M V Pizzle

Besides the divisional races (which I would rather not think or talk about), the MVP debates are always a hot topic this time of year. While there are often different choices each year, the same questions always seem to come up. Should a pitcher be given any consideration? Should a player from a last place team have a chance? Should a player whose team did not make the playoffs even be worthy? The beat writers of each National and American League city vote on these awards. Each writer seems to view this award from a different perspective. In addition, it is clear to me that certain writers like to abuse their privilege by ranking certain players lower on their ballot just so another player has a greater chance to win (see Chicago writer last year that ranked Jeter 6th or 7th I believe).

For me, the first and most important attribute is one that I feel is often overlooked. Is that player the most valuable player to his particular team? In 2005, it was clear that David Ortiz carried that Red Sox team to the playoffs. It seemed like every day he would get another clutch hit and you would read another quote in the newspapers from a different teammate on how he was the MVP. AROD meanwhile never seemed to get the clutch hit, was never praised by his teammates as an MVP (Sheffield even called himself the MVP that year http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/sports/features/12398/). In any event Ortiz did not get the award for the simple reason that he is a designated hitter. There is a portion of baseball fans and media that feel the DH should not be considered for the MVP since they only play half of the game.

In 1999, Pedro Martinez dominated the league like few have ever done. He lead the Red Sox to the playoffs, but Pudge Rodriguez won the award instead because a New York beat writer left Pedro off of his ballot completely. In 2000, Jeff Kent won the NL MVP over Mike Piazza even though Kent probably was not the MVP of his own team. Barry Bonds batted behind Kent and made sure that he saw a steady diet of fastballs. Piazza meanwhile had a great year, from a more physically demanding position, with a more paltry line-up. Sometimes people just get it wrong.

This year the AL MVP is all but wrapped up. I would have considered Magglio Ordonez if the Tigers were in the playoffs, but that is not the case. AROD has had a huge year and has gotten multiple clutch hits. He really should be a unanimous selection. The NL meanwhile is a much different scenario. There are a few different players that may deserve the award. Specifically, David Wright, Prince Fielder, Jimmy Rollins and Matt Holiday. I first have to see if they are the most valuable player on their team. Right off the bat that eliminates David Wright. He may be the most consistent player on the Mets, but Alou has been the most valuable. Wright has no signature moment this year and while he has hit well in September, Alou has been better. In addition, Wright has had a couple costly errors this month. Bottom line (and this is a Mets fan talking) David Wright is not the MVP of the Mets, so he can't be MVP of the NL.

Prince Fielder is making a strong case. He has a home run in each of the past two games and 49 on the year. He is the best player on that club and has been at his best lately. You can say the same thing for Matt Holliday. He has had a big year and has been the best player on the Rockies as they have played their best ball of the season this past couple of weeks while Holliday has also been at his best. Rollins has also had a big September while the Philles have charged back into the NL East race. Rollins has also been a vocal leader for the team in the clubhouse and the press. While Fielder and Holliday may have been leaders, there is no way they have been more vocal than Rollins. he has talked the talk and walked the walk.

In the end it will probably come down to who makes the playoffs. If the season ended today none of them would be in the playoffs. If thats the case I think Fielder will get it. If I had a vote I would give it to Rollins. He plays the toughest position of the group, is the best all around player (defense, speed, power), and has been the guy that has pushed the Phillies all year when Howard couldn't hit in April and May and when Utley was injured in August. My ballot is below.

1. Jimmy Rollins
2. Matt Holiday
3. Prince Fielder
4. David Wright
5. Chipper Jones

Lastly, I just want to say that Chipper Jones has reached Reggie Miller status for me. I hated him more than any player in his prime, but as he has gotten older I have started to like him. With Reggie it was different because the Knicks sucked at the end of his career (when I started to hate their ownership, etc), so I would actually enjoy it when Reggie would have flashes against the Knicks and embarrass them. It was a respect thing. It is the same with Chipper. Since the Mets are good though I can not cheer for Chipper. That would be wrong. For the next two days though I can (Braves are playing the Phillies). I was very happy that Chipper hit one out tonight and look forward to being able to cheer him the next two days. Next year thought I will go back to the chants of "Laaaaaaaarrryy". When his career is over though, I will remember him as one of the great players of our generation and possibly the most underrated.

STKAFI