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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

BBWAA: NL MVP: It’s Unanimous: Cardinals’ Albert Pujols Wins Again

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was a unanimous choice in winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award for the second consecutive season and the third time in his career.

Pujols was listed first on all 32 ballots submitted by two writers in each league city to score a perfect total of 448 points, based on the tabulation system that rewards 14 points for first place, nine for second, eight for third and on down to one for 10th.

He became the sixth NL player to win the award by a unanimous vote, joining Orlando Cepeda (1967), Mike Schmidt (1980), Jeff Bagwell (1994), Ken Caminiti (1996) and Barry Bonds (2002). There have been nine unanimous winners in the American League – Hank Greenberg (1935), Al Rosen (1953), Mickey Mantle (1956), Frank Robinson (1966), Denny McLain (1968), Reggie Jackson (1973), Jose Canseco (1988), Frank Thomas (1993) and Ken Griffey, Jr. (1997).

Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who won the batting title (.342) and had 24 home runs and 106 RBI, was second in the voting with 233 points. First basemen Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies and Price Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers, who tied for the league lead in RBI with 141 apiece, finished third and fourth, respectively. Howard (.279, 45 HR, 108 R) totaled 217 points and Fielder (.299, 46 HR, 110 BB) 203. In all, 30 players received votes, but only Pujols, Ramirez and Fielder were on every ballot.

Repoz Posted: November 24, 2009 at 06:55 PM | 143 comment(s) | Login to Bookmark
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101. Davo the Magnificent Posted: November 24, 2009 at 11:32 PM (#3396132)

From the Jeremy Affeldt voter's article:

But hey, this is my “prerogative” vote. If it were a three- or even five-slot ballot, I wouldn’t dream of making a “statement” with my final selection. But this is a ballot that goes 10-deep, we all knew Pujols would win in a landslide, and there’s really no impact anyone can make with their final selection.

I was expecting a silly article, but I honestly don't have a problem with this. If some SABR guy threw a 10th place vote to Franklin Gutierrez* to bring more attention to his defense, I don't think we'd have a problem with it.

* Someone like Adam Everett circa 2005 might be a better example.

102. Eric J is Financed by a Rich Grandpa Posted: November 24, 2009 at 11:33 PM (#3396133)

Ryan, just make fun of Major Applewhite, and Jeff K. shall turn into his villainous version, K. Jeff.

You say that like there's a non-villainous version.

Wow, Andre Ethier finishing 6th place, Kemp finishing 10th? Ethier getting two 2nd place votes?

It's got to be the 30 HRs, because I can't see any other reason.

Didn't he tie the record for walkoff homers in a season or something? That's probably it.

103. jdbkaput Posted: November 24, 2009 at 11:43 PM (#3396137)

It's too early to be comparing Pujols to Robinson or Aaron at this point. He likely already has a higher peak than either once defense and playing time are factored in, but we'd do well to remember those Frank Thomas/Ted Williams comparisons from the mid 90s. It's pretty cool to see him match Musial's total MVP tally this season, though. One more second-place finish and Albert will match Stan the Man in that category as well.

Utley generally reminds me of Edmonds, and I don't see that as a good thing in future HOF votes.

104. Harvey Berkman Posted: November 25, 2009 at 12:07 AM (#3396154)

Stupid voters, he was barely unanimous!

105. Jeff K. Posted: November 25, 2009 at 12:28 AM (#3396162)

but we'd do well to remember those Frank Thomas/Ted Williams comparisons from the mid 90s

Right. This is why I said the other day in whatever thread that I still put the odds of Pujols finishing as "the better Cardinal" over Musial at 2-1 against, at best.

106. John DiFool2 Posted: November 25, 2009 at 12:29 AM (#3396164)

BBWAA incompetence makes for much better threads.

Oh, based on the relatively poor performance of Utley and Pedroia and the converse in the case of Jason Bay and Ryan Howard, don't worry, they'll MVP another slow slugger with tons of RBIs again.

107. AndrewJ Posted: November 25, 2009 at 12:33 AM (#3396170)

And Ryan Howard is hilariously overrated.

According to BBRef, Ryan now has more MVP Award Shares (2.29) than either Carl Yastrzemski or Dave Winfield.

Discuss.

108. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 12:35 AM (#3396172)

According to BBRef, Ryan now has more MVP Award Shares (2.29) than either Carl Yastrzemski or Dave Winfield.

Discuss.

I'm just that awesome.

