In 2010, Pablo Sandoval struggled with his weight, and found himself left off the World Series roster. Being left off the roster seemed to bode well for him because it served as motivation to get better. That motivation has led him to helping the Giants win 2 World Series titles in 2012 and most recently 2014. While Pablo's skills improved, he still couldn't find a way to keep the weight off for a whole season. With one of baseball's best postseason players, weight has always been an issue, but Pablo has managed to become a fan favorite. This off-season could be one where Giants fans will be thrilled or they will be disappointed with a departure of Sandoval. Pablo has stated he wants to return to the Giants and loves San Francisco, but do the Giants have enough to offer, or will they be outbid by another team. Boston Red Sox have been the Giants biggest threat for Sandoval's services, who are aggressively pursuing the top third baseman in free agency. With an offer of 5 years and $95 million dollars, from numerous reports, Boston seems to be the clear favorite for Sandoval. For a player who has weight issues, shown signs of inconsistency in the regular season, and who's true value comes in the playoffs, is he truly worth $19 million a season? The Red Sox are in desperate need of a third baseman with financial stability, so I think they are willing to make the risk. Giants, who may be looking to retain all players from the World Series roster may not view Sandoval as a $19 million dollars-a-year player, but love his play and would want him back. To cut back on cost and add an extra year to Boston's deal, I think that would be the route. If the Giants lose out on Pablo Sandoval, all is not lost for the franchise. If Pablo leaves, that allows them $19 million dollars to sign other players to their roster. Giants have other holes potentially where they need to address as well. Giants needs are a permanent left fielder (where a platoon is no longer necessary), a starting pitcher, and possibly a third baseman if Pablo Sandoval leaves. Here are some targets the Giants should look to bring in to help the 2014 World Champions get back into familiar territory.
3B Chase Headley (4 Years/$49 Million): Headley who was traded to the Yankees last season had a decent year after an atrocious 2013 season plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Headley in 2014 showed signs of his breakout season in 2012 with the Padres, in which he was in consideration for MVP. Whether Headley can return to his MVP form or not, Giants wouldn't need him to do that. He provides a middle of the lineup bat, and he is a switch hitter. Sandoval had an amazing season defensively, but Headley brings that kind of defense consistently year-after-year. Headley also possesses some experience in left field so if they wanted to give an outfielder a day off, they wouldn't have to worry as much. I assume the Yankees are going to push to resign Headley, but I think Headley would be a great fit in AT&T Park and it would be familiar ground in the NL West.
3B David Freese (Via Trade sending Ty Blach): We talk about Pablo Sandoval being Mr. October 2.0, David Freese was that guy not too long ago for the St. Louis Cardinals. After that magical season he kind of fell off the planet and provided mediocre seasons for Cardinals, eventually sending him to the Angels for OF Randall Grichuk. With the Angels, he had a decent season for the best offense in the Major Leagues last season. Pressure was taken off in Anaheim which helped contribute to help David Freese show some signs of his old self. A solid defender with the glove, Freese seems to vanish in the regular season. Giants always provide a regular season where they look like the best team in the majors for part of the year, and the rest of the year it leaves your head scratching. Bochy is a wonderful manager, and inviting David Freese in could provide some consistency at third base and wouldn't lose much production if Pablo left. Bochy can add another playoff hero to the roster.
3B Casey McGehee (2 Years/$13 Million): McGehee is not your flashy home run hitter like he once was when he was with his days in Milwaukee before bolting to Japan for a little bit. Marlins essentially got him from nothing and he served protection behind Giancarlo Stanton. Not a lot of pop in his swing anymore, has translated it to safe base hits and bringing in runs. Batting clean up for the Marlins, he did just that. Last season proved he did build some value, so his contract could go up wherever he signs, but San Francisco would be a nice fit, and someone who can help lead on that team.
3B Trevor Plouffe (Via Trade sending Ty Blach, Jarret Parker): Quietly, Trevor Plouffe had himself a good 2014 season despite the low batting average due to being a streaky hitter. He managed to record a lot of runs driven in (80 RBI) and racked up the doubles (40). AT&T Park is a vast pitchers park with a lot of gaps for hitters to hit to, resulting in lots of extra base hits. Coming from a hitters-friendly league, and the size of the gaps in the field in San Francisco, Plouffe could see his numbers rise some. An average defender, but more known for his bat. Minnesota has a highly-regarded star in the minors Miguel Sano who I feel they may be ready to call up, who would replace Plouffe. Allows him to be more expendable, even though there is not a lot of chatter about him. As we know, mid-level tier players, Giants thrive on those via free agency or trades (Melky Cabrera, Angel Pagan, Hunter Pence, Tim Hudson, Jake Peavy, etc.). Plouffe would be a nice candidate to replace Pablo Sandoval.
