Man of the Year Nominees, 2008 Edition

Finding winners on Wall Street in 2008 has been a tough task. Slim pickens indeed, outside of high-frequency independent traders, Commodity Trading Advisors and short-sellers.

Still, life goes on as we search for successors to the 2006 Man of the Year, Eric Bolling, and the '07 winner, Peter Thiel.

Bolling was one of the few talking heads in 2006 that made us money; he helped CNBC's Fast Money come out of the gate and is trying to help put FBN on the map. Of course, Roger Ailes has to give him the ball. What do you say, Roger?

Thiel had a great 2008, at least if it would have ended in June. The back nine was painful for Thiel as he saw his +60% year evaporate, and will likely finish the year flat to slightly down. That is a win, of course, given that down 20% is the new +10%. Thiel is still in the game, which is more than we can say for a wide swath of Hedgistan.

Bill Miller is not in contention for this years honor, and neither is the SEC. Better luck next year; both of you are due for a bounce.

And Hank Paulson is certainly not in contention either, despite his attempts to spin his legacy. History will not be kind to the Hammer, and you can bet the blogs will not let him off the hook despite his protestations. Flip-flopping will get you nowhere, Hank.

Without further ado, this years crop of contenders.

Meredith Whitney: Her blitzkrieg against the brokers left the earth scorched. While we have reason to believe Meredith was spoon fed some of her better ideas from the BuySide, original thoughts on Wall Street are a rarity, and she pieced together a mosaic that other SellSiders would kill for. Forget the death threats - traders and short sellers love her. And for good reason.

James Chanos: His taste in women leaves me perplexed, but you can’t argue with his performance this year. Yes, the wind was at his back, but his eloquent defense of capitalism and jihad against the bad guys should earn him a place in heaven and on this years list.

John Paulson: Last years runner-up put together another big number in 2008, a rarity on the Street. If he starts snapping up distressed merchandise, and the trade works, he might make 2009’s list as well. Yes, he won’t top last years $3 billion payday. But well done, by the other Paulson.

Nouriel Roubini: Dr. Doom. Need we say more?

Timothy Sykes: Don’t laugh - the kid is on fire. Plus we have a soft spot for Black Sheep. Tim’s constant railing against “the joke of an industry” that is Wall Street and the SEC looks prescient in the wake of the Madoff scandal. And he certainly seems to have a hot trading hand. His personal account up well in excess of 200% over the last year or so, and he had quite a streak of winning trades going until recently.

He is doing what many on Wall Street, such as Jim Cramer, endeavor to do - teach a man to fish. His in your face attitude might not be your style, but you gotta give him a little credit.

His blogging/trading/publishing empire is growing in a dead economy, a notable feat. Wall Street might be a fraud, but even Mr. Sykes most ardent detractors would have to admit that he is not. His golf swing is ugly, all the more reason to respect him..

I certainly missed a few people, leave a comment if you can make a case for the overlooked Warriors on Wall Street. But annus horribilis is almost over, and thank god for that.
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