It's time to reflect on the always-exciting first month of baseball. The MLB season is one full of ups and downs over a 162-game slate. The key is to stay consistent and win as many series as possible.

As for individual performances, each player's first month is important to gauge their level of play and what they need to do to improve their numbers. Of course, certain exceptions apply to guys like Mark Teixeira, the most notoriously slow starter in baseball that can just throw away his April stat sheet each year.

For the rest of the league, they have a lot to evaluate from their first month of play. Here are the guys who played at the highest level in the first month, and the winners of the April Awards:

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AL April MVP: Robinson Cano, NYY - The Yankees' second baseman is a notoriously streaky hitter that usually gets off to a slow start in April. But in 2010, Cano was on a month-long tear, completing one of the finest offensive Aprils in modern history. He is only the second American League player in the last 80 years to bat .400 with 8 home runs in April, joining Manny Ramirez in 2001. Here are Cano's rankings in ALL of baseball in the following categories: Average (1st), OPS (2nd), Runs Scored (2nd), Hits (3rd), Total Bases (1st), Home Runs (T-3rd). Yeah, he was in the top 3 in MLB in pretty much every stat he could control. He even stole 2 bases. His defense at second base has been equally superb; both flashy and consistent. He's made 5 times as many Web Gems as errors (1). Cano has always had the ability and potential to be a superstar, and he's finally reaching it.

2nd - Evan Longoria, TB
3rd - Vernon Wells, TOR

NL April MVP: Albert Pujols, STL - Pujols cooled off a bit after an unreal start to the season. But he still is a Triple Crown threat at .340, 7 HR, 24 RBI. What else can we say about this guy? Even when he's not playing at his highest level, he's still the best player in baseball. Needing a contract extension after this season, expect Pujols' dollar figure to exceed Ryan Howard's recently signed $25 million/per year deal. And expect his hot start in April to continue throughout the season.

2nd - Ryan Braun, MIL
3rd - Matt Kemp, LAD

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AL April Cy Young - Francisco Liriano, MIN - Liriano had Cy Young-like numbers in the 2007 season, his first full year in the big leagues. Tommy John surgery erased his 2008 and limited his effectiveness in 2009. But this year, Liriano is back to the strikeout machine that made him one of the AL's most feared hurlers in '07. He's 4-0 with a 1.50 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 36:13 K/BB ratio. He's a major reason for the Twins' dominance of the AL Central.

2nd - Matt Garza, TB
3rd - John Danks, CHW

NL April Cy Young - Roy Halladay, PHI - The Phillies' new addition has fallen in love with a change from the AL East to the NL East. Halladay is dominating opponents, with a 5-1 record, 1.47 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 39:4 K/BB ratio. 5 of his 6 starts have been absolute gems, and in the other he gave up 10 hits and 5 runs but still managed to give Philadelphia 7 innings and stay in the ballgame. He's an innings eater that looks to get his team a W every time he steps to the mound, and he's getting it done at a high rate in 2010.

2nd - Tim Lincecum, SF
3rd - Ubaldo Jimenez, COL

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AL Rookie of the Month - Austin Jackson, DET - He led the entire league in hits in April, with 40. The Tigers' table-setter is doing a great job in the leadoff role. He has also stolen 5 bases and shown some pop with many extra base hits. He has hit just 1 home run but has shown the power ability to hit more.

NL Rookie of the Month - Jason Heyward, ATL - The Braves' rookie phenom is the real deal. .280, 7 HR, 23 RBI and a .970 OPS puts him at the top of the league as a consistent power threat. His plate discipline is still improving, and he's struck out more than expected. But clutch hits and consistent frozen ropes were a staple of Heyward's start as a professional in April.

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AL Manager of the Month - Joe Madden, TB - He has this team playing with the confidence of a World Series threat. His team causes havoc on the basepaths, plays solid defense, and has the green light to have an aggressive approach both at the plate and on the bases. With the talent they have, the Rays are taking on the identity of an explosive, dangerous team. The pitching staff has been equally phenomenal, led by Garza and Price, young guys that have been tailored well and are ready to take their games to the next level.

NL Manager of the Month - Bud Black, SD - The Padres were the consensus choice as the worst team in the NL West. They silenced critics by going 16-9 in April as the division's top team. Much praise goes to Bud Black and his ability to prepare his young team for a strong start to the season.