Ultimately, I would like to see Pablo back in San Francisco since he is entering his prime years, but for the Giants, it may be best to let him go. He has got 3 World Series rings, what left does he need to accomplish? He has done well, and now deserves to earn some money. While Sandoval may not thrive in a new location, ideally Giants can put the money they would pay him towards improving the whole team and not just one position. If Pablo leaves, it is not the end of the world, and Giants can still compete.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Moves That Would Never Happen but I Would Want to See Happen
Feeling a bit creative when it comes to the MLB offseason. These are some moves that would never happen, but I would like to see happen.
Houston Astros - Sign Nelson Cruz for 3 Years/ $50 Million: Houston has a weak budget and don't look to add to their payroll anytime soon, but this would be a nice move. PED issues or not, Nelson Cruz can still rake. Cruz can stay in the American League to DH, and lead a few power hitters in George Springer and Jonathan Singleton, with Carlos Correa looking to come up eventually. The Astros already have superstar Jose Altuve, and solid player in Dexter Fowler. Adding Cruz to a hitters park and middle of an Astros lineup who longs for a power hitter to drive in runs, I would like to see a wild signing of the Astros getting Nelson Cruz.
San Diego Padres Trade Tyson Ross, Jed Gyorko, Odrimaser Despaigne, and Yonder Alonso to Cincinnati Reds for Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips: Last season the Reds had a season for the worst with the only bright spot being Johnny Cueto who could've won the Cy Young if it wasn't for Clayton Kershaw. The Reds need to rebuild quickly and get young and healthy. Joey Votto is a league superstar when healthy and Brandon Phillips can show signs of his All-Star past. San Diego wants hitters and these two would generate revenue for a ball club that longs for run production. Votto looks to be healthy for 2015 and bounce back season would be nice. This deal would be beneficial for both.
Philadelphia Phillies Trade Cole Hamels to the Seattle Mariners for Mike Zunino, James Paxton, and Danny Hultzen: Jack Z's goal for the Mariners is to acquire bats, but if he fails to do so, M's can stick with pitching. Cole Hamels is one of the elite talents in baseball just stuck on potentially the worst team in baseball in 2015. Phillies are now in rebuild mode and starting over with Mike Zunino catching and James Paxton added to the rotation can be a win for the Phillies. Felix Hernandez, Hishashi Iwakuma, and Cole Hamels would be one of the nastiest 1-2-3 punches in baseball who I would fear.
Milwaukee Brewers - Sign Max Scherzer 6 years/ $152 Million: Brewers had a magical run in the regular season for awhile then collapsed and missed the 2014 playoffs. Brewers had some key veterans on their pitching staff, but failed them towards the end of the season. Bringing in a big time pitcher like they have in the past via trade (C.C. Sabathia & Zack Greinke), wouldn't be surprising if they would sign a big time pitcher. Scherzer may want this kind of money in Detroit, but his numbers could improve even more in the National League, not having to throw to an extra hitter. Former teammate Doug Fister made a nice transition from the American to the National League, and Max Scherzer wouldn't be on a bad team either. The Brewers youth have developed on offense, and Jonathan Lucroy has turned into a dangerous offensive weapon in the lineup. I like this signing, but don't see it happening.
