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.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
AL and NL Rookie of the Year Voting
Tommorow, the 14th of November, the American League will announce their rookie of the year. Jeremy Hellickson of the Tampa Rays is the absolute favorite to win the award. After posting a 13-10 record with a 2.95 ERA, and helping the Rays to a playoff birth, there is no player that can compete with his crudentials within his first full season. Over his first 225 innings of his career, he holds a 17-10 record with a 3.04 ERA and an opponent batting average of .214. At the age of 24, he carries excellent poise. It is very rare to see a young pitcher have such a devistating changeup.
In my vote for AL Rookie of the Year, I would chose Mark Trumbo of the Los Angeles Angels. As the Angels have struggled to find a consistant power bat since losing Vlad Guerrero, they may have finally have found a replacement. At the age of 25, Trumbo put up fantastic numbers for a rookie. Although he only batted .254, he did hit 29 home runs and drive in 87 runs in an otherwise feeble lineup. In the next year or so, assuming he avoids any sophomore slumps, you should expect Trumbo to have homerun totals upwards of 35 with consistancy.
Although I feel that Eric Hosmer falls short of both first and second in the Rookie of the Year voting, his talent cannot go unnoticed. At 22 years old, he batted .293 with 19 home runs and 78 runs batted in , while playing three quarters of the teams games. While playing stellar defense, Hosmer gave the Royals the oppertunity to shift Billy Butler to DH, something that has been long overdue. Hosmer's cool and calm confidence is something that cannot be taught. I am a strong believert that great players are born and not made. In a full season, you should expect Hosmer to hit over .300, hit 25 home runs, and drive in 100. But lets not cut him short. Although he does not walk a lot, he will delevope more patience over time. When he does, he will be a lethal part of the Royals lineup. Expect MVP type numbers once he hits his prime.
In my vote for AL Rookie of the Year, I would chose Mark Trumbo of the Los Angeles Angels. As the Angels have struggled to find a consistant power bat since losing Vlad Guerrero, they may have finally have found a replacement. At the age of 25, Trumbo put up fantastic numbers for a rookie. Although he only batted .254, he did hit 29 home runs and drive in 87 runs in an otherwise feeble lineup. In the next year or so, assuming he avoids any sophomore slumps, you should expect Trumbo to have homerun totals upwards of 35 with consistancy.
Although I feel that Eric Hosmer falls short of both first and second in the Rookie of the Year voting, his talent cannot go unnoticed. At 22 years old, he batted .293 with 19 home runs and 78 runs batted in , while playing three quarters of the teams games. While playing stellar defense, Hosmer gave the Royals the oppertunity to shift Billy Butler to DH, something that has been long overdue. Hosmer's cool and calm confidence is something that cannot be taught. I am a strong believert that great players are born and not made. In a full season, you should expect Hosmer to hit over .300, hit 25 home runs, and drive in 100. But lets not cut him short. Although he does not walk a lot, he will delevope more patience over time. When he does, he will be a lethal part of the Royals lineup. Expect MVP type numbers once he hits his prime.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Papelbon Out
After 6 full and solid seasons as the Red Sox closer, Jonathan Papelbon will be signing with the Phillies. Although I am sad to see him gone, it was time for him to move on. Because he has been so dominate for his entire stay with the Sox, he was due for a large payday. At this point in time, with so many holes needing to be filled, it would not be wise for the Red Sox to invest in an 8 figure closer. With so much talent on the open market at the closers position, this is ideal timing for Boston to let him walk.
Because Papelbon was a "TYPE A" free agent, the Red Sox will be compensated with a first round pick from the Phillies for 2012. Also, that 13-15 million dollars that we would have had to pay Pap will be free to spend elsewhere. With Joe Nathan, Brad Lidge, Heath Bell, Fransisco Rodriguez, Coco Cordero, and Ryan Madson on the market, the Red Sox will be able to fill the hole left by Papelbon without a problem, and will more than likely have plenty left over (From Papelbons potential earnings alone).
If there is a way to acquire Madson on a 3-4 year deal between 6-8 million a year, it would be a very smart move for Boston. Heath Bell would most likely be too expensive, but would make a lot of sense at around 9 million for 2-3 years. At any rate, the Red Sox should sign more than one potential closer. With Daniel Bard, Aceves, and possibly Bobby Jenks returning, a combo signing of Lidge and Nathan for short money would be extremely compelling. Both are closers that competed at a very dominate level. If both are signed and one of the two could compete at a level close to years past, the Sox would be very big winners.
