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Closing the books on the 2001 season. This one, instead of seeing the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the New York Yankees in a thrilling seven-game series (that captured a nation mourning over 9-11), featured the Barry Bonds-led Toronto Blue Jays topping the San Francisco Giants in six games.
How ironic. In Zarzour's world, Bonds left the Bay a few season ago to sign a big free agent deal with the Blue Jays. And unlike in the real world, he brought his team a title.
Bonds didn't have the greatest of post-seasons, batting just .241 with three homers. Sean Green (.339, five HR's), Carlos Delgado (.328 and four HR's) and Rich Aurilia (13 RBIs) were a bit more productive overall for the Jays.
Game six went to 10 innings. San Fran scored once in the top of the 10th but Toronta answered with a pair of scores. Catcher Darrin Fletcher, playing the role of Luis Gonzalez (a la 2001 Diamondbacks) had the winning RBI single. "Base hit! Base hit! The Toronto Blue Jays have won the World Series!"
Here are this year's award winners. Alas, nothing for LA, although Zarzour matched the NL Rookie of the Year pitch for pitch pretty much in the NLDS Game Two (Brian Lawrence).
American League Rookie of the Year:
Adam Dunn (TBA)!
He batted .296 in 568 AB, with 41 homers and 130 RBI.
National League Rookie of the Year:
Brian Lawrence (SLN)!
He had a record of 18-5 with an ERA of 3.72 and 1 shutouts.
In 35 games started, he pitched 220.1 innings, fanning 159 and walking 67 batters.
American League Cy Young Award:
Kris Benson (BAL)!
He had a record of 24-4 with an ERA of 2.79 and 3 shutouts.
In 36 games started, he pitched 261.2 innings, fanning 249 and walking 40 batters.
American League Most Valuable Player:
Jim Thome (CLE)!
He batted .338 in 586 AB, with 50 homers and 178 RBI.
National League Cy Young Award:
Hipolito Pichardo (CIN)!
He had a record of 23-10 with an ERA of 2.92 and 1 shutouts.
In 36 games started, he pitched 258.2 innings, fanning 119 and walking 37 batters.
National League Most Valuable Player:
Tony Clark (PHI)!
He batted .341 in 596 AB, with 35 homers and 129 RBI.
American League Gold Glove Award Winners:
Pitcher: Dave Burba (CLE)
Catcher: Brian Johnson (KCA)
First Base: Darin Erstad (ANA)
Second Base: Todd Walker (OAK)
Third Base: Gabe Alvarez (SEA)
Shortstop: David Eckstein (OAK)
Leftfield: Pat Burrell (SEA)
Centerfield: Midre Cummings (BOS)
Rightfield: Gary Sheffield (NYA)
National League Gold Glove Award Winners:
Pitcher: Joe Mays (HOU)
Catcher: Greg Myers (SDN)
First Base: Chris Richard (SFN)
Second Base: Andy Fox (ARI)
Third Base: Geoff Blum (SLN)
Shortstop: Mark Grudzielanek (ATL)
Leftfield: Ellis Burks (COL)
Centerfield: Ray Lankford (SLN)
Rightfield: Butch Huskey (NYN)
I'll have some final numbers on the Dodgers and Zarzour soon...
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