There's obviously the nuts and bolts, WAR definition of value, but I think the writier's definition is equally valid in the MVP context. There's something poetically right about the linchpin of a winning team getting the award over a guy racking up stats in meaningless games on a floundering ballclub IMO.
I'd actually call the MVP award the MVBoaGT (Most Valuable Batter on a Good Team.) It's really for the guy who's amongst the best players during the offensive half of the inning.
To those who were arguing that the triple crown doesn't mean he wins the award because in the past there have been TC winners who lost the MVP vote, I would add isn't that because when those instances occurred the Triple Crown was much more common? Not "common" really, but nowhere close to as rare as it is in today's game.
Last edited by blumj; 09-22-2012 at 12:27 PM.
"Reality tells us there are no guarantees. Except that some day Jon Lester will be on that list of 100-game winners." - Peter Gammons
Yes, in my opinion, because I can't find a reasonable explanation that is going to show that he has been better. Because he hasn't. He is slightly better at the plate. He is vastly inferior in the field and on the base paths. All of that says that Trout is better. Being better is being more valuable.
I am not arguing who will do what, because I could care less what a bunch of beat writers think. I am arguing who should be. And it should be Mike Trout, because he is the better player this year, which makes him the most valuable player this year, even if the writers don't give him enough votes to get the trophy that says so.
I think Miguel Cabrera had the slightly better season at the plate because he beat Mike Trout in almost every hitting statistic including AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS, HR and a massive lead in RBIs. Trout led in Runs and Stolen bases. They basically tied in OPS+ and wOBA (wOBA factors in stolen bases yet it is still a tie). Trout's stellar defense is the only thing that separates the two and gives Trout a decisive edge. I would vote for Mike Trout even if Cabrera gets the Triple Crown, but I would bet Cabrera will win the sportswriters' vote if he claims the Triple Crown, otherwise it will be Trout.
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