109. Designated Sitter (GGC) Posted: November 25, 2009 at 01:20 AM (#3396202)

AndrewJ clearly meant to say Randy.

110. Gern Blanston Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:06 AM (#3396231)

According to BBRef, Ryan now has more MVP Award Shares (2.29) than either Carl Yastrzemski or Dave Winfield.

And Yaz actually won an MVP.

111. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:10 AM (#3396236)

And Yaz actually won an MVP.

So did Winfield!

112. Gern Blanston Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:14 AM (#3396239)

I always forget how old Howard is. He's 30 already.

Winfield was only named on MVP ballots in 9 seasons, and never finished higher than third, so I can see where Howard would've passed him (he's finished 1, 5, 2, 3 the last 4 years). But Yaz won an MVP, finished in the top 10 four other times (though never higher than fourth), and was named on ballots in another 9 seasons. Surprising he's behind Howard already.

113. Gern Blanston Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:17 AM (#3396242)

So did Winfield!

?

Even Shooty's not infallible, it seems!

114. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:19 AM (#3396243)

Jesus. I would have bet a hundred dollars Winfield had won one. I have this very strong memory of him being in that K-Mart issued MVP set for some reason. Stupid baseball card collection...

115. Gern Blanston Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:21 AM (#3396245)

Hey, those error cards are worth money! :-)

116. Lassus: Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:22 AM (#3396247)

Jesus. I would have bet a hundred dollars Winfield had won one. I have this very strong memory of him being in that K-Mart issued MVP set for some reason. Stupid baseball card collection...

Dancing with the Stars, eh, Shooty?

EDIT: Or is it really that she's watching the Arsenal game?

117. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:25 AM (#3396250)

EDIT: Or is it really that she's watching the Arsenal game?

She's watching couples buy their first house on HGTV and making me feel inferior as a provider.

118. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:26 AM (#3396251)

Hey, those error cards are worth money! :-)

I'm just glad you chose snark instead of offering to bet me a hundred dollars!

119. AndrewJ Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:29 AM (#3396255)

Ryan Howard has four straight top-10 finishes in MVP voting. Plenty of guys from the 1940s onward who are in Cooperstown can't say that. And yet, Utley's a much better all-around player -- HOF voters had better remember his 2009 World Series performance...

120. Gern Blanston Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:33 AM (#3396260)

I'm just glad you chose snark instead of offering to bet me a hundred dollars!

You'd have let me bet retroactively? Sweet!

Ryan Howard has four straight top-10 finishes in MVP voting.

4 straight top-5, in fact.

EDIT: And won ROY the year before that streak started. Warranted or not, his performance in the award voting's awfully impressive.

121. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:38 AM (#3396265)

You'd have let me bet retroactively? Sweet!

Haven't I established the boundlessness of my idiocy around here yet?

122. Gern Blanston Posted: November 25, 2009 at 02:39 AM (#3396266)

Haven't I established the boundlessness of my idiocy around here yet?

I knew there was a reason you were so popular!

123. cardsfanboy

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:04 AM (#3396272)

great thread, nothing to say so far, but have enjoyed the thread.

and overall the voting for the awards (outside of the massive...and I mean massive continued underrating of Utley) has been solid when your complaints on actual award winners is based upon the NL pitcher, firstbaseman and AL outfielders, then it's a good award period...not counting the moronic Hank Aaron award of course....the public should never be allowed to vote.

124. AndrewJ Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:19 AM (#3396278)

Ryan Howard has four straight top-10 finishes in MVP voting.

4 straight top-5, in fact.

My bad -- you're right, of course.

125. stanmvp48 Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:45 AM (#3396287)

And Willie and Ted only won twice I believe. I remember looking at Mays vs Boyer in 64 and being impressed with what morons they all were

126. Home Run Teal & Black Black Black Gone! Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:52 AM (#3396290)

I'm feeling hot tonight, boys.

127. Gern Blanston Posted: November 25, 2009 at 03:58 AM (#3396292)

I'm feeling hot tonight, boys.

So's your mom.

128. Hugh Jorgan Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:08 AM (#3396296)

And Willie and Ted only won twice I believe

And if I remember reading correctly, Williams did NOT win the year he won the triple crown...nice.

129. Home Run Teal & Black Black Black Gone! Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:18 AM (#3396298)

So's your mom.

Well, she is "Randy" Momma Ryan Jones, a Teal & Black Persona Derivative, so I imagine she would be.

130. RJ in TO Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:45 AM (#3396313)

And if I remember reading correctly, Williams did NOT win the year he won the triple crown...nice.

