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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Baseball Writers’ Association of America: PEDROIA AL MVP, 1 YEAR AFTER ROOKIE TRIUMPH

R.E.M. made Green...Green made R.E.M...(just plugging Primate Jeff Lescher for no reason)

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia had an historic victory in winning the 2008 American League Most Valuable Player Award in balloting by the BBWAA. Pedroia is the first AL second baseman to win the award in 49 years and only the third player to be named MVP the year after being elected Rookie of the Year.

Pedroia, who led the league in runs (118), hits (213) doubles (54) and multi-hit games (61), received 16 first-place votes from the 28 ballots cast by two writers in each league city. Pedroia was listed second on six ballots, third on four and fourth on one for a total of 317 points, based on a tabulation system rewarding 14 points for first place, nine for second, eight for third on down to one for 10th.

Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau (.300, 23 HR, 129 RBI), the 2006 winner, received seven first-place votes and was the runner-up with 257 points. Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis (.312, 29 HR, 115 RBI) got two first-place votes and finished third with 201 points. Morneau and Youkilis were the only players named on all ballots.

Twins catcher Joe Mauer (.328, 9 HR, 85 RBI) also was first on two ballots and ranked fourth with 188 points. The other first-place vote went to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (2-3, 2.24 ERA, 62 SV), who totaled 143 points and finished sixth, behind Chicago White Sox left fielder Carlos Quentin (.288, 36 HR, 100 RBI), who had 160 points.

Repoz Posted: November 18, 2008 at 02:46 PM | 164 comment(s)
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1. tfbg9 Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:01 PM (#3011639)

Don't let it go to your head, you shrimp!

2. Biff. You know, for kids! Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:01 PM (#3011640)

Rookie of the Year last year, MVP this year. Where is is there left to go from here?

3. Textbook Editor Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:04 PM (#3011643)

OK, so who left Pedroia off the ballot completely?

4. a wider scope of derision Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:04 PM (#3011644)

Wow.

So none of the winners were bad picks. (What the hell is going on??)

5. Shooty Is A One Man Legion Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:04 PM (#3011645)

More importantly, that's a much nicer green. Thanks!

Rookie of the Year last year, MVP this year. Where is is there left to go from here?

kevin is preparing a mylar bag and for Pedroia as we speak.

6. andrewberg of udub law Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:05 PM (#3011646)

Rookie of the Year last year, MVP this year. Where is is there left to go from here?

runoff with obama.

Pedroia is a really good pick, but I still wanted him to lose. I root for awards like I root for teams: even if mine isn't the best, I still want them to win.

7. Sean Forman Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:05 PM (#3011648)

Got to love that somebody completely left him off the ballot.

And then there is Jason Bartlett fifth.

8. tfbg9 Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:05 PM (#3011649)

Congrats, Bivvo! This is for you!

9. Smiling Joe Hesketh Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:05 PM (#3011650)

Awesome. Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, and MVP. Not bad for a jockey.

10. Dan The Mediocre Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:05 PM (#3011651)

So none of the winners were bad picks. (What the hell is going on??)

Yeah, but both 2nd place finishers would have been bad picks, so it's just baby steps.

11. a wider scope of derision Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:06 PM (#3011652)

Morneau and Youkilis were the only players named on all ballots.

OK, so there's still a lot of work to do.

12. Shooty Is A One Man Legion Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:06 PM (#3011653)

Oh yeah...Mauer was jobbed again but I was expecting that. Ah well.

13. a wider scope of derision Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:07 PM (#3011654)

Oh yeah...Mauer was jobbed again but I was expecting that. Ah well.

He still did way better than I expected.

14. Harold Reynolds: An Erotic Life (AG#1F) Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:07 PM (#3011655)

When was the last time two teams each had two players in the top four like that?

15. Textbook Editor Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:08 PM (#3011659)

If that Jason Bartlett 5th place vote is from anyone other than a TB beat writer, he should have his vote taken away. I can excuse screwball homerism in these votes, but not an outsider acting irrationally.

16. Gamingboy Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:08 PM (#3011661)

I wonder what kevin is doing right now...