White Sox, Rays, and Cardinals in a Three Team Trade - Cardinals Receive Chris Sale & Zack Putnam, White Sox Receive Evan Longoria & Marco Gonzales, and the Rays Receive Stephen Piscotty, Carlos Martinez, and Alexei Ramirez: Crazy trade but would be exciting for all teams. Adam Wainwright is one of the best pitchers in the game right now, and who knows how many years he has left. Bringing in Chris Sale now to that rotation who would eventually take over that rotation would be electrifying and Putnam adding some insurance to the bullpen. For the White Sox, they struck gold with signing Jose Abreu in 2014, and he put up outstanding numbers. Abreu is their run producer, but the White Sox could use another power bat ahead of Abreu or after him in the lineup. Longoria could use a change of scenery and the Rays look to eventually rebuild after the departure of Joe Maddon and GM Andrew Friedman. Marco Gonzales was a nice left hander who looks to potentially be a top of the rotation type starter and the White Sox also have Carlos Rodon in the minors knocking on Major League Baseball's door. Teaming those two up to lead a young White Sox rotation with Jose Quintana still there would be nice for the city of Chicago, and the power bat of Longoria. Rays have always lacked a big time shortstop and Alexei Ramirez would be a solid guy to fill that void. Stephen Piscotty is the Cardinals next big time prospect who can play third base or the outfield and with the departure of Longoria, it would open the spot for him and the Rays future along with Wil Myers and a solid young pitching staff. Adding Carlos Martinez to the bullpen would boost the Rays as well. This trade would be nuts but I see it as a big trade that would steal the headlines for sure.
Houston Astros - Sign Nelson Cruz for 3 Years/ $50 Million: Houston has a weak budget and don't look to add to their payroll anytime soon, but this would be a nice move. PED issues or not, Nelson Cruz can still rake. Cruz can stay in the American League to DH, and lead a few power hitters in George Springer and Jonathan Singleton, with Carlos Correa looking to come up eventually. The Astros already have superstar Jose Altuve, and solid player in Dexter Fowler. Adding Cruz to a hitters park and middle of an Astros lineup who longs for a power hitter to drive in runs, I would like to see a wild signing of the Astros getting Nelson Cruz.
San Diego Padres Trade Tyson Ross, Jed Gyorko, Odrimaser Despaigne, and Yonder Alonso to Cincinnati Reds for Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips: Last season the Reds had a season for the worst with the only bright spot being Johnny Cueto who could've won the Cy Young if it wasn't for Clayton Kershaw. The Reds need to rebuild quickly and get young and healthy. Joey Votto is a league superstar when healthy and Brandon Phillips can show signs of his All-Star past. San Diego wants hitters and these two would generate revenue for a ball club that longs for run production. Votto looks to be healthy for 2015 and bounce back season would be nice. This deal would be beneficial for both.
Philadelphia Phillies Trade Cole Hamels to the Seattle Mariners for Mike Zunino, James Paxton, and Danny Hultzen: Jack Z's goal for the Mariners is to acquire bats, but if he fails to do so, M's can stick with pitching. Cole Hamels is one of the elite talents in baseball just stuck on potentially the worst team in baseball in 2015. Phillies are now in rebuild mode and starting over with Mike Zunino catching and James Paxton added to the rotation can be a win for the Phillies. Felix Hernandez, Hishashi Iwakuma, and Cole Hamels would be one of the nastiest 1-2-3 punches in baseball who I would fear.
Milwaukee Brewers - Sign Max Scherzer 6 years/ $152 Million: Brewers had a magical run in the regular season for awhile then collapsed and missed the 2014 playoffs. Brewers had some key veterans on their pitching staff, but failed them towards the end of the season. Bringing in a big time pitcher like they have in the past via trade (C.C. Sabathia & Zack Greinke), wouldn't be surprising if they would sign a big time pitcher. Scherzer may want this kind of money in Detroit, but his numbers could improve even more in the National League, not having to throw to an extra hitter. Former teammate Doug Fister made a nice transition from the American to the National League, and Max Scherzer wouldn't be on a bad team either. The Brewers youth have developed on offense, and Jonathan Lucroy has turned into a dangerous offensive weapon in the lineup. I like this signing, but don't see it happening.
White Sox, Rays, and Cardinals in a Three Team Trade - Cardinals Receive Chris Sale & Zack Putnam, White Sox Receive Evan Longoria & Marco Gonzales, and the Rays Receive Stephen Piscotty, Carlos Martinez, and Alexei Ramirez: Crazy trade but would be exciting for all teams. Adam Wainwright is one of the best pitchers in the game right now, and who knows how many years he has left. Bringing in Chris Sale now to that rotation who would eventually take over that rotation would be electrifying and Putnam adding some insurance to the bullpen. For the White Sox, they struck gold with signing Jose Abreu in 2014, and he put up outstanding numbers. Abreu is their run producer, but the White Sox could use another power bat ahead of Abreu or after him in the lineup. Longoria could use a change of scenery and the Rays look to eventually rebuild after the departure of Joe Maddon and GM Andrew Friedman. Marco Gonzales was a nice left hander who looks to potentially be a top of the rotation type starter and the White Sox also have Carlos Rodon in the minors knocking on Major League Baseball's door. Teaming those two up to lead a young White Sox rotation with Jose Quintana still there would be nice for the city of Chicago, and the power bat of Longoria. Rays have always lacked a big time shortstop and Alexei Ramirez would be a solid guy to fill that void. Stephen Piscotty is the Cardinals next big time prospect who can play third base or the outfield and with the departure of Longoria, it would open the spot for him and the Rays future along with Wil Myers and a solid young pitching staff. Adding Carlos Martinez to the bullpen would boost the Rays as well. This trade would be nuts but I see it as a big trade that would steal the headlines for sure.
