FanPost

Random Thoughts On 2014 Tigers MVP



Well, with one week left it is time to discuss the Tigers 2014 season MVP. Since postseason should have no affect on voting, we better get started. A bizarre 2014 season with ups and downs. That would be Ian Kinsler. A season with some big time hits. That would be J.D. Martinez. Discussion of the Ace of the staff with three CY Young winners was not supposed to include Rick Porcello. Added some much needed speed. That would be Rajai Davis. Throw in the aging vet, Torii Hunter. Then there are the team WAR leaders Max Scherzer, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez.

  • Long shots: Rajai Davis, Torii Hunter, Rick Porcello

Rajai Davis was brought in to add some speed and platoon in LF. Not be the everyday CF. While crushing LH pitchers to the tune of .354/.381/.558/.938 he has struggled vs RH batters. While speedy he has been caught 10 times but his +18 steals vs. RHP would raise his numbers to .243/.290/.386/.676. He is not Austin Jackson on defense but only one error in 40 games in CF.

Torii Hunter, let just talk about offense. Real close to matching last years numbers where he finished 19th in AL MVP vote. I know defense horrible but DH if Victor leaves?

Rick Porcello, 20 game winner with a little run support in the 2nd half. Probably the most consistent starter this season. His ERA dropped every month* after an 8-2 record the first two months. (* Porcello out the Giants game in September pursuant to Porcello Rule 2013.63(b)). Three Complete Game Shutouts. Two more in which he gave up 0 ER. Nineteen starts with two or fewer ER.

  • In the discussion: Ian Kinsler, Max Scherzer. Both in the discussion only because of WAR. Kinsler 4.7 bWAR and Scherzer 5.8 bWAR. Both had solid seasons though.
  • Favorites: Miguel Cabrera, J.D. Martinez, Victor Martinez

J.D. Martinez has performed beyond expectations and placed himself among the best left fielders in baseball. His big clutch hits have won games and /or gave them late leads to be squandered. He does strike out a bit much but hey 40 bombs comes with some strikeouts. Not in first place without him.

Victor Martinez has been the Tigers most consistent hitter all season. He will finish top 5 in AL MVP. Probably the favorite for this poll.

My vote, however, goes to Miguel Cabrera. The reasons? 2nd Games, 2nd PA/AB, 1st Hits, 1st Doubles, 7th Triples (only 1 away from 4th, still with the team), 2nd Home Runs, 1st RBI, 2nd BB, 1st XBH and 1st TB. This after a one footed August. Now less, one footed, he has absolutely stepped up in a big way. In a pennant race. If the Tigers want a World Series Championship, they will need this from him next month.

Let's get ready to rumble!!!

Miggy vs. VMart!

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via media.giphy.com


This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the <em>Bless You Boys</em> writing staff.