(Morneau should have won, or at the very least have been closer)

17. Smiling Joe Hesketh Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:10 PM (#3011666)

Ibanez got a 10th place vote. WTF?

18. DCW3 * Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:10 PM (#3011669)

Oh yeah...Mauer was jobbed again but I was expecting that. Ah well.

The real jobbing was Cliff Lee. 12th place?

Oh, man, and Halladay didn't get any votes at all. Those two would have been first and second on my ballot.

19. Shooty Is A One Man Legion Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:10 PM (#3011670)

Ibanez got a 10th place vote. WTF?

Carlos Pena: Most Valuable Ray!

20. Hello Rusty Kuntz, Goodbye Rusty Cars Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:12 PM (#3011672)

OK, so there's still a lot of work to do.

I'd start with the green background.

21. Shooty Is A One Man Legion Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:13 PM (#3011673)

I'd start with the green background.

C'mon on now. It's a more pleasing shade, at least.

22. Tom Nawrocki Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:13 PM (#3011674)

Rookie of the Year last year, MVP this year. Where is is there left to go from here?

2,633 consecutive games?

I didn't know Jeff Lescher was a Primate. His old bass player is a good friend of mine.

23. Fly Has Risen, Like a Phoenix from Arizona Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:13 PM (#3011676)

(Morneau should have won, or at the very least have been closer)

I know it's an overrated position, but if you're going to pick a closer out of that group and don't go with K-Rod, you're an idiot.

24. John DiFool2 Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:14 PM (#3011677)

He [Mauer] still did way better than I expected.

Much better than in '06, where he finished 13th or thereabouts?

E: 6th.

25. flournoy Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:14 PM (#3011678)

Bartlett is in keeping with the "August and September only" mentality.

26. Bill McNeal Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:14 PM (#3011679)

I don't get the Mussina vote. I'd like to see that ballot, to see if that voter had Lee ahead of Mussina, or even on his ballot.

27. Shooty Is A One Man Legion Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:15 PM (#3011681)

Bartlett is in keeping with the "August and September only" mentality.

I'll be $10 this was a mistake by the voter.

28. Fly Has Risen, Like a Phoenix from Arizona Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:16 PM (#3011683)

I don't get the Mussina vote. I'd like to see that ballot, to see if that voter had Lee ahead of Mussina, or even on his ballot.

What's not to get? An 8th place vote isn't going to affect the balloting, and Mussina won 20 games for the first time in his career. A Baltimore (or I guess maybe NY) writer decided to give him a shoutout.

29. Yeaarrgghhhh Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:17 PM (#3011685)

And then there is Jason Bartlett fifth.

Christ...for a second there I thought you meant he'd finished fifth.

30. rdfc Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:18 PM (#3011687)

For the first time ever (meaning since 1991) the IBA voters and BBWAA voters picked the same 8 winners. Does that mean something or is that result random? I think that the BBWAA standards have moved slightly towards IBA standards, and that played a role, but I suspect coincidence is the larger factor in the result.

The biggest difference between the IBA and BBWAA AL MVP results this year: Roy Halladay was 10th in IBA voting this year and was named on approximately half the ballots. Halladay, however, did not appear on a single BBWAA MVP ballot.

31. Jonk Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:19 PM (#3011688)

The real jobbing was Cliff Lee. 12th place? Oh, man, and Halladay didn't get any votes at all. Those two would have been first and second on my ballot.
Why? Isn't that what the Cy Young Award is for?

32. Fly Has Risen, Like a Phoenix from Arizona Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:20 PM (#3011692)

I can't see giving a pitcher a high MVP vote unless they were insanely, Pedro-in-1999 style dominant.

33. DCW3 * Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:20 PM (#3011693)

Why?

Because, in my opinion, those two contributed more value to their teams than any other AL players this year.

34. HGM Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:21 PM (#3011694)

Why? Isn't that what the Cy Young Award is for?

The Cy Young is for the best pitcher. The MVP is for the best player (and player includes pitchers).

(Roughly speaking on the "best" part)

35. Shooty Is A One Man Legion Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:21 PM (#3011695)

but I suspect coincidence is the larger factor in the result.

Yeah. I think Morneau doing so well is proof of this.

