Jacoby Ellsbury was Player of the Year, Not MVP

I wanted nothing more than to have Jacoby Ellsbury win this years MVP award.  He certainly had the stats that proved he was amongst the best in the American League, if not the best.  The debate comes down to whether he really was most valuable or not?  If Ellsbury didn’t play for the Red Sox this year would the Red Sox made the playoffs?  Of course not, that is ridiculous statement.  Yes, he was one of the few that didn’t crumble in September but the MVP should be a person that leads his team into the playoffs.  Ellsbury’s performance didn’t change the Red Sox outcome.  The real question is how is this award supposed to be perceived?  Is it for the Best player or Most Valuable?

Isn’t the CY Young award handed to the best pitcher, regardless if the team wins or loses?  It is not awarded to the Most Valuable pitcher.  It is based purely on statistics.  The MVP award however is perceived differently?  Just the words Most Valuable forces you to look at this award in a different way.  Was Justin Verlander more valuable to the Tigers than Ellsbury was to the Red Sox?  I don’t think so.  The Sox relied on Ellsbury to go out there every single game as their leadoff hitter and catalyst of the team.  Verlander only needed to trot out there every fifth day.   Both players exceeded their team’s expectations.  How do you compare which of them was more valuable?  Simple, the Detroit Tigers made the playoffs and the Red Sox didn’t.  That is why Verlander was MVP and not Ellsbury.  But, is that fair? 

Verlander already won the CY Young award as best pitcher.  But, Jacoby was the best player in the American league.  I am fan of Justin Verlander’s so this isn’t a knock against him, but he wasn’t the best player in league.  Most valuable because without him maybe the Tigers don’t win their division and don’t make the playoffs but not the best.   This is a fine line.  Don’t give an award just for a pitcher and not one for a position player.

If you think for one second that Jacoby Ellsbury was second best this year, you are sadly mistaken.  He is second to no one.  Pure and simple, he was the best.  Just look at the obstacles he had to overcome from last years injury plagued season.  He started the season batting ninth due to the signing of Carl Crawford.  Instead of letting that get him down, he became more determined than ever to prove everyone wrong about him.  Did he ever prove everyone wrong too.  He not only won back the leadoff spot but he displayed power that no one expected.  He had his first walk off hits of his career.  He won the Comeback player, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards.  If he had a little stronger and accurate arm, he would be considered the best defensive outfielder in the game.  He is without question the best leadoff hitter in all of baseball. 

So, Mr Verlander you won an award based on the name of the award but you weren’t the best player in the American League this year.  That honor goes to none other than Jacoby Ellsbury

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