It will be very interesting to see what the market is for closers. Because Papelbon, argueably the best closer available on the market, was signed so soon, there could be a chance that the market will be reletively low, especially since the supply is much higher than the demand. If I were the GM today, I would sign Nathan to a one year $3 million deal with a $6 club option for 2013. I would also sign Brad Lidge for $4 million with a $7 club option for 2013. Both would be low risk/ high reward options as I've stated before. If those both fell through, I would pay whatever cost for Heath Bell. Bell is a work horse that gives absolutely everything he has every night, very similar to Papelbon. There are a lot of options out there this year, and it will be a very exciting winter in the closers market. We just have to cross our fingers and hope that the Sox will be willing to make a splash.
Because Papelbon was a "TYPE A" free agent, the Red Sox will be compensated with a first round pick from the Phillies for 2012. Also, that 13-15 million dollars that we would have had to pay Pap will be free to spend elsewhere. With Joe Nathan, Brad Lidge, Heath Bell, Fransisco Rodriguez, Coco Cordero, and Ryan Madson on the market, the Red Sox will be able to fill the hole left by Papelbon without a problem, and will more than likely have plenty left over (From Papelbons potential earnings alone).
If there is a way to acquire Madson on a 3-4 year deal between 6-8 million a year, it would be a very smart move for Boston. Heath Bell would most likely be too expensive, but would make a lot of sense at around 9 million for 2-3 years. At any rate, the Red Sox should sign more than one potential closer. With Daniel Bard, Aceves, and possibly Bobby Jenks returning, a combo signing of Lidge and Nathan for short money would be extremely compelling. Both are closers that competed at a very dominate level. If both are signed and one of the two could compete at a level close to years past, the Sox would be very big winners.
It will be very interesting to see what the market is for closers. Because Papelbon, argueably the best closer available on the market, was signed so soon, there could be a chance that the market will be reletively low, especially since the supply is much higher than the demand. If I were the GM today, I would sign Nathan to a one year $3 million deal with a $6 club option for 2013. I would also sign Brad Lidge for $4 million with a $7 club option for 2013. Both would be low risk/ high reward options as I've stated before. If those both fell through, I would pay whatever cost for Heath Bell. Bell is a work horse that gives absolutely everything he has every night, very similar to Papelbon. There are a lot of options out there this year, and it will be a very exciting winter in the closers market. We just have to cross our fingers and hope that the Sox will be willing to make a splash.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
November 6th Post
All signs are pointing to the return of Dale Sveum to the Red Sox. This time it will be as manager. Sveum left the Sox after being the third base coach from 2004 to 2005. While here, he earned the nickname 'Send them Sveum' for being overly agressive with his baserunners and costing the team games.
With no managerial experience, Sveum fits the mold of what the Sox front office is looking for. Like the new GM, they are looking for people that have not earned the right to speak their mind or to stray from any of their beliefs. Both Francona and Epstein felt they earned the right to have a little more control, something that cost both of them their jobs.
With that being said, it looks as though the Lucchino, Henry, Warner group will continue to run the team their way. I personally believe that owners should not take control of how their team is run. The owner's main purpose is to invest money in their team and hire baseball minds to control their budget, players, and team. With owners having too much control, they stray from the instictual baseball minds and put their focuse on economists who spend their time predicting the finances of the team. With the Sox owners recently purchasing a professional soccer team, their attention will not soley be on the Red Sox.
The Red Sox are also in the middle of negotiations with Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux. Maddux makes a lot of sense as he is a proven winner, and has done wonders for the Rangers since coming aboard. As a team that needs a lot of help on the mound, Maddux would be perfect. In order for their to be a drastic change as a team oveall, there needs to be a change in approach to start. Maddux would do wonders.
With no managerial experience, Sveum fits the mold of what the Sox front office is looking for. Like the new GM, they are looking for people that have not earned the right to speak their mind or to stray from any of their beliefs. Both Francona and Epstein felt they earned the right to have a little more control, something that cost both of them their jobs.
With that being said, it looks as though the Lucchino, Henry, Warner group will continue to run the team their way. I personally believe that owners should not take control of how their team is run. The owner's main purpose is to invest money in their team and hire baseball minds to control their budget, players, and team. With owners having too much control, they stray from the instictual baseball minds and put their focuse on economists who spend their time predicting the finances of the team. With the Sox owners recently purchasing a professional soccer team, their attention will not soley be on the Red Sox.