36. Jimenez > Soriano Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:23 PM (#3011696)

I wonder what kevin is doing right now...

Option J?

37. aleskel Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:24 PM (#3011698)

K-Rod got 100 more points than A-Rod and Sizemore. Laughable.

38. DCW3 * Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:26 PM (#3011703)

I think that the BBWAA standards have moved slightly towards IBA standards, and that played a role, but I suspect coincidence is the larger factor in the result.

I also think that, as the IBA has become more popular, the voters there don't have quite as much of a sabermetric bent as they once had.

39. Bill McNeal Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:26 PM (#3011704)

What's not to get? An 8th place vote isn't going to affect the balloting, and Mussina won 20 games for the first time in his career. A Baltimore (or I guess maybe NY) writer decided to give him a shoutout.

I guess I "get" it in the sense of the voter consciously voting for the undeserving, but in what way could you legitimately vote for Mussina ahead of Halladay, if you're going to vote for a pitcher?

40. Smiling Joe Hesketh Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:27 PM (#3011707)

Per Chad Finn of the Boston Globe, the writer who left Pedroia entirely off his ballot was Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

41. Esoteric can feel Strasburg slowly slipping away Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:27 PM (#3011708)

Let's face it folks: any year where our strongest complaints are about who finished SECOND in the MVP voting (Howard and Morneau, both undeserving) is a pretty great year for the BBWAA. They pretty much got everything right this time, and it's not like they couldn't have easily screwed it up (a Howard MVP would have echoed for years as one of the worst decisions in recent memory, up there with George Bell and Morneau '06). The system is still a mess, but at least it spewed out a satisfactory result this time.

Still, I would have preferred Mauer for MVP.

42. TWO!-OH!-OH!-OH! CLAP!-CLAP!-CLAP!CLAP!CLAP! Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:27 PM (#3011709)

OK, so who left Pedroia off the ballot completely?

If the commenters on the Dallas Morning News Rangers blog are accurate, that would be Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. If you've read any of his columns, you'd understand.

43. Fly Has Risen, Like a Phoenix from Arizona Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:27 PM (#3011710)

Pitcher A: 20-9
Pitcher B: 20-11

Who is more valuable? I think it's pretty obvious.

44. Biff. You know, for kids! Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:29 PM (#3011711)

(Morneau should have won, or at the very least have been closer)

Why?

45. Smiling Joe Hesketh Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:29 PM (#3011712)

If the commenters on the Dallas Morning News Rangers blog are accurate, that would be Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. If you've read any of his columns, you'd understand.

Grant gave his 1st place vote to Youkilis, which is at least defensible. Can't defend leaving Pedroia off the ballot entirely.

46. a wider scope of derision Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:30 PM (#3011715)

Best (potential) ballot?

Your all saves, all corner slugger (plus Bartlett for D) team!!

K-Rod, Quentin, Pena, Morneau, Bartlett, Cabrera, Youkilis, Dye*, Guerrero, Ibanez

*I'm tempted to say Moose, but you could make a case he was the 8th most valuable player in the AL last year as long as Lee and Halladay are ahead of him.

47. aleskel Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:30 PM (#3011716)

someone had K-Rod first. Whoever that is should have his membership revoked and his children taken away.

48. Howell Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:32 PM (#3011717)

Pitcher A: 20-9
Pitcher B: 20-11

Who is more valuable? I think it's pretty obvious.

That may be be the best joke I see all day. Though if that is serious, then you need to run (not walk) to a respectable baseball website, and do some studying.

49. flournoy Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:33 PM (#3011719)

I'll be $10 this [voting Bartlett fifth] was a mistake by the voter.

How does that work? Hanging chads or something? How can a voter accidentally vote for someone?

50. flournoy Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:34 PM (#3011721)

Pitcher A: 20-9
Pitcher B: 20-11

Who is more valuable? I think it's pretty obvious.

Pitcher B. He left fewer games in the hands of the bullpen. Don't want to overwork those guys.

51. Herschel Pinkus Yerucham Shmoikel Krustofsky Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:34 PM (#3011722)

Pedroia? Satisfactory, if not what I'd hoped for (Youkilis or Mauer). How long until the MSM starts beating the drums for Pedroia as the new Jeter?