Safe Moves Teams Should Make
Major League Baseball offseason has officially gone into full-swing, and blockbuster trades or big free agent signings have been stealing the headlines. Teams are going to reach with money or sacrifice talent to get better. While it may seem smart for some teams to spend big, it's the safe moves that usually provide the most impact. Here is a group of players teams should consider signing or trading for to give a boost:
Seattle Mariners - OF/DH Delmon Young: Still only 29 years old, Delmon Young is probably in the prime of his career. Mariners are desperate for bats and GM Jack Zduriencik has made that a priority this offseason. The M's were one game away from making the playoffs, and their bats failed them to get there. While the M's can still spend or trade to bring in a big time bat, with Baltimore and Detroit, Delmon Young has provided clutch hits and production in the lineup. With Young, you're getting his bat for pinch hitting, designated hitting, and occasional defense to give rest for some of the other better defensive options in the outfield. He can be signed for anywhere from one to three years for a very reasonable price.
San Francisco Giants - 3B/1B Chase Headley: This prediction is if Pablo Sandoval leaves San Francisco. Losing Pablo would be a big loss for a guy who improved his defense tremendously and is one of the most clutch playoff players in baseball. While it would be a sad day for Giants fans, this option wouldn't be so bad. Headley is an NL West guy who was traded to New York last season to fill the third base void for the Yankees. Headley is a switch hitter just like Pablo Sandoval and is a good defensive third baseman when healthy. The last couple years he has been dealing with injuries after his big 2012 season. While he strikes out quite a bit, he is a patient hitter and finds ways to get on base. It wouldn't be a bad thing if Pablo Sandoval leaves, since this move would allow the Giants to feel comfortable and not worry how to fill the third base void. Headley can bat anywhere from third in the lineup to sixth. Pablo is going to want big money so this is a good option if they wish to add additional players as well.
New York Mets - SS/2B Jed Lowrie: Each year, there is one position the Mets fail to find some consistency and that is the infield. Mets were hampered by injuries last season and Terry Collins led them to a decent season. Mets found a solution that worked where they could trade Ike Davis to open up first base for Lucas Duda, and the outfield filled its holes with Curtis Granderson, Juan Lagares, and newly signed Michael Cuddyer. The Mets weakest position last season was shortstop and a move to sign Jed Lowrie may not be such a bad idea. Mets have Wilmer Flores waiting but shortstop may not be the best fit for him. Daniel Murphy is still at second base and some day the Mets may look to deal him for some players in return. Flores could be moved to second base or when David Wright moves on, they could slide him to third base. Mets have the starting pitching to keep them in games, and some consistency at shortstop is what they need. Lowrie is a veteran who has been to the playoffs with the Red Sox and the A's and has leadership. Lowrie is a gap hitter where he should thrive in Citi Field. If the Mets try to acquire a big time shortstop via trade such as Starlin Castro, it would come at the cost of Zack Wheeler or Noah Syndergaard, which I doubt the Mets want to lose at this point. Lowrie would be a two to three year deal type of player who could earn an extension. Another veteran too to go along with newly acquired Michael Cuddyer to lead this young team.
