Vote: National League MVP for the season’s first half
Yesterday, we covered the American League. Now it’s time for the National League to get some play. We’ll start with the first-half best player or MVP.
For those that have missed previous posts with such polls (I’ll have links to the three American League posts on the last slide/page of this post), here’s why I went this route.
We see and read a slew of posts where sites state who they feel is the best player, pitcher rookie, etc. around this time of year. Earlier this year, we had posts up for our AL and NL All-Star teams. Those were done by staff vote. I rarely see posts that include a poll for readers to cast their vote and that be it. They may have a poll up for a reader’s vote, but they also have their take on certain “awards”.
That won’t be the case here as our readers will have the say. I will only supply the nominees. Oh, the nominees…
On the following slides (or pages, if you will) I will reveal my top five players for consideration as the NL’s first-half MVP. Let’s review how I came about choosing these five.
Team records and current place in the standings were not taken into consideration. The players I have selected were chosen based on their statistical performances. The poll for you to cast your vote is the final slide/page of this post.
(Nominees are listed in alphabetical order.)
May 19, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) prepares for an at bat against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
1. Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves
2014 stats: .295/.384/.495, 13 HR, 52 RBI, 143 OPS+, 147 wRC+, .383 wOBA
There is the occasional moment or two where I don’t think Freeman gets the credit he should. With Justin Upton and Jason Heyward along the number of pitchers littering that Braves roster, I get a suspicion (or is it a gut feeling?) that to some extent, Freeman gets overlooked. And he just made his second consecutive NL All-Star squad.
So, to some of the numbers. Freeman does stack up rather well.
BA: 15th
OBP: 9th
SLG: 13th
OPS+: 7th
wRC+: 7th
wOBA: 8th
Freeman also ranks 5th in runs scored (64), 6th in hits (108), 10th in OPS (.878), and tied for 3rd in doubles (28).
His resume’ is a good one. Good enough for me to believe he’s among the top five in the NL for this poll.
Jul 7, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt hits a single in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2. Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
2014 stats: .308/.400/.549, 16 HR, 61 RBI, 162 OPS+, wRC+ 159, wOBA .407
Goldschmidt could potentially suffer the same fate this year as he did last year: finishing second in the MVP race because his team is unlikely to make the postseason. Won’t detract me from having him on my list. He’s in the top ten in all three slashline categories, ranking 9th, 3rd, and 3rd in those three respectively.
Here’s the other particulars:
HR: T8th
RBI: 3rd
OPS+: 3rd
wRC+: 4th
wOBA: 3rd
In looking at all of these numbers, it’s hard to argue that Goldschmidt doesn’t belong among these five.
Jul 3, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) singles against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
3. Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
2014 stats: .324/.420/.575, 17 HR, 61 RBI, 179 OPS+, 179 wRC+, .427 wOBA
Last year’s NL MVP looks like he wants the hardware again. He’s certainly producing as if he does.
And here’s something that might get swept under the rug and shouldn’t. While on defense, Cutch has a couple of young guys flanking him (Starling Marte in his second full season and rookie Gregory Polanco). His veteran leadership skills are now more on display.
The rankings…
BA: 3rd
OBP: 2nd
SLG: 2nd
HR: 6th
RBI: 2nd
OPS+: 1st
wRC+: 1st
wOBA: 2nd
Wow. Cutch’s lowest rank in these categories is 6th? Seems like he’s even performing better than he did last season.
In case you’re wondering, the last NL player to win back-to-back MVPs was Albert Pujols in 2008-09.
Jul 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; National League outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) of the Miami Marlins at bat in the first round during the 2014 Home Run Derby the day before the MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
4. Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins
2014 stats: .295/.395/.538, 21 HR, 63 RBI, 155 OPS+, 154 wRC+, .397 wOBA
I knew Stanton would have a better 2014 than his 2013 campaign, but, wow, he’s exceeded my expectations. Granted, injuries played a part in hos down 2013 season. We now know that a healthy Stanton is pretty darn scary.
Stanton against the NL…
BA: 14th
OBP: 4th
SLG: 4th
HR: T1st
RBI: 1st
OPS+: 6th
wRC+: 6th
wOBA: 5th
Stanton is clearly in the midst of his best season. And he could only get better.
Once again, that’s scary.
Jul 11, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) hits a two run home run in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
5. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies
2014 stats: .345/.435/.613, 21 HR, 52 RBI, 175 OPS+, 175 wRC+, .448 wOBA
A healthy Tulo is a fantastic Tulo. There can be no argument there. He’s proven that many times. This season is no exception.
Tulo’s ranks in the offensive categories…
BA: 1st
OBP: 1st
SLG: 1st
HR: T1st
RBI: 15th
OPS+: 2nd
wRC+: 2nd
wOBA: 1st
Oh, and Tulo’s 71 runs scored tops the National League as well. And don’t forget that he missed some time due to a DL stint. When he’s in the lineup, the Rockies are a completely different team. Must be the vibe he emits.
Yes, some will debate the Coors Field effect on his numbers. Always is the case when a Rockie receives consideration. And that’s legitimate debate in this case when you look at Tulowitzki’s home/away splits. (Yes, this would get Harold Reynolds attention. Maybe it should.)
There you have my final five. The poll is below for your vote. If you believe there is a player that should be considered as your top choice, select “Other” and please leave his name within the comments section below this post. Also, indicate why you believe that player should be listed here.