CttP Podcast: Chris Sale, Mike Trout MVP race, Giancarlo Stanton trade?

Welcome to the ninth episode of the Call to the Pen flagship podcast! New episodes Monday and Wednesday. Today Jon discusses the possibility of Chris Sale winning the AL MVP, as well as the prospect of the Miami Marlins’ new ownership group slashing team salary by trading Giancarlo Stanton.

Host and FanSided contributor Jonathan Platek breaks down the MVP race in the American League (with a splash of NL discussion as well), and asks aloud whether a pitcher can be in serious contention for an MVP Award. Jon also points out the continued dark-horse candidacy of Mike Trout for the AL MVP Award, totaling three options for the prize: Jose Altuve, Chris Sale and Mike Trout.

Jon also discusses the recent news that the new Marlins ownership group led by Derek Jeter is looking to slash player salaries in the coming years, which could foreshadow a Giancarlo Stanton trade to some other contender.

Here’s what is going on in today’s episode:

• Intro: Jon wishes you a happy and safe Labor Day, and briefly runs down the topics for today’s show.
• AL Wild Card race: Jon discusses just how tight the race for a Wild Card bid in the AL has gotten. With seven teams vying for a Wild Card spot, what kind of crazy playoff-type play could we see down the season’s final stretch? Jon discusses the various tiebreakers that would play into deciding which teams would play a figurative Game 163.
• AL MVP race: Jon breaks down the increasingly interesting race for Most Valubable Player in the American League. Jose Altuve is a clear front-runner, having been healthy all season long and contributing mightily to the league’s best team. That said, Jon wonders, is it possible for a pitcher like Chris Sale to dominate enough to warrant the MVP Award? Jon highlights Sale’s historic dominance for the Red Sox in 2017, and also brings to light the continued mashing of Angels outfielder Mike Trout. Could he be a 7-WAR player in fewer than 120 games, and is that MVP-worthy?

Next: Podcast: Judge struggles, Stanton HR chase

• Giancarlo Stanton trade: The Marlins are reportedly looking to dump salary with a new ownership group taking the reins. Jon highlights the increasingly bad money the team owes to several aging, poorly-performing veterans, and gives trade possibilities for both dealing Giancarlo Stanton and keeping the slugger and looking to dump salary elsewhere. Would Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna have to go if Stanton doesn’t?