MLB 2022: The Long and Winding Thread

Wait, you actually think I made that up?

 

“I was told anyone in Judge’s spot would be an MVP candidate.””
Nobody said that either. Why are we bothering with this stupid debate when everybody puts words in our mouths (or texts)? We said the yankees would have another really good player, even a near superstar, if they didn’t have judge. That has been their history.

 

PROBABLY
And do you think if the yankees didn’t have judge that they wouldn’t have gone after a superstar free agent that they didn’t pursue because they already had judge? And would it not be likely there are at least some players who’s numbers would improve if they were in that Yankee lineup (i know its not awesome this year, but its still the yankees and he still would have Stanton, DJ, Torres, and Torres around him). It could easily be Stanton himself with another good part in centerfield. And hitting in Yankee stadium?
(A double edit!)

 

For sure they would have and got sure they’d have a chance to be an All Star caliber player if they stood up to the scrutiny. There’s been some big names who came in and lived up to the hype (Stanton I’m looking in your direction) but there have been others who have not (AJ Burnett). But just being an All Star don’ doesn’t equate to MVP consideration. Yankees haven’t had an MVP since 2007 and just two have been runners up in the mean time. So it isn’t like just bringing in a hot free agent automatically breeds success. Which is more my point.

I 100 percent agree if you put Ohtani in pin stripes he’d still be (potentially) as dominant and a candidate. If Judge went to the Angels and hit in front of Trout, he’d have a chance. Personally I’m voting Judge if I had a vote but I don’t think people voting Ohtani are wrong. I’m swayed by Judge’s numbers and historic home run chase. But I’m not going to think Ohtani is the wrong choice if he wins.

 

See quoted text above

 

There’s nothing wrong with voting for Judge, his numbers are incredible. The only issue is when people try to use team records. There is absolutely nothing more that Ohtani could possibly do to help the Angels. It’s not his fault he Plato’s in a dogshit organization.

 

Yeah I got no problem with any of that. I think I’ve argued the other way in the past mostly to advocate for a guy to get more consideration. But this year, record has little to do with why you should vote for one over the other.

 

It isn't his fault, but the Angels could suck without him. Take him away and their fate remains the same. I don't think that is true of Judge and the Yankees.

To be clear, because this was misrepresented previously, I'm not saying Ohtani should be dismissed because his team sucks. I'm saying team success should be a factor, something considered along with everything else. It is just one reason why Judge is more deserving this season. He is also unstoppable offensively and unlike Ohtani on the days he doesn't pitch, Judge is contributes defensively.

 

I'm stunned it's that good.

 

I thought it was a good note by Heyman that, while RBIs aren't a great stat, the fact that Judge leads the category while batting out of the 1- or 2-hole all season is pretty incredible.

All I know is my kid is looking up to Judge the way my dad looked up to Mantle. That, in itself, has made this one of my favorite seasons of baseball I've ever watched.

 

Especially if you've been seeing the AAA bottom of the lineups the Yankees have been rolling out every day for the last two months.