Aramis Ramirez received two pleasant surprises this week.  First, he found out there's something called The Hank Aaron Award.  Then he found out that he'd won it! Yes, fans, The Hank Aaron Award, an all but secret honor which goes to "the best offensive performer" in each league has gone to Cub third baseman Aramis Ramirez.  Well done, sir.  Or should I say, "Well done, Cub fans."  Because, like Fukudome's election to the NL All-Star team, the Aaron Award goes to the player who gets the most fan votes.  And anytime you open up voting to the fans, Cubdom, no doubt used to the Chicago mantra of "vote early and often" will come out in droves.

American League winner?  You betcha.  A member of Boston's Red Sox.  Kevin Youkilis to be exact.  

So really what we have here are awards for the most loyal fans with a player's name attached.  Personally, I'm all for doing away with fan voting period.  it's silly, really. Not that there aren't injustices when the players and writers get the vote, but at least they each get only one vote.  I sat behind a pin-headed kid at a game last year who never even looked at the field.  He spent the entire seven innings he was there poking a pen through all the Cubs on the All-Star ballot.  He must have given them each 200 votes.

So enough with the meaningless honors from fans.  Although, before we do away with them completely I would like to nominate Neal Cotts for The Lefty Grove Award and DWard for the Babe Ruth Award.  Get those votes in!