The Thinking Man's MVP
Rarely is the MVP an award that rewards subtlety. But Derek Jeter is a legitimate challenger to that notion with the kind of season he is having in 2006. The Yankees' captain and shortstop has to be rated among the top candidates for the award, though the frontrunner appears to be Boston's David Ortiz.
"Big Papi" fits the profile of most MVPs who are non-pitchers: He's a slugger with impressive home run and RBI numbers. Of course, the added dimension for Ortiz is his amazing propensity for walkoff home runs. But the missing dimension is that he is primarily a DH and adds nothing to the Red Sox in terms of baserunning or defense.
Jeter is a multi-dimensional candidate. He's second in the AL in batting average, fourth in hits, 10th in runs, seventh in stolen bases, has a more-than-respectable RBI total (70) for a No. 2 hitter and has had an above-average year defensively.
"Watch the games" is the advice Joe Torre said he would give MVP voters. Of Jeter, he said, "It's what he brings to the table. A lot of those things can't be recognized [by stats] – making a play, having a tough at-bat. There are many unique ways to win a game." And Jeter is one of the most adept at employing them.
Torre wondered, "How much weight does defense and baserunning get?" He said he couldn't give a definitive answer, and neither can I. But I agree with Torre that, "A lot depends on which team wins." That's why Alex Rodriguez edged Ortiz in the MVP voting last year. With nine games remaining between the Yankees and Red Sox, there are two races at stake, one individual and one personal. Should be fun.
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Comments (7)
With all due respect, why would anyone but a Sox fan refer to Ortiz by the "P" word?
No DH should win the MVP.
The only DH I would ever consider would be Papi. That is because of how clutch he has been. Without Papi the Redsox would be at least 10 games behind the Yanks. His RBI and HR numbers are also better than anyone elses.
But....
Jeter gets on base more, steals bases, has a .380 average with runners in scoring position, the 2nd highest avg and he also has had a great defensive season.
IF the redsox win the AL East then you have to give it to Papi, if the Yanks get it then it goes to Jeter.
In my opinion the MVP is an award that indicates leadership with physical and mental ability both on and off the field which leads a team to the championship of their divison or WS trophy. David Ortiz and Derek Jeter bring this to their respective teams. We all know what Ortiz brings to the Red Sox, great clutch hitting and team leadership. Derek Jeter brings this an more. Defensively, I watch all the SS in the league he's better than most and equal to the rest. Hitting in the number 2 spot,his job is multi-faceted to move guys along, start up a rally with a walk or hit, maybe drive in a run and steal bases. The wear and tear on Jeter as opposed to Ortiz who is in the clubhouse between innings staying cool or warm has no level ground in my book. Also, I believe those who indicated that his fielding is only average are afraid to clearly speak their minds for fear of jumping on the overrated train.
If the red Sox's and Yankees were missing either player than both teams would be hurting but you can always replace a hitter. How about getting the right ss.
The best thing about Jeter is that he won't EVER discuss the whole MVP race with people. All he cares about is winning. Watching this guy play every day, you wonder what the other players who voted him overrated were smoking. He bunts, he does the hit and run, he sells out his body to make plays in the field. He moves guys over, hits the sac fly, never gets thrown out at third for a double play...Plus, watching the games, he's always smiling and laughing, even in pressure situations. Watching last night's game when he kept trying to push Mora back to first, or laughing with Melky after he came home from first.
All that said, I agree with Jim Kaat that Mariano Rivera is the team's real MVP. Let me ask, does anyone else ever root for the game to stay within three runs in order to watch Mariano pitch? Is that wrong? I can't help it--I just love watching this guy pitch. 11 years of sustained excellence.
There are just two players in the game that cause me genuine dread and trepidation thinking about their retirements--Jeter and Rivera.
What exactly is "clutch"?
Just like Ortiz, Jeter is in the middle of seemingly every rally. Just like Ortiz, if they were not part of their respective teams, they would be lesser teams. However, Jeter plays the toughest positon in baseball as wella s anyone. Ortiz does not.
when jeter fouls a ball off and hits ortiz in the skull in the upcoming 5 game series he will solidify his mvp candidacy. ps why isnt anyone talking tj beam for mvp, this is straight poppycock.