AL and NL MVPs

Time to start discussing.

Right now I'd go Kershaw and Trout, if he can pull out of this tailspin. Maybe Nelson Cruz. Maybe Jose Abreu. Jose Altuve. Felix. Cano. Lots of guys in the A.L. In a virtual dead heat.

 

I've heard Lucroy's name mentioned several times since early June, even if he doesn't have bombastic numbers. Remember, McCutchen didn't have crazy offensive numbers, either.

And, until the plunking, folks touted Cutch's '14 season being better than his MVP season.

The Nats could end up with the best record but who has gone above and beyond for them?

 

I feel Trout should not be the MVP as long as he has a lower WAR than Alex Gordon. Fair is fair.

 

Josh Donaldson too.

 

I might look at Carlos Gomez ahead of Lucroy for the Brewers. He is a better hitter and a fantastic defensive center fielder. McCutchen also deserves to be in the NL conversation.

Trout's overall numbers are hard to argue with in the AL.

 

No Giancarlo Stanton?

Back of card numbers: .299, 32, 92.

Sabr numbers: .405 OBP, .565 slugging, .970 OPS, 166 OPS+

 

He's having a great season, but I think some are forgetting him because the Marlins are so forgettable.

 

The Marlins are just 2.5 out of the second wild card. IF they make the playoffs the Giancarlo drumbeat will get louder.

 

If they make the playoffs, Stanton should be the clear favorite.

 

Lucroy has been much better than Gomez. He's going to be the first catcher to lead the NL in doubles in forever. Much more reliable, and an excellent defensive catcher.

 

Not sure how you can say Lucroy has been "much" better, unless you want to overvalue batting average. They are comparable in OPS, but Gomez has better power numbers and he is an impact player on the bases, something Lucroy does not provide.

If you want to give it to Lucroy based on being a catcher, fine, but offensively, Gomez is clearly better and he's a hell of a defensive outfielder. Not sure either is the MVP, though.

 

Power numbers are pretty much the same when added up.

Lucroy has 13 homers, 2 triples, 42 doubles -- 142 total bases on those hits
Gomez has 21 homers, 4 triples, 28 doubles -- 152 total bases on those hits