MLB 2022: The Long and Winding Thread

Curtis Sliwa batting cleanup. But for whom?

 

Is there anybody at this point who is not considering him? And has anybody ever had a better contract year? In any sport?

 

there are still several ohtani or no one types out there. Depending on the makeup of this year’s voters, it might be closer than people think

 

CC Sabathia: Shohei Ohtani should win AL MVP over Aaron Judge

 

Mickey Mantle, 1956? Players were on one-year contracts back then.

 

Is Ohtani some outlandish idea?

 

Honestly, no. You almost have to vote for him every year if he’s doing well both ways.

 

Based on pure numbers, probably not. Based on the idea of numbers + value to a team, it's harder to make the case.
As great a year as Ohtani is having, his team is still 32 games out of first place. Judge is having a better hitting year and his team is going to win its division. Saying Ohtani should win it isn't as much a knock on him, as it is a dismissal of Judge and the contribution he's made to the Yankees' success.

 

Value to the team is old school mythical bullshit. What more could Ohtani do? Would Judge magically have the Angels in 1st place?

 

Brian Kenny did an analysis a few weeks ago on MLB Network showing how the numbers actually favor Judge, especially when you consider contribution defensively. Remember, he is an excellent outfielder and Ohtani doesn't play in the field when he isn't pitching.

 

Last season you saw a lot of “but what about” regarding other candidates in the running with Ohtani. I believe he was the unanimous winner. But yes, it seems absurd to automatically vote for him every year.
Judge is the Most Valuable Player. Ohtani is the Most Outstanding Player.

 

Maybe not, but take him away from the Yankees, and they are not in contention.