San Francisco Giants - P Francisco Liriano: Bring home Francisco Liriano. Liriano was originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants and was a part of a trade being sent to Minnesota along with Joe Nathan for A.J. Pierzynski. In Minnesota, Liriano had a decent amount of good seasons and started battling serious arm injuries. Liriano had the surgeries and came back and found a home in Pittsburgh. Clint Hurdle revived the once dominant Liriano, Another team who knows how to revive pitchers is San Francisco. Ryan Vogelsong is a name who battled to make rosters and bounced around and found life in San Francisco. Giants look to let Vogelsong walk and Hudson seems to set 2015 his last season of his career, and another veteran would be a nice add. For a two to three deal, I think working with the World Series Champion pitching staff led by Dave Righetti would be a nice fit for Liriano and the Giants.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Trade 1B/3B Pedro Alvarez to San Diego Padres for P Ian Kennedy: This trade is beneficial for both teams needing a change of scenery. Pedro Alvarez has 25-35 home run potential every season and the Padres let Anthony Rizzo go in a trade to the Cubs. Pirates look to lose Francisco Liriano and Edinson Volquez and their rotation could use a boost. In Pittsburgh, Ian Kennedy can still use his dominant stuff and not be required to be the team's number 1 starter like he was in San Diego. Sliding Kennedy into the two or three slot to accompany Gerrit Cole and A.J. Burnett would make a scary 1-2-3 punch. Pedro Alvarez needs the biggest fresh start of anyone, and San Diego is looking for bats. He would be a nice acquisition in the middle of a runs-depleted offense in San Diego. Great trade for the Pirates and Padres.
Seattle Mariners - OF/DH Delmon Young: Still only 29 years old, Delmon Young is probably in the prime of his career. Mariners are desperate for bats and GM Jack Zduriencik has made that a priority this offseason. The M's were one game away from making the playoffs, and their bats failed them to get there. While the M's can still spend or trade to bring in a big time bat, with Baltimore and Detroit, Delmon Young has provided clutch hits and production in the lineup. With Young, you're getting his bat for pinch hitting, designated hitting, and occasional defense to give rest for some of the other better defensive options in the outfield. He can be signed for anywhere from one to three years for a very reasonable price.
San Francisco Giants - 3B/1B Chase Headley: This prediction is if Pablo Sandoval leaves San Francisco. Losing Pablo would be a big loss for a guy who improved his defense tremendously and is one of the most clutch playoff players in baseball. While it would be a sad day for Giants fans, this option wouldn't be so bad. Headley is an NL West guy who was traded to New York last season to fill the third base void for the Yankees. Headley is a switch hitter just like Pablo Sandoval and is a good defensive third baseman when healthy. The last couple years he has been dealing with injuries after his big 2012 season. While he strikes out quite a bit, he is a patient hitter and finds ways to get on base. It wouldn't be a bad thing if Pablo Sandoval leaves, since this move would allow the Giants to feel comfortable and not worry how to fill the third base void. Headley can bat anywhere from third in the lineup to sixth. Pablo is going to want big money so this is a good option if they wish to add additional players as well.
New York Mets - SS/2B Jed Lowrie: Each year, there is one position the Mets fail to find some consistency and that is the infield. Mets were hampered by injuries last season and Terry Collins led them to a decent season. Mets found a solution that worked where they could trade Ike Davis to open up first base for Lucas Duda, and the outfield filled its holes with Curtis Granderson, Juan Lagares, and newly signed Michael Cuddyer. The Mets weakest position last season was shortstop and a move to sign Jed Lowrie may not be such a bad idea. Mets have Wilmer Flores waiting but shortstop may not be the best fit for him. Daniel Murphy is still at second base and some day the Mets may look to deal him for some players in return. Flores could be moved to second base or when David Wright moves on, they could slide him to third base. Mets have the starting pitching to keep them in games, and some consistency at shortstop is what they need. Lowrie is a veteran who has been to the playoffs with the Red Sox and the A's and has leadership. Lowrie is a gap hitter where he should thrive in Citi Field. If the Mets try to acquire a big time shortstop via trade such as Starlin Castro, it would come at the cost of Zack Wheeler or Noah Syndergaard, which I doubt the Mets want to lose at this point. Lowrie would be a two to three year deal type of player who could earn an extension. Another veteran too to go along with newly acquired Michael Cuddyer to lead this young team.
