An interesting "Verlander for MVP" arguement

tpeichel · Sep 5, 2011

A valid argument, but Bautista is having a Pujols MVP type year. Here are the AL and NL OPS+ leaders over the last six years.

2011 Matt Kemp (LAD) 169
2011 Jose Bautista (TOR) 189
2010 Albert Pujols (STL) 174
2010 Miguel Cabrera (DET) 182
2009 Albert Pujols (STL) 189
2009 Joe Mauer * (MIN) 170
2008 Albert Pujols (STL) 190
2008 Milton Bradley # (TEX) 161
2007 Chipper Jones # (ATL) 165
2007 Alex Rodriguez (NYY) 176
2006 Albert Pujols (STL) 178
2006 Travis Hafner * (CLE) 181
2005 Derrek Lee (CHC) 174
2005 Alex Rodriguez (NYY) 173

aminors · Sep 5, 2011

You guys are all right about Bautista. He is having an incredible year.

But riddle me this: How valuable is he to his team as compared to Verlander's value to his team?

mikefrank · Sep 5, 2011

One thing about Verlander that a lot of non-Tigers fans may not be aware of: he's won something like 16 games after the Tigers lost in their previous game. He has single-handedly guaranteed that the Tigers don't go on a prolonged losing streak. The psychological value Verlander has to his team is absolutely enormous.

Crewfan82 · Sep 5, 2011

Bottom line a pitcher plays in 35 games and a position player plays in 130+. Yes, a pitcher may do more "work" in the games he participates in, but he still ONLY affects the outcome of 35 games. A position player with his bat and defense has a role in the outcome of 130+ games per year.

I am in the camp that a pitcher would need to put up historic numbers to get the MVP. Verlander has been great no doubt, but I can't say he is the MVP.

shayscards79 · Sep 5, 2011

I agree that pitchers should be able to win MVP.

That said, I hope Weaver finishes strong, Verlander not so much, so that Weaver can take the CY Young.

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An interesting "Verlander for MVP" arguement

tpeichel

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aminors

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mikefrank

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Crewfan82

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shayscards79

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