Okay, I get it that saber fans LOVE the WAR stat. I get it. I also think it's a useful stat. But I'm just not seeing this "clear choice" at all.
Now if you don't put nearly ALL of the emphasis on WAR...the numbers lean quite heavily in Cabrera's direction. Trout has him beat in the speed categories...that's it. Runs, triples, stolen bases and WAR because it factors in his speedy CF defense. Please, can someone show me exactly where Trout has a clear edge? I'm dead serious.Code:PLAYER GP AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS WAR Trout 139 559 129 182 27 8 30 83 67 139 49 5 .326 .399 .564 .963 10.7 Cabrera 161 622 109 205 40 0 44 139 66 98 4 1 .330 .393 .606 .999 6.9
Well, if you are solely looking at unadjusted for park numbers, yes, Cabrera has a large offensive advantage. But Cabrera plays in a hitter friendly park (and against crappy competition for that matter), while Trout plays in a pitcher friendly park in a division with three really big pitching friendly parks. Take a look at OPS+, which is adjusted for the parks you play in;
Cabrera - 165
Trout - 171 (led the AL)
So offensively, Mike Trout was actually better on a rate status. If you want to argue that Cabrera still gets a very small edge because he he 60 extra trips to the plate, I will accept that. But the margin is incredibly small.
Then let's look at base running. Mike Trout is arguably the best base runner in baseball. Miguel Cabrera isn't close. Big advantage for Trout.
Now look at defense. We don't need defensive numbers. Everyone on the planet knows that Mike Trout is a much, much better defender at a much tougher position than Miguel Cabrera is. Big advantage for Trout.
It was a landslide. Except somehow, the voters are crazy.
Me too and it hurts my head. There isn't an argument when you look at all of the evidence that suggests Cabrera was better, more valuable or any other word phrase you want to use that suggests whatever you want that award to mean unless you solely vote based on playoff status (and even then it is crazy because Trout and the Angels had a better record in a MUCH better division).
Awards are not science, it's more of a human choice when the numbers get too loud and close.
Like the Oscars I suppose the MVP is fraught with bad choices
The MVP??
You mean the award Zoilo Versalles once won?
Yeah it's been a mess since it started, hardly science, and that won't change.
Personally I believe that there needs to be a MVP and a Player of the Year (1 award for the whole game)
In that scenario Trout likely wins player of the year and the old popularity contest targeted at teams that win a title can still be used.
I just think right now the offensive stats are disproportionately more important to the writers when they vote on the major awards. 60% offense, maybe 20% defense and speed. I really think that's really the reason the 1st place vote was so lopsided. I think it will change, but it will take time.
I can not recall who said it on Twitter but they nailed it best. The MVP of the AL was about Old school versus new school and old school won out.
2006 Redzone mock Draftee's- 1(st) Daniel Bard(redsox), 1(st sup)( Jordan Walden (Angels), 2(nd) rd.- Zach Britton(Orioles), 3(rd) Blair Erickson(Cardinals), 3(rd) Tim Norton( Yankees),(cuz its a Tim Hortons thing
Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory... lasts forever.
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