This weekend, it was made public that 2011 NL MVP tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. He calls the test result "ridiculous" and claims that it can be explained. But hey, so does everyone else. I am happy that the MLB is sticking to its word and is testing their players routinely. Braun is the second big name in the last few years to test positive. Manny Ramirez had the last two.
What bothers me is that Braun's test results came after the season. I am not familiar with the way steroids work, if they are more beneficial in the months before the season or during, but one thing is for sure. Ryan Braun, or any other player for that matter, would not just start using steroids at the height of the era in which there is a 'crackdown'. So that would most likely mean that this use has been going on for some time. If so, why hasn't Braun been caught prior to December 2011?
I am sure that there will be much debate over whether or not Braun should be stripped of his MVP crown. I would believe that it would be fair to do so. Nothing can be gratifying than to win such a prestigious award. However, nothing can be more demoralizing than taking it away. In my opinion, once a player, especially at a young age, is finished with his suspension, he will move on with his life and continue right where he left off. I think that suspensions are only incentives to do a better job of not getting caught. Stripping someone of their MVP, has much more value and sets a precedent for all to learn from.
Matt Kemp, who I believe should have won the MVP in the first place, is my 2011 NL/AL/All League
MVP. Time will tell if he will be officially crowned.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
C.J. Wilson
The Angels made another big move yesterday with the signing of former Rangers' ace, C.J. Wilson. After completely reshaping their lineup with the addition of Pujols, the Angels added another ace to their already stellar starting rotation. Wilson will make $77.5 million over the next 5 seasons for has native California team.
Even with all of the additions that the Miami Marlins have made this offseason, it is hard to pick a team that is more improved than the Angels. With their offense completely revamped, the Angels will have to beat the powerful Rangers if they want to win the division.
Wilson adds a left handed presence to an already dominate rotation. Wilson, who finished his second full season as a starter at 16-7 with a 2.94 era and 206 strikeouts in 223 innings, will most likely be the team's number 2 starter behind ace Jered Weaver. Weaver, who was overused toward the end of the season, compiled an 18-8 record and a 2.41 era over 235 innings. Dan Haren, anyone else's number 1 will be the team's number 3 starter. Haren threw 238 innings last year for the Angels with a 16-10 record and a 3.17 era. Ervin Santana, who had a very strong 2011 even though his record didnt show it, will follow up a season in which he threw 228 2/3 innings and posted a 3.38 earned run average as the number 4 starter. To be honest, I don't know who the number 5 starter will be, but I dont think it really matters. There is no other team that can compare with the Angels top four starters. With their new offense and great staff, the Angels are instantly favorites to win th AL West. If the Yankees or Red Sox can't rebuild their pitching staff, look for the Angels to be AL favorites.
Even with all of the additions that the Miami Marlins have made this offseason, it is hard to pick a team that is more improved than the Angels. With their offense completely revamped, the Angels will have to beat the powerful Rangers if they want to win the division.
Wilson adds a left handed presence to an already dominate rotation. Wilson, who finished his second full season as a starter at 16-7 with a 2.94 era and 206 strikeouts in 223 innings, will most likely be the team's number 2 starter behind ace Jered Weaver. Weaver, who was overused toward the end of the season, compiled an 18-8 record and a 2.41 era over 235 innings. Dan Haren, anyone else's number 1 will be the team's number 3 starter. Haren threw 238 innings last year for the Angels with a 16-10 record and a 3.17 era. Ervin Santana, who had a very strong 2011 even though his record didnt show it, will follow up a season in which he threw 228 2/3 innings and posted a 3.38 earned run average as the number 4 starter. To be honest, I don't know who the number 5 starter will be, but I dont think it really matters. There is no other team that can compare with the Angels top four starters. With their new offense and great staff, the Angels are instantly favorites to win th AL West. If the Yankees or Red Sox can't rebuild their pitching staff, look for the Angels to be AL favorites.
Pujols
Albert Pujols shocked the baseball world today when he accepted the Angels' offer of 10 years and $254 million. Although there are many questions surrounding King Albert's alleged 31 years of age, he is still the best player on the planet. His numbers were 'down' this year as he posted a .299 average, 37 home runs, and 99 runs batted in. And through his first 11 seasons Albert has 2073 hits, 455 doubles, 445 home runs, 1329 runs batted in, and an amazing .328 career average. There is no doubt that if Pujols were to retire today at '31', he would be a first ballot hall of famer.