52. Bill McNeal Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:36 PM (#3011725)

46: Given that the ballot does not have Lee or Halladay, one could make a case that the ballot is "worse" with Mussina in place of Dye. It's already established that the theoretical voter would have K-Rod ranked ahead of Halladay and Lee, why not add Moose? Although maybe that's an argument to include Dye - having K-Rod as the only pitcher on the list may be "worse" than having K-Rod and Moose but still no Lee or Halladay.

Hmm, tough call...

53. Smiling Joe Hesketh Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:38 PM (#3011726)

Pedroia? Satisfactory, if not what I'd hoped for (Youkilis or Mauer). How long until the MSM starts beating the drums for Pedroia as the new Jeter?

They'll have to wait until his defense collapses first.

54. AJMacaroni Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:39 PM (#3011727)

K-Rod 6th. Was he even in the top 6 relivers?

55. a wider scope of derision Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:41 PM (#3011730)

52: Point taken. Except now you've got a ballot with 2 (TWO!) guys you could legitimately claim are top 10.

56. Fly Has Risen, Like a Phoenix from Arizona Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:42 PM (#3011731)

Pitcher B. He left fewer games in the hands of the bullpen. Don't want to overwork those guys.

That's not in the Stats That Really Matter.

57. The Essex Snead Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:42 PM (#3011732)

How long until the MSM starts beating the drums for Pedroia as the new Jeter?

Where've you been?!?

58. Textbook Editor Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:42 PM (#3011733)

I keep hoping K-Rod signs with the Mets, simply because it will be fun to lurk at Mets chatters next year if he closes.

59. Bill McNeal Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:43 PM (#3011734)

sorry jurgen, I just altered my comment, which kind of makes the point you just made.

60. The Joe Mauer Power Hour (kj) Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:43 PM (#3011735)

I really wanted to see someone put Manny on their ballot, just for fun.

61. Obama Bomaye Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:44 PM (#3011737)

Over one-third of the voters placed Mauer 1st or 2nd. I'm not sure he should have won but he was the guy I really thought would be underrated. Well done.

62. AJMacaroni Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:44 PM (#3011739)

I really wanted to see someone put Manny on their ballot, just for fun.

Has someone ever gotten votes in both leagues before?

63. a wider scope of derision Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:44 PM (#3011740)

How does that work? Hanging chads or something? How can a voter accidentally vote for someone?

I feel bad for the guy who voted Pena 3rd. Everyone knows Bartlett was the team MVP.

64. Soul Man Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:45 PM (#3011741)

When was the last time two teams each had two players in the top four like that?

1980. The Royals had Brett (1st) and Willie Wilson (4th), while the Yankees had Reggie (2nd) and Goose (3rd).

65. a wider scope of derision Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:46 PM (#3011743)

I really wanted to see someone put Manny on their ballot, just for fun.

But then you'd have to leave off Ibanez. No, sorry. It's just not worth it.

66. Free Joe C and the Pop Culture Portmanteau Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:49 PM (#3011746)

That may be be the best joke I see all day. Though if that is serious, then you need to run (not walk) to a respectable baseball website, and do some studying.

I've got a month's rent that says it's not serious.

67. T.J. makes a mochary or the sport Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:52 PM (#3011749)

If that Jason Bartlett 5th place vote is from anyone other than a TB beat writer, he should have his vote taken away.

Won't anyone think of his children?!?!?

68. Textbook Editor Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:53 PM (#3011750)

Willie Wilson was 4th in 1980? Hmm.

69. Mister High Standards Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:53 PM (#3011751)

Eat your heart out David Wright.

70. Gold Star for Robot Boy Posted: November 18, 2008 at 03:59 PM (#3011758)

Pedroia is Arizona State's third MVP winner, joining Reggie (1973) and Barry (1990, 1992, 1993, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004).

71. NJ likes the people, the books, hates the format. Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:04 PM (#3011759)

Where did "eat your heart out" come from?

72. flournoy Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:06 PM (#3011761)

Where did "eat your heart out" come from?

