Sox Yanks Split -- SawxBlog Talks MVP

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

The Red Sox split two games in the Bronx yesterday and they looked OK, with the teams we're throwing out there, you honestly can't expect too much more. Hearing that Manny and Papelbon are most likely out for the rest of the season doesn't help the optimist view that the Red Sox still have a chance at the playoffs, and they don't. But still, that doesn't mean it isn't fun to watch the Sox and Yankees play each other. Even though we know the majority of New England really cares about the Patriots / Jets game today.

I find the whole David Ortiz MVP "controversy" to be pretty funny. Papi's comments last week were more of a compliment to the Yankees line-up, and a diss to the Red Sox. But whatever, the New York media can make a story out of it if they want, the real story should be about the MVP race itself. I honesty think that neither Papi or Jeter will get the award (Dye or Morneau should win) and if any of them get it, it will be Jeter, because of where he plays and what his team is doing. But does he deserve it? You be the judge and check out the spreadsheet I put together comparing the last 10 AL MVP's.

Except for Ichiro in 2001, it's undeniable that this is an award that is given to the top slugger in the league. If you just look at the averages you can clearly see that power get you hardware. As you can see Papi is already well ahead of the averages in all but BA and it looks like Jeter is only going to be ahead in two.

This is a debate that was talked about last year a lot, and I still think the people who don't believe a DH can win are in a fantasy world. The DH is integral, and one of the most valuable positions in the AL, to turn a blind eye towards it is dangerous, and unfair.

The spreadsheet's interesting to look at though. Notice that when A-Rod won the award in 2003 (on the last place Texas Rangers) all of his numbers but BA are below Papi's...

Comments

[Erik]

Jeter.