He joins a team that basically did not have an offense, and changes them drastically. With this one signing, the Angels have a very strong line up. Now the team that was filled with speedy lead off types that lacked power, has a lethal line up. After a lead off hitter of their choice, Howie Kendrick will bat second to start the lineup, Pujols will bat 3rd. Torii Hunter will most likely follow in the 4 spot. Batting 5th, the Angels will hope that Kendry Morales regains his form before injury and play DH. Vernon Wells, who had a terrible 2011, will look to play with a lot less pressure and improve on his dissapointing season. Mark Trumbo, who smashed 29 home runs in his rookie season, will make the move to third base and bat 7th. Chris Ianneta, the young powerful backstop, will bat 8th. And the highly touted (and future lead off hitter) Peter Bourjos will bat 9th, providing pop and a lot of speed.
It is clear that the signing of Pujols alone drastically changes the landscape of the Los Angeles Angels. Pujols is the one guy who is able to completely change a team, a division, and a league. The 'addition' of Kendry Morales, who hit 34 home runs in 2009 and 11 in 2010 before breaking his leg on a freak play. At 28, Morales has the potential to be a lethal run producer depending on his health. Look for the Angels to be a powerful team this year with or without the production of Morales. If Morales puts up numbers similar to 2009, he will be the cleanup hitter and the Angels will be tough to beat for sure.
He joins a team that basically did not have an offense, and changes them drastically. With this one signing, the Angels have a very strong line up. Now the team that was filled with speedy lead off types that lacked power, has a lethal line up. After a lead off hitter of their choice, Howie Kendrick will bat second to start the lineup, Pujols will bat 3rd. Torii Hunter will most likely follow in the 4 spot. Batting 5th, the Angels will hope that Kendry Morales regains his form before injury and play DH. Vernon Wells, who had a terrible 2011, will look to play with a lot less pressure and improve on his dissapointing season. Mark Trumbo, who smashed 29 home runs in his rookie season, will make the move to third base and bat 7th. Chris Ianneta, the young powerful backstop, will bat 8th. And the highly touted (and future lead off hitter) Peter Bourjos will bat 9th, providing pop and a lot of speed.
It is clear that the signing of Pujols alone drastically changes the landscape of the Los Angeles Angels. Pujols is the one guy who is able to completely change a team, a division, and a league. The 'addition' of Kendry Morales, who hit 34 home runs in 2009 and 11 in 2010 before breaking his leg on a freak play. At 28, Morales has the potential to be a lethal run producer depending on his health. Look for the Angels to be a powerful team this year with or without the production of Morales. If Morales puts up numbers similar to 2009, he will be the cleanup hitter and the Angels will be tough to beat for sure.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Bobby Valentine in.
Bobby Valentine is the newest Red Sox manager. Although I am still miffed that Terry Francona was so mistreated, I am happy that Valentine will be given the oppertunity to manage the team going forward.
Valentine is a no nonsense type manager that demands the utmost respect from his players. With Bobby, the Red Sox get an experienced man who has not only passion for the game, but a deep need for success. What I admire about the signing is that it shows that the owners are not as self absorbed and power hungry as they may have been depicted. Because Valentine is such a hands on type manager, he will demand that things be ran his way as long as he has control in the team.
Now that the Sox have a manager, I would expect there to be drastic changes in the player personel. I trust Bobby's judgment in player make up as he will be studying each and every individual on the team in the next few weeks. I would expect that any player labeled as a toxin will be traded, released, or left unsigned. Valentine is an extraordinary people person that knows not only how to motivate people, but wise enough to know who he cannot. I think it is safe to say that the chicken eating, beer drinking, conditioning skipping days are long over in beantown. I am very pleased that Bobby V. will be leading the new look Sox in 2012.
If you are still uncertain about Valentine, take a look at his first action as manager. To ensure that Sox frontman David Ortiz knew his place and importance in the organization, Valentine took the time to personally visit him in the Dominican Republic, amidst all the excitement following the announcement. With signing Ortiz, the Red Sox are proving to the fans that they still mean business. Let's hope that they start getting to that pitching staff soon. Without Papelbon and with that depleated rotation, things are looking a little grim. Anyone out there wondering if Al Leiter is going to join the staff as pitching coach? Just a thought.
