holy shit. what a game!

seriously, how can anyone choose a-rod over papi?

you can't. the telling statistic is that, although they have similar stats, ortiz has twice as many dingers and almost 3x the rbi's from the 7th inning on than a-rod.

it's all gonna come down to who comes out of this weekend as al east champs.

I had Ortiz on my fantasy squad..Dude got me alot of points every week...But it didn't help, I still owe someone a cd...

A 29 year old designated hitter. Pffft. Play in the field and we can talk.

Usually I would agree with Fu, but Ortiz has been a difference maker this year. He's clutch. And I hate the American league b/c of the DH. In my opinion he's an exception.

the gold glove is for outstanding fielding, the batting title for the best hitter, the mvp is for the guy that singularly does more to help his team than anyone else--papi has carried this team for too long not to get it.

This thread isn't about Derrek Lee, so I've lost interest.

baseball this time of year kicks ass.

True be dat.

This will be full decided come Sunday night....

His finger was playing the field in his nose during the post game press conf.

obey!

The problem, though, is that criterion is so subjective that BBWAA members can make it mean whatever they want. Whether or not there should be biases toward good teams and players who play a field position, those biases exist. Ortiz has arguably contributed more for his team on the plate, but not fielding will hurt his standing with some voters.

You're right in that, that is what the award should be about. But oftentimes it just goes to the player with the best stats on a winning team.

Steve

Here are the actual criteria from the BBWAA, in place since 1931:
• Actual value of a player to his team, that is, strength of offense and defense.
• Number of games played.
• General character, disposition, loyalty and effort.
• Former winners are eligible.
• Members of the committee may vote for more than one member of a team.

No doubt Ortiz has had a successful season that keeps landing him in the highlight reels. But when you are under 30 and can't even manage to play first base--not exactly the most demanding position on the field--that's pretty ridiculous. The game of baseball is about so much more than batting practice, and Ortiz only played half the game. One dimensional player, period. Adam Vinatieri or Mike Vanderjagt are pretty automatic and come through in big games, but they aren't gonna win any MVP trophies anytime soon.

Of course it should be no surprise that I think they should get rid of the DH entirely.

Every team in baseball would kill to have such a one-dimensional player.

It's true Ortiz is a mediocre fielder, but 20 of his 47 home runs have either tied or won the game. He'll wind up with 150 RBIs, probably 50 home runs and is closing in on finishing the season at .300.

And to reiterate the earlier post, he can be depended on to come through in clutch situations nearly every time he's up to bat.

I do wish he were a better fielder. He's not awful, just not very good. If he were a better first baseman there'd be no question of the MVP.

A-Rod isn't exactly a crap player, though. Even though this is the first season he's shown signs of being a likeable human being, I can't deny his ability.

Alex doesn't exactly beat David in this one, except the effort part.

In yet another disapointing season, I just want to take the opportunity to announce that within the next 3 years the starting left side of the National League All-Star team will be Mets.

Gotta crow about sumthin

Steve

To be considered a mediocre fielder, you have to step on the field first. Ortiz has played 10 games in the field this year. 10. And he's a first baseman. A scarecrow can play first base.

If Ortiz played in the field for just half the games, his offensive numbers wouldn't be as worthy, unless he's possessed by Bobby Bonilla.
That's not even including far more rest days or even trips to the DL. He's a tee-baller in the vein of Gorman Thomas or Dave Kingman, except that he puts a better average. He doesn't field and he can't run.

*hic*... *HIC*... *HIC*

True dat all, but Papi looks damn good plowing the ball and smiling that big ass smile and palming peoples heads and shit.

I do hear that Derrick Lee's had a decent season. So I hear.