With BBRT’s pick for the AL MVP out of the way – see the previous post on the very debatable junior circuit Most Valuable Player award – let’s move on to BBRT’s look at the remaining regular-season recognitions. Not as much controversy here, but still plenty of good competition.
Buster Posey – BBRT choice for NL MVP.
NL MVP – Buster Posey (Giants)
BBRT sees a two-player race here and, surprisingly, both contenders make at least half their living in foul territory. BBRT’s top candidates for NL MVP are catchers Buster Posey (SF) and Yadier Molina (St.L.). BBRT is going with Posey, based on a combination of timing and circumstance.
Let’s look at Molina first. A Gold Glove performer (who tosses out about half of the opponents’ potential base stealers), Molina put up some pretty gaudy offensive numbers for a backstop – .315, 22 HRs and 76 RBI. His season was one of consistency: .304, 13, 45 before the All-Star break, .328-9-31 in the second half. Further, he called a great game and was a leader on the field. Clearly, he made strong contributions to St. Louis run to a Wild Card spot.
BBRT’s MVP choice, however, contributed even more to his team’s results, helping lead the Giants to the West Division title (by 8 games over the Dodgers) despite the team’s on-field injuries and off-field difficulties. Not only did Posey (like Molina) play the game’s most mentally and physically demanding position, he put up a line of .336, 24 HRs and 103 RBI. In addition, Posey picked up the slack following Melky Cabrera’s PED-related suspension. After a .289, 10 HR, 43 RBI first half, Posey delivered a .385 average with 14 HRs and 60 RBI after the break. Further, Melky C.’s unfortunate (self-inflicted) circumstances, paved the way for Posey to become only the fourth catcher to win a league batting crown. Ultimately, that strong (and much-needed) second-half push moves Posey ahead of Molina.
AL Cy Young – David Price
David Price – Edges Out Verlander for BBRT’s AL Cy Young.
Three starters dominated here – David Price, Justin Verlander and Jered Weaver. BBRT goes with Price, barely over Verlander (due primarily to Price’s three extra wins) with Weaver dropping to third. Let’s examine the competition.
Weaver, despite his 20-5 record, drops off due to having the fewest starts, fewest innings pitched, fewest strikeouts and highest ERA of the three. Still he deserved consideration based on a 20-5 record, and 2.86 ERA. It was the sub-200 innings pitched (188 2/3) and the less than dominating 142 strikeouts that put him third in this race.
Now to the top two contenders. Verlander did lead the league in innings pitched and strikeouts (238 1/3 IP, 239 Ks). Price was not far behind at 211 IP and 205 Ks. Verlander also led Price in starts, 33-31. Price, on the other hand, led the league in ERA at 2.56, with Verlander second at 2.64 and Weaver third at 2.86. Verlander also topped the AL in complete games with 6, to only 2 for Price (but today’s game really is not about going nine innings anymore). Both pitchers logged 25 quality starts. Ultimately, this could go either way, but for BBRT it comes down to Price’s three extra victories (20-5 versus 17-8) and the fact that Price edged Verlander by winning 22% of TB’s games, while Verlander picked up 19% of the Tigers’ victories. BBRT can support either Price or Verlander, we just give the edge to tradition and the 20-game winner.
R.A. Dickey – Should Walk Off with NL Cy Young.
NL Cy Young – R.A. Dickey
This was a no-brainer for BBRT. Yes, we love Braves’ closer Craig Kimbrel, 3-1 with 42 saves, a sparkling 1.01 ERA and a spectacular 116 strikeouts (and only 14 walks) in only 62 2/3 innings. And there’s Gio Gonzalez of the Nationals, who was often buried in the Strasburg publicity and shut-down controversy, while quietly turning in a 21-8, 2.89 season with 207 K’s in 199 innings pitched. A lesser case could also be made for the Reds’ Johnny Cueto (19-9, 2.78) and the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw (14-9, 2.53), who came on strong; just too late.
Hands down, however, the Cy Young has to go to the Mets’ R.A. Dickey – who went 20 – 6, 2.73 with a Mets’ team that had a faltering bullpen and finished 14 games under .500. Dickey led the NL in: Starts (33, tie); Innings Pitched (233 2/3); Strikeouts (230, one more than Kershaw); Quality Starts (27); and Complete Games (5). He finished second in wins to Gonzalez’ 21 and second in ERA (at 2.73) to Kershaw’s 2.53. And, Dickey walked only 54 against his 230 K’s – unusual control for a knuckleballer. A great season, deserving of the Cy Young for a pitcher who came into 2012 with a career 41-50 record and a 4.34 ERA.
Watch soon for BBRT’s Rookie and Manager of the Year picks – and we invite your comments on the MVP and Cy Young.