Other news, Francona publicly announced that the allegations of painkiller abuse followed him to St. Louis while pursuing their managerial job. It explains a lot as to how former player Mike Matheny, who has no prior managerial experience, could out do Francona in interviews. Although Francona obviously faces much scrutiny, it is safe to say that he will have no problem earning a long term gig sometime in the near future.
Valentine is a no nonsense type manager that demands the utmost respect from his players. With Bobby, the Red Sox get an experienced man who has not only passion for the game, but a deep need for success. What I admire about the signing is that it shows that the owners are not as self absorbed and power hungry as they may have been depicted. Because Valentine is such a hands on type manager, he will demand that things be ran his way as long as he has control in the team.
Now that the Sox have a manager, I would expect there to be drastic changes in the player personel. I trust Bobby's judgment in player make up as he will be studying each and every individual on the team in the next few weeks. I would expect that any player labeled as a toxin will be traded, released, or left unsigned. Valentine is an extraordinary people person that knows not only how to motivate people, but wise enough to know who he cannot. I think it is safe to say that the chicken eating, beer drinking, conditioning skipping days are long over in beantown. I am very pleased that Bobby V. will be leading the new look Sox in 2012.
If you are still uncertain about Valentine, take a look at his first action as manager. To ensure that Sox frontman David Ortiz knew his place and importance in the organization, Valentine took the time to personally visit him in the Dominican Republic, amidst all the excitement following the announcement. With signing Ortiz, the Red Sox are proving to the fans that they still mean business. Let's hope that they start getting to that pitching staff soon. Without Papelbon and with that depleated rotation, things are looking a little grim. Anyone out there wondering if Al Leiter is going to join the staff as pitching coach? Just a thought.
Other news, Francona publicly announced that the allegations of painkiller abuse followed him to St. Louis while pursuing their managerial job. It explains a lot as to how former player Mike Matheny, who has no prior managerial experience, could out do Francona in interviews. Although Francona obviously faces much scrutiny, it is safe to say that he will have no problem earning a long term gig sometime in the near future.
NL MVP
Ryan Braun of the Milwakee Brewers was named the National League Most Valuable Player. After finishing the year with a .332 average, 33 home runs, and 111 runs batted in, Braun takes in his first MVP award. At the age of 28 Braun has already accomplished more than many would hope to accomplish in an entire career. While helping the Brewers to their first National League Championship Series in close to thirty years, Braun truly was the most valuable player to his team. But was he the most valuable player in the National League? The answer is no.
With the year that Matt Kemp had in Los Angeles this year, Braun obviously gained more votes for the award because of the success of his team. Unfortunately for Kemp, the Dodgers overall were simply awful and had not played a meaningful game since May. That being said, voters should not have ignored such an impactful season that Kemp had. He batted.324 ( only .08 points less than Braun), hit 39 home runs (6 more), drove in 126 (15 more), and stole a ridiculous 40 bases. So why didn't Matt Kemp win the MVP? The overall success of his team.
I personally believe that the most valuable player award goes out to the most valuable player in the entire league. What voters are saying by voting Braun as the MVP is that the award will go to the most valuable player on a contending team. I believe that it is unfair to label Braun more valuable than Kemp, who's numbers don't lie. Had a player come close to having the same type of season as Kemp did, I would then suggest taking the team's overall perfomance into consideration, but I do not believe that this was a situation in which it needed to be done. Although both are tremendously talented young athletes, the wrong message was sent across baseball. The award voters are the ones who set the precedents for future voting. Unfortunately, they are setting the wrong ones.
With the year that Matt Kemp had in Los Angeles this year, Braun obviously gained more votes for the award because of the success of his team. Unfortunately for Kemp, the Dodgers overall were simply awful and had not played a meaningful game since May. That being said, voters should not have ignored such an impactful season that Kemp had. He batted.324 ( only .08 points less than Braun), hit 39 home runs (6 more), drove in 126 (15 more), and stole a ridiculous 40 bases. So why didn't Matt Kemp win the MVP? The overall success of his team.
