AL/NL MVP's ?

[PeterSparker]

Well I think its safe to say they are both a two man race at this point, and any one of them could seal the deal with a dramatic finish these last two weeks.

So who do you think deserves it as of right now, and who's gonna have the biggest clutch hits down the stretch to take it?



AL - David Ortiz or Alex Rodriquez

NL - Albert Pujols or Andruw Jones

[Jonny Z]

ortiz and probably jones...

[TopFeeg]

If the Yankees do not make the playoffs, No question, Ortiz.

On the same lines, who should get the Cy Young. Especially in the NL

I think its Carp's.

[Christian Beranek]

AL: Rodriguez

Ortiz is just a DH most of the time.

NL: Pujols

Now that he is out of the shadow Barry Bonds cast upon him he'll finally get the award.

[PeterSparker]

They both could go either way, Ortiz took the HR lead last night, but A-Rod answered tonight. I agree though if the Yanks don't make it, Ortiz will definitely win. (he might anyway) but if the numbers are close, as said A-Rod's defense has helped his team plenty this year, but Big Papi is a DH.

As for Cy Young, same deal, its a tough call in the NL, though I'd also have to say Carpenter. But man, after seeing the Rocket last night once again dominate, especially under the circumstances, is pretty awesome to watch. AL I'd say Colon, but they should at least consider Mariano Rivera, he's been unbelievable this year.

[JABSEN]

AL-Ortiz

NL-Jones

[Christian Beranek]

They both could go either way, Ortiz took the HR lead last night, but A-Rod answered tonight. I agree though if the Yanks don't make it, Ortiz will definitely win. (he might anyway) but if the numbers are close, A-Rod's defense has helped his team plenty this year, but Big Papi is a DH.

As for Cy Young, same deal, its a tough call in the NL, but I'd also have to say Carpenter. But man, after seeing the Rocket last night once again dominate, especially under the circumstances, is pretty awesome to watch. AL I'd say Colon, but they should at least consider Mariano Rivera, he's been unbelievable this year.

Clemens lost 5 games 1 - 0 this year. Fucking crazy. He'd be 17 - 2 right now if it wasn't for that.

Love to see Rivera get the award.

[TopFeeg]

Ortiz is CLUTCH though. He has like 4 game winning hits in the past few days. He's more valuable to the Sox than A-Rod is to the Yankees, especially when you look at what Giambi's done this second half. Also, when you look at Ortiz when Manny's out of the lineup, they don't pitch to Ortiz. He is that feared by pitchers that they just pass by him.

[Christian Beranek]

Ortiz is CLUTCH though. He has like 4 game winning hits in the past few days. He's more valuable to the Sox than A-Rod is to the Yankees, especially when you look at what Giambi's done this second half. Also, when you look at Ortiz when Manny's out of the lineup, they don't pitch to Ortiz. He is that feared by pitchers that they just pass by him.

True, but A-Rod has the edge when it comes to defense.

And holy shit did Giambi turn it around.

[Jonny Z]

Ortiz is CLUTCH though. He has like 4 game winning hits in the past few days. He's more valuable to the Sox than A-Rod is to the Yankees, especially when you look at what Giambi's done this second half. Also, when you look at Ortiz when Manny's out of the lineup, they don't pitch to Ortiz. He is that feared by pitchers that they just pass by him.

yeah, at the beginning of the year, most of gayrods rbis and hits came in games they were already losing or winning. his hits helped none. ortiz on the other hand is a lot more clutch

[TopFeeg]

True, but A-Rod has the edge when it comes to defense.

And holy shit did Giambi turn it around.
While A-Rod has the edge on D, The Sox have Olerud, (and unfortunately Millar too) so Ortiz doesn't have to play the field, but has proven to be, not a BAD first basemen when playing interleague, or in the World Series last year.

[Christian Beranek]

yeah, at the beginning of the year, most of gayrods rbis and hits came in games they were already losing or winning. his hits helped none. ortiz on the other hand is a lot more clutch

Still just a DH buddy.

[Christian Beranek]

While A-Rod has the edge on D, The Sox have Olerud, (and unfortunately Millar too) so Ortiz doesn't have to play the field, but has proven to be, not a BAD first basemen when playing interleague, or in the World Series last year.

True, but his past defense doesn't affect this year's votes.

If Ortiz wins I'm not gonna complain. I give props when props are due, but I can't see giving the MVP to someone who doesn't contribute that much in terms of defense.