Sometimes it's best not to ask. See also: Screw the pooch.

73. Jonk Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:08 PM (#3011762)

The Cy Young is for the best pitcher. The MVP is for the best player (and player includes pitchers). (Roughly speaking on the "best" part)

So, pitchers are should be considered for both of the major awards, but positional players for just one? That doesn't make much sense. Cy Young for pitchers and MVP for positional players.

74. Tim Lincecum doesn't Wang Chung tonite (GGC) Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:10 PM (#3011766)

Where did "eat your heart out" come from?

Same place as "fell off a cliff."

75. Harold Reynolds: An Erotic Life (AG#1F) Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:11 PM (#3011767)

1980. The Royals had Brett (1st) and Willie Wilson (4th), while the Yankees had Reggie (2nd) and Goose (3rd).

Thank you!

76. The Joe Mauer Power Hour (kj) Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:13 PM (#3011770)

Where did "eat your heart out" come from?

Same place as "fell off a cliff."

Baseball Prospectus?

77. aleskel Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:13 PM (#3011771)

Where did "eat your heart out" come from?

-From "This will eat your heart out.", suggesting that the recipient of the taunt will have their heart, the core of their being, eaten out with desire, bitterness, or pain.
-From the 16th century "to eat one's own heart" (to suffer in silence from anguish or grief), possibly from the Bible "to eat one's own flesh" (to be lazy)

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/eat_your_heart_out?rdfrom=Eat_your_heart_out

78. Erik, Pinch-Commenter Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:14 PM (#3011773)

The rules say that pitchers are eligible but that the number of games played is a significant requirement that the voter needs to consider. I think that is their way of saying that pitcher should be able to win if he is far and away the best pick for an MVP. Lee and Halladay may have been the best overall players this year but had their performance been on the other side of the game I don't think either would be a lock for MVP.

79. DL from MN Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:15 PM (#3011774)

Looks like the last time a 2B won AL MVP was Carew in 77. Apparently catchers have to be Yankees to win.

80. greeneater Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:16 PM (#3011776)

"Rookie of the Year last year, MVP this year. Where is is there left to go from here?"

let me be the first to predict dusty as '09's cy young winner

81. DCW3 * Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:16 PM (#3011777)

Looks like the last time a 2B won AL MVP was Carew in 77.

Carew was a first baseman by 1977. The last AL 2B to win was Nellie Fox in 1959.

82. Smiling Joe Hesketh Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:17 PM (#3011778)

Looks like the last time a 2B won AL MVP was Carew in 77. Apparently catchers have to be Yankees to win.

Carew played 151 games at 1B that year with only 4 at 2nd. He was a first baseman.

83. Jonah Keri Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:19 PM (#3011780)

The real jobbing was Cliff Lee. 12th place?

Oh, man, and Halladay didn't get any votes at all. Those two would have been first and second on my ballot.

Yup, me too. Mauer 3rd. Pedroia 5th. Morneau not on ballot.

And Jason Bartlett would simply have the MVP trophy named after him to honor his excellence.

84. BeanoCook Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:23 PM (#3011783)

Can somebody enlighten me. How good (or is he great) is Pedroia? Are we looking at a career year of an above average 2nd-baseman, or are we looking at greatness in the making? Thoughts?

85. DCW3 * Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:24 PM (#3011785)

So, pitchers are should be considered for both of the major awards, but positional players for just one? That doesn't make much sense. Cy Young for pitchers and MVP for positional players.

The Cy Young is a subset of the MVP, meant to reward the guy who pitched the best, just like the Gold Gloves are ostensibly meant to reward the best fielders, and the Hank Aaron Award the best hitters. It's not the pitchers' fault nobody pays attention to the Hank Aaron Award.

86. The Joe Mauer Power Hour (kj) Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:25 PM (#3011786)

It's not the pitchers' fault nobody pays attention to the Hank Aaron Award.

No one should.

87. HGM Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:25 PM (#3011787)

So, pitchers are should be considered for both of the major awards, but positional players for just one? That doesn't make much sense. Cy Young for pitchers and MVP for positional players.

I didn't make the rules. Under the definitions of the awards, pitchers are eligible for the MVP award, and thus should be considered.

