Who Deserves the 2012 NL MVP by Numbers Alone?

[Topnotchsy]

I don't think it's fair, but I don't think there's any way Braun wins MVP after last season's results and the off-season excitement. I don't think it should be relevant, but I can see many voters not voting for him.

 

[tpeichel]

Posey has similar numbers to McCutchen besides the SB, same OBP while having a BA .11 points lower, 5 more RBIs, 6 less homers, his team is in the playoff hunt as well and he is a catcher. Right now I see it as a two horse race between Cutch and Posey with Braun not that far behind, but Braun's team not being in the playoffs is going to dramatically impact his chances, add in the PEDs, his chances are really hurt.

Posey has been brilliant in the 2nd half and I agree that he compares favorably with McCutchen, but even with the issues you mentioned, Braun will be hard to overlook if he reaches his current projected numbers of:

.310/.388/.605
44 HR
108 Runs
116 RBI
26 SB

Posey projects out to:
.329/.405/.533
22 HR
74 Runs
102 RBI
1 SB

 

[markakis8]

I think Yadier Molina needs to be in the discussion as well. Thing is...Yadier and Buster will take votes away from each other, IMO

 

[jbhofmann]

I think Yadier Molina needs to be in the discussion as well. Thing is...Yadier and Buster will take votes away from each other, IMO

Yadi yadda yadda

 

[hive17]

Here's an interesting thought: if the Pirates fade (and let's be clear--I hope they do not) and do not make the playoffs and it's clear a few days before the end of the season, does Posey vault into the #1 slot, assuming the Giants are in the playoffs? Kemp suffered, and probably ONLY lost, last year to Braun because his team was not post-season bound. We all seem to agree that Cutch is a lock, but let us not forget that BBWAA voters have made it pretty clear that there is a penalty for playing on a team that is not in contention.

Just a thought. I can't argue that if both the Pirates and the Brewers aren't in contention then we have an "all things being equal" situation for Cutch vs. Braun; the BBWAA will still get to hold last year's test against Braun.

 

[LazerShow15]

They are 7.5 out of the wild card, that is pretty far out.

In case you haven't noticed 2.5 games out and the hottest team in baseball. Never say never.

 

[LazerShow15]

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Now who is the MVP as it sits right now 9/19/2012. Appears as if my boy Brauny has moved ahead of Cutch. Watch out he may get 35 SB's too along with 43 and 115 to 120 RBI's vaulting the Brewers into the playoffs.

 

[Austin]

I would vote for Braun now over Cutch. He's just dominating now and is about to have a 40 hr/30 sb season.
It's amazing how great he's been since 2006. With Pujols now in the NL, Braun is the league's best player.

 

[LazerShow15]

I would vote for Braun now over Cutch. He's just dominating now and is about to have a 40 hr/30 sb season.
It's amazing how great he's been since 2006. With Pujols now in the NL, Braun is the league's best player.

Definitely like this statement, I would say he is arguably the best OF, so many great players.

 

[markakis8]

If I had a vote at this point, I would vote for Braun. But as it looks right now, Posey is going to get it, especially if the Brewers do not make the playoffs.

 

[George_Calfas]

My guess is the vote will come down to one of two catchers.

On sports talk radio it was mentioned that many voter intend on leaving Braun off of their ballot completely.

 

[Brewer Andy]

My guess is the vote will come down to one of two catchers.

On sports talk radio it was mentioned that many voter intend on leaving Braun off of their ballot completely.

Posey or Lucroy?

 

[LazerShow15]

What a disgrace that baseball writers get the say of who gets the MVP, also that they can hold grudges. There should be some part of the balloting where they need to give reasoning and if it is not good enough it is thrown out.

 

[hive17]

I hate to admit that Jayson Stark had a good point, but here's a thought:

But let's remember we do have at least one known fact to weigh: Braun's positive test didn't happen this season. So why would it be any more sensible to use it as a reason not to vote for him this year than, say, Josh Hamilton's past transgressions or Miguel Cabrera's 2011 DUI arrest?

 

[matfanofold]

I hate to admit that Jayson Stark had a good point, but here's a thought:

But let's remember we do have at least one known fact to weigh: Braun's positive test didn't happen this season. So why would it be any more sensible to use it as a reason not to vote for him this year than, say, Josh Hamilton's past transgressions or Miguel Cabrera's 2011 DUI arrest?

Although Stark reaches for a point, it falls short of substance and most likely on deaf ears. Hamiltons past transgressions and cabreras DUI are both things the common man can somewhat relate to and in no real way enhance the outcome of his on field performance where as Brauns alleged PED usage invokes notions of cheating the sport, fans, and the game. I have little doubt that despite Brauns ability to get off on a technicality that voters will speak their minded with the votes they cast, and right or wrong he will not be seeing a MVP award anytime soon.

 

[darocker80]

I like my boy Posey's chances. .335 23HR 95 RBI .950+ OPS as a catcher and putting the team on his back to the playoffs!!

 

[hofvintagecollector]

What a disgrace that baseball writers get the say of who gets the MVP, also that they can hold grudges. There should be some part of the balloting where they need to give reasoning and if it is not good enough it is thrown out.

Its also a disgrace that Braun is allowed to keep his MVP or anyone else that has failed a drug test for that matter.

 

[LazerShow15]

Its also a disgrace that Braun is allowed to keep his MVP or anyone else that has failed a drug test for that matter.

How is it a disgrace, if you got accused for shooting someone, then get exonerated is it fair for everyone to call you a killer. Facts are is it is obvious he got off which means you don't know all of the specifics here on the test, it is still possible to have the tests tampered with with a needle and the seal still on the container.

 

[Anthony K.]

They are 7.5 out of the wild card, that is pretty far out.

They are now 1.5 out of the wild card, which is not very far out.

Just a little heads up for you.

 

[matfanofold]

How is it a disgrace, if you got accused for shooting someone, then get exonerated is it fair for everyone to call you a killer. Facts are is it is obvious he got off which means you don't know all of the specifics here on the test, it is still possible to have the tests tampered with with a needle and the seal still on the container.

Not to split hairs with you, but being the basis of your comment I think it needs to be said...

ex·on·er·ate 
. 1. to clear, as of an accusation; free from guilt or blame; exculpate: He was exonerated from the accusation of cheating.


The bolded part of the defionition is not entirely accurate. It is true he was able to use a technicallity to create a shadow of a doubt where as MLB decided to drop the charge(s). But the overwhelming public perception (and perhaps rightfully so) is that he was/is guilty and to blame. The reason I mention this is because it is this public perception that will be the judge of him with regards to any MVP award. I understand you have a bias towards him but you sound as unreal as thoes who believe OJ was innocent because a charge of guilt was not found...

I think it may be time to accept the fact he most likely was juicing, and despite being able to get the charges dropped because of a foolish mistake (one many who weighed on said it would literally have no barring on the results) that the public (including voters) see him as guilty.