The clear favorite
Mookie Betts finished second in the American League MVP race and the best way from my provincial point of view is “He got screwed.” Betts does it all and is a legitimate five-tool player that is just dynamic and a clear game changer with a bat, glove and especially on the base paths.
Betts is a disciplined hitter as noted by his 80 strikeouts in 732 plate appearances. Toss in 31 home runs, 113 RBI, 26 steals (in 30 attempts) and a slash of .318/.363/.534 and the hitting and speed are well described. And the glove, Grasshopper? A Gold Glove and the prestigious Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award.
What can stop Betts?
Betts is a player who is a sponge for baseball information. An apt student of all things baseball with a desire for self-improvement. The upside for Betts may be higher – far higher – than the 2016 season. The only possible concern would be injury since it seems pitchers can’t stop him from hitting and catchers can’t stop him from stealing.
Betts is the clear favorite for team MVP and possibly even league MVP if writers can somehow understand and equate a player’s performance to team performance.
With David Ortiz in retirement mode and turning out some of the most enjoyable television commercials – jock commercials – in recent year it leaves two “older” players as possibilities to become team MVP.