Monday, October 03, 2005
If you understand the game of baseball, then you have already decided who your AL MVP is in 2005. Yet for some scribes around the country that own MVP votes, the decision will come down to a tiny sample of 3 games this weekend in Boston. Baseball is a game of both mental and physical endurance, a daily grind that takes its toll on even the most physically fit of players. Yes, playing in the field adds to fatigue and wear and tear, so Papi probably has benefited statistically from being able to lounge in the dugout, and even the clubhouse during the game. AROD should also gain points for playing a stellar third base in only his second season at the position. His stats for a third baseman are gaudy enough; At shortstop they are unsurpassed all-time. But
the MVP isn’t necessarily the player with the gaudiest stats or the guy that shines in one, albeit very crucial, September series. The Most Valuable Player is the guy that you wanted with the bat in his hands with the game on the line throughout the season. An MVP can’t show any signs of being unsettled when the mound rat sends cheese high and tight. Even the most ardent Yankee fan will admit that AROD isn’t even that guy on his OWN team. Big Papi has the intangibles of leadership and improved performace in the clutch. New York, say hello once again to Big Papi, the AL MVP.
BIG PAPI
.298 47 HR 146 RBI
7th INNING ON:
19 HR, 50 RBI
AROD
.320 47HR 128 RBI
7th INNING ON:
9 HR, 23 RBI
If efficiency in the clutch is something you value then there’s no question Ortiz has the upper hand. A-Rod leads the AL in plate appearances with runners in scoring position but his on-base percentage/ slugging percentage in those spots doesn’t even crack the top 25.
-RED SOX HUB