San Francisco Giants - P Francisco Liriano: Bring home Francisco Liriano. Liriano was originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants and was a part of a trade being sent to Minnesota along with Joe Nathan for A.J. Pierzynski. In Minnesota, Liriano had a decent amount of good seasons and started battling serious arm injuries. Liriano had the surgeries and came back and found a home in Pittsburgh. Clint Hurdle revived the once dominant Liriano, Another team who knows how to revive pitchers is San Francisco. Ryan Vogelsong is a name who battled to make rosters and bounced around and found life in San Francisco. Giants look to let Vogelsong walk and Hudson seems to set 2015 his last season of his career, and another veteran would be a nice add. For a two to three deal, I think working with the World Series Champion pitching staff led by Dave Righetti would be a nice fit for Liriano and the Giants.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Trade 1B/3B Pedro Alvarez to San Diego Padres for P Ian Kennedy: This trade is beneficial for both teams needing a change of scenery. Pedro Alvarez has 25-35 home run potential every season and the Padres let Anthony Rizzo go in a trade to the Cubs. Pirates look to lose Francisco Liriano and Edinson Volquez and their rotation could use a boost. In Pittsburgh, Ian Kennedy can still use his dominant stuff and not be required to be the team's number 1 starter like he was in San Diego. Sliding Kennedy into the two or three slot to accompany Gerrit Cole and A.J. Burnett would make a scary 1-2-3 punch. Pedro Alvarez needs the biggest fresh start of anyone, and San Diego is looking for bats. He would be a nice acquisition in the middle of a runs-depleted offense in San Diego. Great trade for the Pirates and Padres.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Why Mike Trout Should Not Win the AL MVP
With the MVP awards for the National and American League coming up, for both leagues there is a lot of questions and uncertainty who the award should go to. In the NL, you have Clayton Kershaw who had a historical season and was basically dominant, with the question looming should a pitcher win the MVP award? In the American League, that question isn't an issue. For the last two seasons, we have seen Miguel Cabrera dominate the American League on his way to two MVP's. In each of those two seasons, Mike Trout continually fell short. In 2014, Miguel is not in discussion or eligible for the award with the finalists being another Detroit Tiger; Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley, and another appearance from Mike Trout. Since Miguel Cabrera is not in the running, some are finally saying Mike Trout deserves an MVP award. Yes he does deserve one and I don't doubt that he will win at least once in my generation, but is 2014 the year he gets his first MVP? If a vote was awarded to me, I wouldn't pick Mike Trout. Here are four reasons why:
1. High Strike Outs for Trout - I am not sure why his strike out rate was high this season, but my guess is he was trying hard for power, or pitchers have known how to throw to him. Trout hit an impressive 36 home runs this year, but a knack for the fences and the desire to destroy the ball when he hit resulted in a lot of strike outs. Here is a comparison of the amount of at-bats and the strikeouts Trout, Martinez, and Brantley had:
Trout: 602 AB; 184 Strike Outs
Martinez: 561 AB: 42 Strike Outs
Brantley: 611 AB: 56 Strike Outs
2. 98 Wins for the Angels is Deceiving - Those MLB-leading 98 wins are impressive, but Mike Trout is not responsible for all of those wins. Angels saw a significant change in their pitching staff this season with the reemergence of Jered Weaver and the rise of Garret Richards and the rookie Matt Shoemaker. Angels also found a way to develop a decent bullpen. Albert Pujols and Howie Kendrick were a significant part of producing runs in that offense. Those 98 wins were a team effort.
3. Trout Shied Away from Steals in 2014 - When Mike Trout came up to the majors, he played hard-nosed baseball, with the hustle of the greatest effort baseball the game has ever seen, Pete Rose. Trout was a balanced hitter who used speed to his advantage, Trout has athleticism like no other, and this season he shied away from relying on his athletic ability and worked on just skilled hitting. That is not a bad thing, but for a guy who was going for 40-50 steals a season to 16 is an odd decrease. Trout's attempts were down majorly this year as well. Not sure if it was a personal choice or a coaching staff decision how to use Mike Trout, but the lack of steals I think is one of the top reasons why he shouldn't win the award. Here are Trout's stealing statistics from 2012 to 2014.