I personally believe that the most valuable player award goes out to the most valuable player in the entire league. What voters are saying by voting Braun as the MVP is that the award will go to the most valuable player on a contending team. I believe that it is unfair to label Braun more valuable than Kemp, who's numbers don't lie. Had a player come close to having the same type of season as Kemp did, I would then suggest taking the team's overall perfomance into consideration, but I do not believe that this was a situation in which it needed to be done. Although both are tremendously talented young athletes, the wrong message was sent across baseball. The award voters are the ones who set the precedents for future voting. Unfortunately, they are setting the wrong ones.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
AL MVP Candidates
With the Cy Young awards already distributed, it is time to start considering the American League MVP award winner. This year, there are many candidates for this prestigious award. Justin Verlander, who already won the Cy Young, is a candidate. Jacoby Ellsbury, Jose Bautista, Miguel Cabrera, and Curtis Granderson seem to be the other top candidates.
The argument for Verlander is a very interesting one. There is no doubt that Verlander was the best pitcher in the American League. Many believe that a pitcher who only plays in 34 games, should not be considered for the award, implying that it must be given to a position player who impacts more games. Although Verlander's success greatly affects the rest of the bullpen and startin rotation in a positive way, I think that the MVP should go to a position player.
My pick for the AL MVP would be Jacoby Ellsbury. While attempting to pick the MVP winner, you must first define an MVP caliber player. I believe that the MVP should be the most valuable player to their respected team. In the case of Ellsbury, he was the most important player on the Boston Red Sox this season. His numbers this season were simply amazing as he did it all on the baseball field. While playing Gold Glove caliber defense, Ellsbury batted .321 with 39 stolen bases and an amazing 119 runs scored. What came as a suprise this season was his power. Ellsbury emerged as a great power hitter while hitting 32 bombs and driving in 105 runs. What I forgot to mention was that his did this all from while LEADING OFF!! Had Ellsbury batted 3rd in the order, one has to imagine he could have hit close to 40 home runs and drivin in over 120 runs. No other player has come even close to having the type of season that Jacoby had this year. The only player that holds a threat to Ellsbury is Verlander, who's MVP qualifications are being debated.
Other players that deserve recognition include Jose Bautista. Bautista followed up his break out 2010 season with another great season. While leading the league in OBP (.447) and BB (132), Bautista hit 43 home runs and 103 RBI's. Although he had a great season, Bautista played for a non contending team. Had he played on a contending team, he would probably still lose to Ellsbury, but receive more votes.
Miguel Cabrera, the batting champ of the AL with a .344 average, had another strong season for the Tigers. He hit 30 home runs and drove in 105. In my opinion, Cabrera's numbers are not MVP worthy, but his role on a contending team as a leader is indisputable. Most years, Cabrera should be in the top 2, but with Ellsbury, Bautista, and possibly Verlander, he will not be finish in the top 3 of the voting.
The argument for Verlander is a very interesting one. There is no doubt that Verlander was the best pitcher in the American League. Many believe that a pitcher who only plays in 34 games, should not be considered for the award, implying that it must be given to a position player who impacts more games. Although Verlander's success greatly affects the rest of the bullpen and startin rotation in a positive way, I think that the MVP should go to a position player.
My pick for the AL MVP would be Jacoby Ellsbury. While attempting to pick the MVP winner, you must first define an MVP caliber player. I believe that the MVP should be the most valuable player to their respected team. In the case of Ellsbury, he was the most important player on the Boston Red Sox this season. His numbers this season were simply amazing as he did it all on the baseball field. While playing Gold Glove caliber defense, Ellsbury batted .321 with 39 stolen bases and an amazing 119 runs scored. What came as a suprise this season was his power. Ellsbury emerged as a great power hitter while hitting 32 bombs and driving in 105 runs. What I forgot to mention was that his did this all from while LEADING OFF!! Had Ellsbury batted 3rd in the order, one has to imagine he could have hit close to 40 home runs and drivin in over 120 runs. No other player has come even close to having the type of season that Jacoby had this year. The only player that holds a threat to Ellsbury is Verlander, who's MVP qualifications are being debated.
Other players that deserve recognition include Jose Bautista. Bautista followed up his break out 2010 season with another great season. While leading the league in OBP (.447) and BB (132), Bautista hit 43 home runs and 103 RBI's. Although he had a great season, Bautista played for a non contending team. Had he played on a contending team, he would probably still lose to Ellsbury, but receive more votes.