88. robinred Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:25 PM (#3011789)

Kevin's decision to leave BTF is an interesting juxtaposition with Pedroia's winning the MVP.

89. Templeusox has reached his genetic threshold Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:26 PM (#3011792)

Pitchers should have "transformative" years in order to be considered. That's my opinion.

90. aleskel Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:28 PM (#3011796)

How good (or is he great) is Pedroia? Are we looking at a career year of an above average 2nd-baseman, or are we looking at greatness in the making? Thoughts?

He's a little guy with a big, ugly swing who has uncharacteristically good contact skills. He's so unique in his basic skill profile that I think you have to throw the book out when it comes to predicting greatness.

91. sotapop Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:29 PM (#3011799)

I for one am stunned and happy that my MSM brethren went (defensibly) six-for-six, eight-for-eight if you count managers, and that my dire jinx prediction of MVP for K-Rod did not come to pass.

I would have voted Mauer, but since most reporters, like me, are scrappy little bastards, of course we voted for one of our own.

92. Harmon Microbrew Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:30 PM (#3011803)

1980. The Royals had Brett (1st) and Willie Wilson (4th), while the Yankees had Reggie (2nd) and Goose (3rd).

Add in Cerone at 7 and Quiz at 8, just to complete the KC / NYY dominance in that year's vote.

93. Biff. You know, for kids! Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:31 PM (#3011805)

Can somebody enlighten me. How good (or is he great) is Pedroia? Are we looking at a career year of an above average 2nd-baseman, or are we looking at greatness in the making? Thoughts?

Hard to say. I'm surprised he hit 17 HR and stole 20 bases this year, so who knows what else he can do.

94. rconn23 Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:33 PM (#3011807)

"Kevin's decision to leave BTF is an interesting juxtaposition with Pedroia's winning the MVP."

Did he leave? Or was he banned? And if so, what got him banned?

95. Shock Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:37 PM (#3011814)

The idea that a starting pitcher can't be the most valuable player in the league is one of the dumbest concepts I have ever encountered, and completely contradicts the "pitching and defense" attitude of 96% of the general public.

In my mind, Cliff Lee was easily the most valuable player in the AL. Halladay was in the top 5 as well. None of the position players really stand out, so it's ridiculous the lack of support those two got. Just ridiculous. How many of the guys on this list would you not trade their seasons for Halladay's or Lee's? Come the #### on.

96. robinred Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:38 PM (#3011816)

Did he leave?

Yes. He emailed me to tell me. He said I could tell other guys, so I haev posted it a couple of times so folks here know.

Or was he banned?

Yes. But it expired on 11/10. Hr says he has decided not to come back. The fact that he has not posted on the Dustin Pedroia MVP thread certainly indicates that he means it.

And if so, what got him banned?

Can't speak to that one--that is the purview of the parties involved.

97. Tripon Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:38 PM (#3011817)

Rookie of the Year last year, MVP this year. Where is is there left to go from here?

Well in 3-4 years from now, as Perdoria is preparing to leave the Red Sox as a FA is when he'll learn what the Red Sox PR machine can do to him.

98. Styles P. Deadball Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:38 PM (#3011818)

Wow, I had Jason Bartlett on my fantasy team all year, and here I thought he sucked donkey balls. I missed the fact that I was in the presence of greatness.

99. DFA Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:39 PM (#3011820)

Pedroia? Satisfactory, if not what I'd hoped for (Youkilis or Mauer). How long until the MSM starts beating the drums for Pedroia as the new Jeter?

This has already started...I believe TBS' coverage of Pedroia in the ALCS was Jeter-esque. Between Jeter and now Pedroia I think I might just become a cricket fan.

100. Shooty Is A One Man Legion Posted: November 18, 2008 at 04:39 PM (#3011822)

Did he leave? Or was he banned? And if so, what got him banned?

Banned. Banishment has expired. Voluntarily hasn't come back. Too much kevin-ness, from what I gather, was the cause of original banishment.

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Baseball Writers’ Association of America: PEDROIA AL MVP, 1 YEAR AFTER ROOKIE TRIUMPH

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