Here it is fans. As we had discussed during the LCSs leading up to the Fall Classic, the rare skills and domination of both Ryan Braun and Justin Verlander were special enough to garner Most Valuable Player consideration. And they’re your winners. The good news for Milawukee and Detroit is that Braun and Verlander are just entering the primes of their careers. And that’s bad news for their fellow Central rivals. These guys are going to be around for a long time and look focused enough to maintain the highest playing level from both the physical and mental aspects of the game.
Braun is similar to Albert Pujols. He came up at the hot corner, played it well, and changed positions after a few years for the better of the team. And now with an MVP, he is more like Albert. He had an unbelievable season in Leftfield while leading the Brewers to the NLCS with a .332 average, 33 HRs, and 111 RBI. Plus, he stole 33 bases. The Dodgers’ centerfielder, Matt Kemp, had a phenomenal breakout season, but came in second to Braun. I’m thinking he would have won if the Dodgers were even in the pennant race down the stretch of the regular season, but were far behind by mid-season. Kemp led the league in HRs and RBI, at 39 and 126, respectively. He swiped 40 bags and needed just 1 bomb for 40-40 Club. That’s impressive to say the least. However, 9 times out of 10 throughout baseball history, the guy on the better team in the midst of a playoff chase gets the nod from the writers. Unless it’s overly gross statistically, I don’t disagree with that philosophy. And in this case, the numbers are similar.
Alright now, let’s get to that A.L. Most Valuable Pitcher, er, I mean Player. A real controversy. As in the case of the playoff bound Braun getting the nod over golf course bound Kemp, I have NO PROBLEM with a Pitcher winning the MVP. I repeat, even as a catcher who likes to pick on pitchers who don’t listen, I don’t mind that a pitcher wins the MVP. Verlander killed it all year long. 24 Wins. 2.48 ERA. 250 Ks. A mere 5 losses. 251+ innings pitched. His 2nd career no-no. WOW!! He did it ALL! He struck guys out, won games, and ate innings up that saved the bullpen to fight another day. Start in and start out. Very workman-like.
There simply is NO controversy in my eyes. If a pitcher, in today’s game, can DOMINATE in every aspect like this, how can he not win MVP? Yes, they have the Cy Young Award. I get it. The everyday guys also have Silver Sluggers and Gold Gloves just for THEIR postitions. So, everyone has at least 2 awards to compete for with guys that play in their spots. Sounds even up to me, so the MVP is fair game. WIth that being said, I do want to be clear that the ACE (or reliever) has to have a special season, and not just leading the league. Jacoby Ellsbury had an incredible season going .321 at the plate with 32 HRs, 105 RBI, 119 runs, and 39 swipes. And that’s all from the leadoff spot. UNREAL! In addition to going against one of the most outstanding seasons by a pitcher in decades, he too, like Kemp, was headed to the First Tee as the BoSox mailed it in early while Verlander’s Tigers took the Central title. That combo clinched it for Verlander as it is still not easy, nor should it be, for a pitcher to take the MVP crown. If Boston made the Wild Card, it would have been because of Ellsbury down the stretch with his stick, mitt, and will. Surely then, it would have been his crown. Instead, it was the O’s eliminating the Sox (Balt. took 2 of 3 to end reg. season), thus crowning Verlander in a tight vote. Justin deserves it without a doubt, but he may just want to thank Baltimore!
Later Fans.