It's worse. He didn't win in either of the years he won the triple crown. He finished second in MVP voting in both 1942 and 1947.

131. Meatwad is on team keefe Posted: November 25, 2009 at 04:58 AM (#3396321)

how the hell does that happen?

132. Dr Stankus and the Semicolons Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:03 AM (#3396322)

Get it straight - we don't have penguins in Canada. All the bad-touching is done with seals.

A vacationing penguin is driving his through Arizona when he notices that the oil pressure light is on. He gets out to look and sees oil dripping out of the motor. He drives to the nearest town and stops at the first gas station.

After dropping the car off, the penguin goes for a walk around town. He sees an ice-cream shop and, being a penguin in Arizona, decides that something cold would really hit the spot. He gets a big dish of ice cream and sits down to eat. Having no hands he makes a real mess trying to eat with his flippers. After finishing his ice cream, he goes back to the gas station and asks the mechanic if he's found the problem. The mechanic looks up and says "It looks like you blew a seal."

133. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:24 AM (#3396328)

It's worse. He didn't win in either of the years he won the triple crown. He finished second in MVP voting in both 1942 and 1947.

Or the year he hit .406 (Dimaggio's league-leading RBI total wowed the voters, though I suppose the hitting streak might have had something to do with it).

134. J. Michael Neal Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:29 AM (#3396331)

All the bad-touching is done with seals

And Shooty's mom.

No, that's some pretty good touching.

135. Eric J is Financed by a Rich Grandpa Posted: November 25, 2009 at 05:39 AM (#3396337)

It's worse. He didn't win in either of the years he won the triple crown. He finished second in MVP voting in both 1942 and 1947.

Voters in the early years of the MVP seem strangely unbothered by Triple Crowns. Gehrig won the Triple Crown in '34 and came in 5th in the voting. Joe Medwick won the NL's last Triple Crown in '37, and while he won the award, he actually got fewer first place votes than a catcher with 356 AB.

136. Gern Blanston Posted: November 25, 2009 at 06:01 AM (#3396343)

Looking at that '37 voting...

the Braves had two rookie pitchers who finished 4-5 in the MVP voting. That has to be historically unique. And they were Jim Turner and Lou Fette--who? I don't think I'd heard of either one before now.

137. Eric P. Posted: November 25, 2009 at 08:32 AM (#3396380)

LORD PALMERSTON!

PITT THE ELDER!

138. cardsfanboy

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 06:50 PM (#3396772)

Joe Medwick won the NL's last Triple Crown in '37, and while he won the award, he actually got fewer first place votes than a catcher with 356 AB.

I actually know the person who physically owns the MVP trophy that was given to Medwick. (got it from his widow--he keeps wondering how much it's worth, and for some reasons thinks I would know)

139. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 06:52 PM (#3396774)

I actually know the person who physically owns the MVP trophy that was given to Medwick. (got it from his widow--he keeps wondering how much it's worth, and for some reasons thinks I would know)

Tell him $100, offer to buy it for $200 and then sell it through an auction house for about 50K. Profit!

140. cardsfanboy

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:06 PM (#3396790)

I don't think he plans on selling it, just wants to have the privilege of saying "it's worth-----". I know that one of the Mickey Mantle ones went for around 300k or so, but have no idea if this would be more or less valuable(my guess is of course less, but factor in the age, and the triple crown connection and it makes me sometimes doubt.) and whether it would break 6 figures or not.

141. Eric J is Financed by a Rich Grandpa Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:12 PM (#3396801)

I actually know the person who physically owns the MVP trophy that was given to Medwick.

Just think - you were a couple votes away from knowing the person who owns the MVP trophy that was given to Gabby Hartnett!

While we're on the subject of the '37 MVP vote... one of the 8 first place votes that year was given to this guy. And you all thought the Miguel Cabrera vote was bad.

142. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

Posted: November 25, 2009 at 07:18 PM (#3396807)

and whether it would break 6 figures or not.

I don't kow about 100k. My WAG would be 50k to 75k. Mickey Mantle, as the God of the Baby Boomers, always fetches ridiculously higher prices in the collecting world.

143. cardsfanboy

Posted: November 26, 2009 at 12:17 AM (#3397094)

that is kinda what I was thinking, if Pujols wins a triple crown someday I imagine it's value may shoot up that year, but that is about it.

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

BBWAA: NL MVP: It’s Unanimous: Cardinals’ Albert Pujols Wins Again

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