Miguel Cabrera, the batting champ of the AL with a .344 average, had another strong season for the Tigers. He hit 30 home runs and drove in 105. In my opinion, Cabrera's numbers are not MVP worthy, but his role on a contending team as a leader is indisputable. Most years, Cabrera should be in the top 2, but with Ellsbury, Bautista, and possibly Verlander, he will not be finish in the top 3 of the voting.
CY YOUNG AWARD WINNERS
The baseball writers have voted Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw Cy Young award winners for their respected leagues. For those of you who do not follow baseball, the Cy Young goes out to the best pitcher in each league.
Any casual baseball fan would know that Justin Verlander was a lock to win the award. To be blunt, no other pitcher in the American League even had a chance. Verlander is the first pitcher in years to win the pitcher triple crown. The triple crown for pitchers is when they lead the league in wins, earned run average, strikeouts. In 34 starts, Verlander posted a 2.40 era, with 23 wins, and 250 strike outs in a whopping 251 innings. No other pitcher came even close to putting up the numbers that Verlander did this season as he was the unanimous winner for the award. All hitters, whether they were Adrian Gonzalez or Jason Varitek, batted a combined .192 against him ( Meaning under 2 hits for every 10 at bats against him). Jared Weaver, who really had no chance at winning the award behind Verlander, deserves recognition for a spectacular season. Through 235 innings pitched, Weaver won 18 games and had an ERA of 2.41. Although his numbers were already Cy Young worthy, Weaver really struggled down the stretch for the Angels. For most of the season, Weaver's ERA hovered below 2.00, but was overworked in hopes of the Angel playoff push, but struggled in the last month of the season.
Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers won the award for the National League. While leading the league with a 2.28 ERA and being tied for the lead in wins with 21, Kershaw was simply magnificant. While playing for a team that had no hopes for the playoffs, Kershaws 21 wins are even more impressive as he personally won close to 1/3 of the all the team wins. At 23 years old, Kershaw becomes one of the youngest pitchers in history to win the award. Many believe that this is the first of many future awards for Clayton ( and why wouldn't they?). With 248 strikeouts, Kershaw also won the triple crown for his league. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee were also among the finalists for the award as they are year in and year out. However, this year had a few suprisin finalists, Ian Kennedy and Ryan Vogelsong. Kennedy broke out in a huge way this season for Arizona, posting a 2.88 ERA with 21 wins. Vogelsong, who seemingly came out of nowhere, went 13-7 with a 2.71 ERA.
Any casual baseball fan would know that Justin Verlander was a lock to win the award. To be blunt, no other pitcher in the American League even had a chance. Verlander is the first pitcher in years to win the pitcher triple crown. The triple crown for pitchers is when they lead the league in wins, earned run average, strikeouts. In 34 starts, Verlander posted a 2.40 era, with 23 wins, and 250 strike outs in a whopping 251 innings. No other pitcher came even close to putting up the numbers that Verlander did this season as he was the unanimous winner for the award. All hitters, whether they were Adrian Gonzalez or Jason Varitek, batted a combined .192 against him ( Meaning under 2 hits for every 10 at bats against him). Jared Weaver, who really had no chance at winning the award behind Verlander, deserves recognition for a spectacular season. Through 235 innings pitched, Weaver won 18 games and had an ERA of 2.41. Although his numbers were already Cy Young worthy, Weaver really struggled down the stretch for the Angels. For most of the season, Weaver's ERA hovered below 2.00, but was overworked in hopes of the Angel playoff push, but struggled in the last month of the season.
Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers won the award for the National League. While leading the league with a 2.28 ERA and being tied for the lead in wins with 21, Kershaw was simply magnificant. While playing for a team that had no hopes for the playoffs, Kershaws 21 wins are even more impressive as he personally won close to 1/3 of the all the team wins. At 23 years old, Kershaw becomes one of the youngest pitchers in history to win the award. Many believe that this is the first of many future awards for Clayton ( and why wouldn't they?). With 248 strikeouts, Kershaw also won the triple crown for his league. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee were also among the finalists for the award as they are year in and year out. However, this year had a few suprisin finalists, Ian Kennedy and Ryan Vogelsong. Kennedy broke out in a huge way this season for Arizona, posting a 2.88 ERA with 21 wins. Vogelsong, who seemingly came out of nowhere, went 13-7 with a 2.71 ERA.
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