a late 2006 call up. After hitting .182 in April, Dustin went on an offensive tear that did not subside until the team was doused in champagne in Denver. Pedroia also played a decent defensive 2B, especially excelling in the turning of the double play (a skill that has not been displayed too often on Yawkee Way in recent years). Dustin was the 2nd toughest hitter in the league to strike out, behind Placido Polanco of Detroit.

Honorable mention:
Hideki Okajima - not enough can be said about this guy’s contribution.
Daisuke Matsuzaka - when he’s on, he’s dominant. Came up huge in October.

More to come!