We are 24 hours away from the start of the MLS season so it is time to have one last thought about how the 2008 season is going to play out.
Earlier today I asked people to give their pre-season rankings of the league’s 14 teams. Now it is time to consider what players will walk away with awards when the 2008 season is over.
Who do you think will be the league’s MVP? Golden Boot winner? Rookie of the Year? Defender of the Year? Goalkeeper of the Year? Coach of the Year?
My picks are after the jump. Check them out and share your own predictions below.
MLS MVP
Cuauhtemoc Blanco. The Chicago Fire playmaker will have a full season to show off his magical passing skills and has two forwards in Andy Herron and Tomasz Frankowski who can finish off his passes. Finalists– Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Juan Pablo Angel.
Rookie of the Year
Chance Myers Julius James. Apologies to KC fans but I had to go with my long-time pick for rookie of the year, Julius James, over Chance Myers, who I originally listed. I was under the impressing that James’ shoulder injury was more serious than it was. With him due back in a week, I think he’ll wind up winning this award. The kid is MLS ready and will help provide an instant upgrade to a Toronto defense that sorely needed it. I do like Chance Myers a lot, and think he could be the best long-term prospect of the bunch, but James is going to really impress some people. Finalists– Sean Franklin, Chance Myers
Defender of the Year
Michael Parkhurst. The Revs center back will win this award again, but should get stiff competition from a few quality candidates. Finalists– Jimmy Conrad, Gonzalo Martinez
Goalkeeper of the Year
Joe Cannon. Out of Los Angeles and back with Frank Yallop, Cannon will show fans the form that helped him win this award before (The award would be Brad Guzan’s if I thought he were staying the full year. Finalists– Bouna Coundoul, Kevin Hartman.
Coach of the Year
Curt Onalfo. I see big things for the Wizards in 2008 and Onalfo will receive his share of credit for making it happen. Finalists- Tom Soehn, Juan Carlos Osorio.
Now it’s your turn. Who do you see walking away with these awards? Share your thoughts below.