A-Rod delivers a ton of key hits. His 2-run homer tonight won the game for the Yanks.

[PeterSparker]

Well I'll certainly agree that Ortiz is captain clutch, and if he wins its that dimension that will win it for him, but A-Rod has absolutely been the MVP of the Yanks line up most of the year, (with plenty of Sheff along the way, and a whole lot of Giambi the last few months) In plenty of big spots, since before the all star break on, he's impacted games this season. His last trip to Fenway he was crushing the ball (and he broke a tie game tonight with a two run shot) But see thats kind of the point of the thread, either one of those guys could take it from the other still. The MVP of the AL might very well be decided that final series in Fenway.

[Christian Beranek]

Well I'll certainly agree that Ortiz is captain clutch, and if he wins its that dimension that will win it for him, but A-Rod has absolutely been the MVP of the Yanks line up most of the year, (with plenty of Sheff along the way, and a whole lot of Giambi the last few months) In plenty of big spots, since before the all star break on, he's impacted games this season. His last trip to Fenway he was crushing the ball (and he broke a tie game tonight with a two run shot) But see thats kind of the point of the thread, either one of those guys could take it from the other still. The MVP of the AL might very well be decided that final series in Fenway.

That would be awesome and very fitting.

May the best man and team win.

[Hil]

NL - Andruw Jones for sure. I mean, the cardinals had a lot of injuries, but who thought the braves would be anything this year. First guy with 50+ homers in the last 3 years (the new "we're all too scared to use 'roids era").

AL - Think it will come down to the last week of the season. Who wins the AL East. I'm not against Ortiz cuz he is a DH. If they are gonna have the position, he should not be dinged for it.

[Shane W]

AL - I'm a firm believer that a DH is only half a player and shouldn't be considiered fro MVP. If your defense is so bad that you don't have a place, then you really aren't that valuable. That leaves it for A-Rod


NL - I want Pujols to win, but he won't. Jones, who's hitting 60 points less will win since people can't look past the HR.

[Smokinblues]

AL - I'm a firm believer that a DH is only half a player and shouldn't be considiered fro MVP. If your defense is so bad that you don't have a place, then you really aren't that valuable. That leaves it for A-Rod


NL - I want Pujols to win, but he won't. Jones, who's hitting 60 points less will win since people can't look past the HR.

there's also the fact that for the most part jones single handedly carried atlanta with a bunch of rookies in both the lineup and the rotation.

it should be jones' to lose.

[DonFanucci]

You can't give the MPV to a DH...... it's Most Valuable Player...not most valuable hitter...

Plus he sits out games when Randy Johnson pitches.... if you're the MVP, get your ass in there and hit.

[Shane W]

there's also the fact that for the most part jones single handedly carried atlanta with a bunch of rookies in both the lineup and the rotation.

it should be jones' to lose.

Rookies that were legit prospects, it wasn't like the patchwork team the Cards put out, but I guess 10 HR is enough to ignore the rest of the stats.

[Doug]

AL: A-Rod. I'm quoting Tom Verducci from SI here:

if you're going to be a one-dimensional player, you better be far, far better than everybody else to win the MVP.


The full quote is found here:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/tom_verducci/09/15/mvp.debate/index.html?cnn=yes (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/tom_verducci/09/15/mvp.debate/index.html?cnn=yes)

It is not like Ortiz is 15-20 points better in any catagory. I do think the fact that he doesn't play a position hurts. There are already awards for the best hitter, so the MVP should be all around player. A-Rod has been very good at third base this year and along with his hitting I think he should be the MVP.

I'm not saying Ortiz isn't a great and clutch hitter, he is, I'm just saying that to me A-Rod has the advantage.

NL: Pujols

He has been pretty dominant from what I've seen. (admittedly very little since I don't follow the NL).

How about Roger Clemens as a longshot MVP? His ERA has been so small all year. That is amazing.

[Hil]

If you can give a gold glove to a guy who plays 19 games at first base, you can give the MVP to a DH. Pitchers have won the MVP. Pitchers in the American League have won the MVP - Eck, Clemens. They don't bat, they don't play every day.

I hate the DH, but if there was no DH, then Ortiz would just be playing a shitty first base. If the league is gonna penalize for a position, they should get rid of it.

P.S. The DH is a stupid idea past its time.

