Why Big Papi's the MVP

(AP Photo)

Sabermetricians across the country that study baseball statistics are cursing David Ortiz. The reason being is they don’t believe in clutch hitting, they describe it as nothing more than random chance in action. Well if that’s the case David Ortiz sure gets a lot of action, and he’s certainly the “luckiest” hitter in baseball.

This season, and really throughout his whole career in Boston, David Ortiz has helped carry his team to victory time and time again, and yes, the team’s carried by the mighty piece of lumber he wields at the plate. David Ortiz is not a gold glove defensive player, in fact David Ortiz rarely plays a defensive position on the field. What David Ortiz is, is the shining example of what a teammate and leader is supposed to be. A truly valuable baseball player is a player who helps his team win games, and what wins games? Runs scored and outs not made. David Ortiz from a pure statistical standpoint does this to the T.

Thus far this year David Ortiz is leading the league in RBI, HRs, SLG, and is tied for Runs scored. He is also near the top of the league in categories such as OPS & OBP. Looking at these stats Ortiz and A-Rod are the only ballplayers with numbers this impressive on teams in the playoff hunt. So what separates them? A-Rod playing a horrible 3B half the year and a great 3B the second half of the year? I don’t think so. A-Rod is not, and never will be a leader. He’s an amazing baseball player, who puts up amazing numbers, but he’s not the one virtually willing his team to victory.

This past week was a great microcosm on what David Ortiz does for Boston, and that’s win games, and this week credit Papi with three. A-Rod supporters may cry foul with the Vladimir Guerrero type run at the MVP he’s having this September, but that’s incorrect too. He is hitting well in the right positions to make his team win games, but that’s nothing new for Big Papi, and most definitely not only a September trait of his, it’s simply a trait of his, which makes him valuable. David’s big smile and laugh are valuable. David’s hand clapping and spitting at the plate are valuable. David’s hugs and points to the sky are valuable. You can not watch a Boston Red Sox game and not see how valuable a teammate and player he is. David Ortiz didn’t just have more All Star votes than any ballplayer just because he’s an amazing player, it’s also because he’s likeable, and an asset for the good of the game.

If it were Yankee players taking jabs at Papi in April, I guarantee you that the Sox players wouldn’t let them talk like that about their MVP. That’s part of being an MVP, having the numbers, winning games, and being a leader for your team and franchise, and Papi has all points covered.

Comments

[James]

Please. Do you have any objectivity at all. I know your a big Sox fan but lets be real. Yes, I am a Yankee fan. I also will have no problem if Ortiz wins the MVP. He is clutch. If I needed one at bat with all the game on the line its BIG PAPI. But again be objective. AROD had one bad month at the hot corner, not half a season. He also will probably win a gold glove this year.He as won games with both bat and glove. To say he hits homeruns when up big or down big is baseless. While your beloved Sox take the field BIG PAPI is doing the crossword puzzles. If he had to start at first base 150 games this year the Sox would be further behind then they are know, even with is clutch heroic performances. Again I love Big Papi, which he was one my team,but He is no lock to win the MVP. If he wins, all power to him. But its closer than you may think. Some people do value an overall complete player. It appears you do not

[Digital-Derek]

Hey Jimmy Jack -

If you want to read why A-Rod should be MVP go to http://www.nyyfans.com.

This is my Sox blog, and it's not in my agenda to be fair and balanced, esp. when it comes to the Yanks, sorry.

I complimented A-Rod and said...

"He’s an amazing baseball player, who puts up amazing numbers"

Here's a question, does an MVP hit something like .260 with runners in scoring position? No. I fear Sheff 100 times more then I fear A-Rod.

You fear Big Papi more then any other Sox player.

And yes, I exagerated when I said half a year, again, this is a Red Sox fan site.

[THOMAS]

DAVID ORTIZ IS THE TENTH MAN ON A TEAM IN A SPORT THAT TRADITIONALLY REQUIRES ONLY NINE. HIS ROLE IS THAT OF A PART TIME PLAYER AT BEST. HOW PROUD HE MUST FEEL AS HE WATCHES GAME AFTER GAME FROM HIS RESERVED SEAT IN THE DUGOUT. HE SHOULD BE MADE TO SIT IN THE STANDS WITH ALL THE OTHER WOULD BE BALLPLAYERS WHO BRING THEIR GLOVES FROM HOME IN THE HOPE OF CATCHING A FOUL BALL. ANY BASEBALL FAN WHO GOT A FOUL TIP SOUVENIER THIS SEASON HAS MORE PUTOUTS THAN THE SUPPOSED RED SOX MVP. LETS JUST THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MINUTE

[James]

I apologize for getting under your skin. I am fully aware this is a red sox fan site but did not realize other opinions were not welcomed . I know where the Yankee sites are but not always interested in using my pom poms. I like to talk baseball with all fans. I have not had any problems having some banter with other red sox fans. What fun is it to have a blog when you here the same opinion over and over and over again. I guess that explains why your site recieves alot fewer comments than the other blogs. Most people enjoy alittle debate. But I see yours is strictly for cheerleading. Good luck, I will not bother you in future

[abrew]

Red Sox designated hitter David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz hands out new M&M ice cream treats at the Prudential Center yesterday.

http://www.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1102877