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shallowdeep -> RE: MLB brag, sob, cheer, or whine (10/6/2007 3:19:09 AM)
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I'm a Giants fan. About the playoffs... can we, uhm, not talk about them this year? Sadly, I doubt I'll be any less taciturn on the matter next season.
NL ROY - I'd like to be able to go with SilverWulf and say Tulowitzki (with him being a Bay Area native and all) but I think Milwaukee's Ryan Braun is more deserving. Away from Coor's, Tuolwitzki is a .256 hitter (with only 9 HR). Braun had a better offensive season in almost every respect despite being a late call-up and only playing in 113 games. An argument could be made about Braun's defense (or, with a .895 FPCT, lack thereof) but he still gets my vote.
NL MVP - I'd be happy with either Rollins or Holliday. Holliday arguably has somewhat better stats, but with a .376 AVG and 25 HR at Coor's vs. .301 and 11 HR on the road, it might be fair to discount them somewhat. Not that Citizen's Bank isn't hitter friendly too, but Rollins' home/away splits are much more reasonable. Rollins is also the more dynamic player in my view.
With that said, I'd like to throw out something of a dark horse for consideration. The MVP isn't simply about honoring the best player, but about contribution to a team... and of course that contribution usually has to be significant enough that the team wins. Both Rollins and Holliday play on teams with good offenses (1st and 2nd in runs scored and 6th and 1st in average in the NL, respectively); so, while both players were integral parts of their team's success, they weren't exactly alone.
While perhpas not as talented a player, Eric Byrnes brings intensity to the game and has been invaluable to a team that ranked last in runs scored in the NL, not only as an offensive force, but also for his leadership. Arizona was actually outscored 712-732 during the season, but nevertheless had the best record in the NL. Webb and a bullpen with 71 saves (the total number of Giants wins this season... *sob*) were obviously helpful, but Byrnes alone really stood out offensively. He led the team in games, at bats, runs, doubles, triples, RBIs, total bases, and stolen bases. He was second in average* and home runs.
I think it may also be worth noting that the West had pretty good pitching relative to the rest of the league, so for comparison to Rollins, for example, it's worth noting that Byrnes was a .320 hitter against the East while Rollins batted .275 against the West. The same argument could be used to bolster Holliday's case, he batted .367 against Eastern opponents. Of course Rollins partisans may argue results against division rivals are more meaningful to an MVP campaign... but I think it does help ameliorate Brynes' relatively low numbers (in absolute terms) when placed in this context.
If the Diamondbacks win the World Series, Byrnes might get some more consideration, but presently he seems overlooked which, while understandable based on stats, is too bad as he is fun to watch and is deserving of the recognition.
*Not counting Micah Owings who batted .333 with 4 HR, 7 2B, and a 3B in 60 AB as a starting pitcher.
NL Cy Young - Jake Peavy. Hmm. That wasn't very interesting, was it? Maybe there was a reason it got left off the OP's list...
NL MOY - Haven't looked into it enough to have an opinion.
AL awards - Does a league with a designated hitter really deserve awards? I don't think so. And no, the AL winning the World Series (or the next hundred All-Star games) won't change my opinion. =)
Another question for everyone: Seeing as the Giants no longer want Bonds, do you? At what price (if any) would you look on your team signing him favorably?
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"A full century without a championship. Think of the marketing potential! It's probably unique in sports!"
- Cubs' ownership right before instructing team to throw the playoffs. =)
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