[Smokinblues]

If you can give a gold glove to a guy who plays 19 games at first base, you can give the MVP to a DH. Pitchers have won the MVP. Pitchers in the American League have won the MVP - Eck, Clemens. They don't bat, they don't play every day.

I hate the DH, but if there was no DH, then Ortiz would just be playing a shitty first base. If the league is gonna penalize for a position, they should get rid of it.

P.S. The DH is a stupid idea past its time.

agreed, time to get rid of it.

[SteveFlack]

I agree on the stupidity of the DH, but it'll never be removed. Personally,I'd be happy if it was put in place in both leagues as opposed to just one. It makes no sense for there to be such a major rule change in only one league. It's like if the Eastern Conference in the NBA had no 3 point shot.

Oh, and pitchers shouldn't get the MVP, that's what the Cy Young is for.

-Steve!

[jason hissong]

I agree on the stupidity of the DH, but it'll never be removed. Personally,I'd be happy if it was put in place in both leagues as opposed to just one. It makes no sense for there to be such a major rule change in only one league. It's like if the Eastern Conference in the NBA had no 3 point shot.

Oh, and pitchers shouldn't get the MVP, that's what the Cy Young is for.

-Steve!


But baseball writers tell us over and over again that they Cy Young is NOT just the MVP for pitchers.

I can't see this, but . . .

-j

[joeyart]

AL-Ortiz...too many walk offs to not give it to him...

NL-Pujols. In a walk (I'm very biased on this)

[William Satterwhite]

Rookies that were legit prospects, it wasn't like the patchwork team the Cards put out

Not counting pitchers Franceour, McCann and Betemit are the only "legitimate" prospects who have contributed to the Braves success. Franceour and McCann weren't expected to contribute anything until 2007 and jumped straight up from Double-A. Betemit was a top prospect three years ago and was considered a bust coming into this season. The one legit top prospect who came into the season expecting to contribute (Andy Marte) actually hasn't even done anything for the Braves. Don't try to make it seem like the Braves rookies are all studs who were expected to play big roles with the team this season, because they weren't.

[Ben Rosen]

ortiz and ANDRUW!!!

[J. Wilson]

David Ortiz should be the AL MVP. Rodriguez has better numbers in some of the categories, but I don't think anyone is more valuable to his team in numbers AND intangibles than Big Papi.

[McAfee]

AL: A-Rod--an MVP should have to play both halves of an inning.

NL: Pujols--Guy's in the top three of each of the three major offensive categories. Jones has been a beast with the power and he's a helluva fielder, but he'll have to raise the average to about .295 (from .275 today) to gain my respect as an all-around hitter.

Pujols is behind Jones in RBI and homers, but that is it. Average, slugging, on-base, stolen bases, strike outs, walks----->Pujols is better in all of them. Even their fielding percentages are similar.

[William Satterwhite]

Pujols is better in all of them. Even their fielding percentages are similar.

I hope you're just joking with that one. There's a huge difference between being an elite centerfielder and being a pretty good 1st baseman.

[badpoet]

I'll go with Ortiz. I'm loathe to give a DH/pinch hitter the nod for MVP, but he's consistantly led his team to victory again and again. While A-Rod has had a fantastic year, and his fielding is pretty good, I just don't see him being the most valueable player.

Pujols and Jones is a lot tougher. Jones is a great fielder and he's smashed the hell out of the ball. Pujols just does it all, and has power to boot. I'd probably vote for Pujols, but that would be a tough decision.

[McAfee]

I hope you're just joking with that one. There's a huge difference between being an elite centerfielder and being a pretty good 1st baseman.

I know, and that's why you'll never see a player get the award for his defensive prowess. Otherwise Ozzie Smith would have been MVP about a dozen times.

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

A-Rod and Pujols.

[William Satterwhite]

I know, and that's why you'll never see a player get the award for his defensive prowess. Otherwise Ozzie Smith would have been MVP about a dozen times.

Well, if two guys both put up good offensive numbers, defensive value should be taken into account.

[Dannñ B]

Big Papi.

[Allen Y]

David Ortiz and Andruw Jones, respectively.

Allen

[anthony the ghost]

andruw jones and the al east player whos team makes the playoffs.

[Hil]

Well, if two guys both put up good offensive numbers, defensive value should be taken into account.

I submit that Ortiz is contributing defensively by not being out of the field. Betcha if he was at first, Sox would be looking at 3 less wins right now.