The Red Sox are also in the middle of negotiations with Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux. Maddux makes a lot of sense as he is a proven winner, and has done wonders for the Rangers since coming aboard. As a team that needs a lot of help on the mound, Maddux would be perfect. In order for their to be a drastic change as a team oveall, there needs to be a change in approach to start. Maddux would do wonders.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Red Sox update
As of November 2nd, Jonathan Papelbon and David Ortiz are free agents. Out of the two, Papelbon is a must sign. With the bullpen in shambles, Papelbon must be resigned. Although he will be expensive, he is a proven leader and it is absolutely necessary to hold on to him. At the moment, Alfredo Aceves is the only reliable returner. With Daniel Bard possibly moving to the starting rotation, the bullpen will be in completely rebuilt.
As a lefty specialist, I really like the idea of Rich Hill being our guy. At one point, while with the Cubs, Hill was a very reliable back of the rotation starter. Since coming to the Sox, he has converted to a side arm reliever and has been very successful. Depending on when he returns from Tommy John surgery, h could play a major role in our bullpen. As of now, he is scheduled to return to action in the middle of the 2012 season. With the recent collapse of the Sox in the last two seasons, he may hold a crucial role in the stretch run.
Whether or not the Red Sox resign Papelbon, they will have to make some major splashes in the free agent market. Heath Bell, Joe Nathan, Ryan Madson, and Brad Lidge are among the many available relievers in the open market. I would be okay with letting Papelbon walk if we were able to land two or three of these guys. Bell deserves a hefty contract, and the same could be said for Madson. Nathan and Lidge are both coming off of injury ridden seasons and would be excellent low risk/ high reward investments given their spectacular track records. There are plenty of arms out there for Boston, we just have to spend our money wisely and go after the right guys.
David Ortiz, depending on what offers he has on the table, will be a very interesting player to watch this offseason. I am not particularly concerned with Boston's position players. As of now we have an excellent mix of speed, power, and on base percentage. If we fill some holes here and there the offense will be fine. If we can get a very dependable starter behind the Lester, Bucholz, Beckett trio, and rebuild the bullpen, we will be seeing a lot of the May-August versions of 2011.
I am very pleased to hear that the team has resigned Marco Scutaro. With Scutaro, you know what your going to get: an average around .290, 10 or so home runs, and 60 + R.B.I.'s out of the bottom of the order. He is also a spectacular defender and a capable top of the order guy. I do not want to see any major signings out of position players. Instead, we need a Bill Mueller or a Trot Nixon type player. Someone who is going leave his heart and soul on the field and bring the team together is an absolute necessity.
If there is an oppertunity to get a reliable right fielder, a solid back up catcher, a shut down bullpen, and another reliable starter or two, I would be perfectly okay with losing both Papelbon and Ortiz. But everything starts with our pitching. Our offense, if not always trying to come from behind, can be really fun to watch.
As a lefty specialist, I really like the idea of Rich Hill being our guy. At one point, while with the Cubs, Hill was a very reliable back of the rotation starter. Since coming to the Sox, he has converted to a side arm reliever and has been very successful. Depending on when he returns from Tommy John surgery, h could play a major role in our bullpen. As of now, he is scheduled to return to action in the middle of the 2012 season. With the recent collapse of the Sox in the last two seasons, he may hold a crucial role in the stretch run.
Whether or not the Red Sox resign Papelbon, they will have to make some major splashes in the free agent market. Heath Bell, Joe Nathan, Ryan Madson, and Brad Lidge are among the many available relievers in the open market. I would be okay with letting Papelbon walk if we were able to land two or three of these guys. Bell deserves a hefty contract, and the same could be said for Madson. Nathan and Lidge are both coming off of injury ridden seasons and would be excellent low risk/ high reward investments given their spectacular track records. There are plenty of arms out there for Boston, we just have to spend our money wisely and go after the right guys.
David Ortiz, depending on what offers he has on the table, will be a very interesting player to watch this offseason. I am not particularly concerned with Boston's position players. As of now we have an excellent mix of speed, power, and on base percentage. If we fill some holes here and there the offense will be fine. If we can get a very dependable starter behind the Lester, Bucholz, Beckett trio, and rebuild the bullpen, we will be seeing a lot of the May-August versions of 2011.
I am very pleased to hear that the team has resigned Marco Scutaro. With Scutaro, you know what your going to get: an average around .290, 10 or so home runs, and 60 + R.B.I.'s out of the bottom of the order. He is also a spectacular defender and a capable top of the order guy. I do not want to see any major signings out of position players. Instead, we need a Bill Mueller or a Trot Nixon type player. Someone who is going leave his heart and soul on the field and bring the team together is an absolute necessity.
If there is an oppertunity to get a reliable right fielder, a solid back up catcher, a shut down bullpen, and another reliable starter or two, I would be perfectly okay with losing both Papelbon and Ortiz. But everything starts with our pitching. Our offense, if not always trying to come from behind, can be really fun to watch.
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