It's still the subject of some controversy, but most everyone agrees that Bill James's Win Shares are a bold new addition to statistical measurement of a baseball player's worth to his team. The good folks at Baseball Graphs are keeping a daily watch on 2003 Win Shares, which some purists will tell you is wrong-headed because WIn Shares are only supposed to be based on a full season. Nonetheless, it's interestiong to see the player whose name tops the American League WS charts with 24 -- and the player who's tied with him. IMO, these are your two front-runners for AL MVP this season.
Tim Wilken has resurfaced with the Devil Rays. "Wilken resigned this summer after a difference in philosophy with Toronto's upper management", so says the articles author.
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/08/14/Rays/Longtime_Blue_Jays_sc.shtml
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/08/14/Rays/Longtime_Blue_Jays_sc.shtml
I am genuinely surprised that Delgado is tied with Boone. I would have thought that the combination of Boone's defensive edge and adjustment for Safeco would have more than made up for Delgado's hitting advantage.
Interesting that Delgado and Giambi are virtually deadlocked. That's some "off year" for Giambi, isn't it?
Interesting that Delgado and Giambi are virtually deadlocked. That's some "off year" for Giambi, isn't it?
That's some "off year" for Giambi, isn't it?
Yeah, now go look at Barry Bonds' "off year". Good Lord.
Yeah, now go look at Barry Bonds' "off year". Good Lord.
I can't remember who I was getting into it with earlier in the year with respect to Mientkewicz (I was of the opinion that he didn't hit enough any more to carry his glove). He ranks 3rd (!) among AL 1B, thanks in part to Sweeney's long stint on the DL and Olerud's poor SLG.
Conine ranks 4th. Ugh.
Conine ranks 4th. Ugh.
Unfortunately, I don't think Delgado will win the MVP this year, as the Jays aren't going to the postseason. The leading candidates are probably Boone, Giambi, and Nomar. If the M's make it to the postseason, Boone will win; otherwise, it will likely be Nomar, as Giambi has already won.
I agree with Dave. Unless Delgado hits, I don't know, twenty homeruns in the last six weeks, I see no way he wins the MVP. If Boston wins the East, Nomar has a real shot. If things end as they stand now, Boone will probably win with Giambi making some noise.
Here's a question ... Esteban "21 WS" Loaiza: MVP?
Mick: No, no he won't be MVP (maybe that wasn't what you were actually implying, but...). I do think that he will garner more than a point or two though. Probabaly finish 5th (Boone-Nomah-Giambi-Delgado-Loaiza). If he improves on his numbers the rest of the way AND the Chi Sox win the division, his votes could spike.
Given the brouhaha over Rob Neyer's Cy Young analysis from last week, anyone notice else who's leading NL pitchers in WS?
Vive le Quebec!
Vive le Quebec!
Wow, Mick, I never thouhgt that I'd see these two words in the same sentence: "Loaiza" and "MVP"!
I'm surprised Vernon doesn't rank higher among AL OF in defensive WS.
I'm surprised Vernon doesn't rank higher among AL OF in defensive WS.
Wow, Mick, I never thouhgt that I'd see these two words in the same sentence: "Loaiza" and "MVP"!
I'm surprised Vernon doesn't rank higher among AL OF in defensive WS.
I'm surprised Vernon doesn't rank higher among AL OF in defensive WS.