Breaking Down the ESPYs: Part 1

Once a year, during the major league all-star break, professional athletes congregate for the ESPY Awards, the sports version of the Oscars -- or anything else that involves pretty people on a red carpet.

Several New York-based teams and players are nominated for awards and over the next six days we are going to break down the categories and the odds of each New York personality winning.

Category: Best MLS Athlete

New York-Based Athlete: Tim Cahill, New York Red Bulls

Other Athletes: Marco di Vaio, Robbie Keane, Mike Magee

About Cahill: The Red Bulls currently have 20 points and sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference of the MLS. Only Keane's LA Galaxy (21) have more points than the Red Bulls so Cahill has the advantage of playing for a successful team, but the ESPY will really be awarded based on the 2013 season, not this early portion of the 2014 campaign.

In 2013, Cahill burst onto the MLS scene. The Australian native had 11 goals in 27 games. He also added five assists en route to being named an MLS all-star. He was also voted to the league's Best XI as a midfielder and earned the Red Bulls MVP.

The Field: Magee finished second in the league in goals with 21 while Keane was third in assists with 11. Magee also finished third in total shots and shots on goal. Di Vaio was right up there with Magee in most categories, finishing third in goals (20) and second in shots on goal (53).

Cahill's Chances: Cahill certainly made a huge impact on the league and the Red Bulls in 2013, but his offensive numbers don't compare to Magee or Di Vaio. The ESPYs are concerned with star power, and whether or not Cahill is great technically or not, I think the fans who vote will be more concerned with overall points. I think Magee wins.

That's it for Part 1. Remember to check each day for a new category as we count down until the ESPYs next Wednesday. Follow the link below if you want to vote for every category.

http://espn.go.com/espys/2014/