2012 - 49
2013 - 33
2014 - 16
4. Trout's Batting Average Took a Huge Hit in 2014 - In 2012 & 2013, Trout was hitting in the .320's to .330's. In 2014, Trout finished with a career low .287. For some, that is considered a good batting average for the whole season, but for a guy who is being considered by some to be the next face of Major League Baseball, they shouldn't be batting below .290. Towards the end of the regular season, Trout was having a large slump and his average kept dipping. To the likes of the other finalists for the AL MVP (Martinez and Brantley), they separate themselves largely from Trout. Here is their batting average comparisons:
Martinez - .335
Brantley - .327
Trout - .287
Mike Trout should be considered an MVP candidate every year and he is going to get an MVP award. There's a good chance that the media pushes for it to happen this season. Victor Martinez doesn't play in the field anymore and focuses strictly on batting. As a designated hitter, Martinez should be a good hitter and he had an incredible season for a guy a couple seasons removed from a serious knee injury and at the age he is. Michael Brantley, continually gets better each season, and this season broke out in almost every category and finished top 5 in a lot of categories. Brantley also had no offense to back him up so he was responsible for a bulk load of it. If I had the vote, I would crown Michael Brantley, who's attention could be stolen from the 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner, Corey Kluber. Also, Michael Brantley was one of two players to finish at 200 hits or more (Jose Altuve the other). Mike Trout I feel is going to receive votes to make up for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, because of guilt and not strictly baseball-related. The baseball writers need to get the vote right and it should come down to Martinez vs. Brantley for the MVP award. Mike Trout does not deserve the 2014 AL MVP.
1. High Strike Outs for Trout - I am not sure why his strike out rate was high this season, but my guess is he was trying hard for power, or pitchers have known how to throw to him. Trout hit an impressive 36 home runs this year, but a knack for the fences and the desire to destroy the ball when he hit resulted in a lot of strike outs. Here is a comparison of the amount of at-bats and the strikeouts Trout, Martinez, and Brantley had:
Trout: 602 AB; 184 Strike Outs
Martinez: 561 AB: 42 Strike Outs
Brantley: 611 AB: 56 Strike Outs
2. 98 Wins for the Angels is Deceiving - Those MLB-leading 98 wins are impressive, but Mike Trout is not responsible for all of those wins. Angels saw a significant change in their pitching staff this season with the reemergence of Jered Weaver and the rise of Garret Richards and the rookie Matt Shoemaker. Angels also found a way to develop a decent bullpen. Albert Pujols and Howie Kendrick were a significant part of producing runs in that offense. Those 98 wins were a team effort.
3. Trout Shied Away from Steals in 2014 - When Mike Trout came up to the majors, he played hard-nosed baseball, with the hustle of the greatest effort baseball the game has ever seen, Pete Rose. Trout was a balanced hitter who used speed to his advantage, Trout has athleticism like no other, and this season he shied away from relying on his athletic ability and worked on just skilled hitting. That is not a bad thing, but for a guy who was going for 40-50 steals a season to 16 is an odd decrease. Trout's attempts were down majorly this year as well. Not sure if it was a personal choice or a coaching staff decision how to use Mike Trout, but the lack of steals I think is one of the top reasons why he shouldn't win the award. Here are Trout's stealing statistics from 2012 to 2014.
2012 - 49
2013 - 33
2014 - 16
4. Trout's Batting Average Took a Huge Hit in 2014 - In 2012 & 2013, Trout was hitting in the .320's to .330's. In 2014, Trout finished with a career low .287. For some, that is considered a good batting average for the whole season, but for a guy who is being considered by some to be the next face of Major League Baseball, they shouldn't be batting below .290. Towards the end of the regular season, Trout was having a large slump and his average kept dipping. To the likes of the other finalists for the AL MVP (Martinez and Brantley), they separate themselves largely from Trout. Here is their batting average comparisons:
Martinez - .335
Brantley - .327
Trout - .287
Mike Trout should be considered an MVP candidate every year and he is going to get an MVP award. There's a good chance that the media pushes for it to happen this season. Victor Martinez doesn't play in the field anymore and focuses strictly on batting. As a designated hitter, Martinez should be a good hitter and he had an incredible season for a guy a couple seasons removed from a serious knee injury and at the age he is. Michael Brantley, continually gets better each season, and this season broke out in almost every category and finished top 5 in a lot of categories. Brantley also had no offense to back him up so he was responsible for a bulk load of it. If I had the vote, I would crown Michael Brantley, who's attention could be stolen from the 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner, Corey Kluber. Also, Michael Brantley was one of two players to finish at 200 hits or more (Jose Altuve the other). Mike Trout I feel is going to receive votes to make up for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, because of guilt and not strictly baseball-related. The baseball writers need to get the vote right and it should come down to Martinez vs. Brantley for the MVP award. Mike Trout does not deserve the 2014 AL MVP.
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