08/10: Derek Jeter for 2009 American League MVP?
Posted by: Patrick
In the last couple of weeks, over at River Ave. Blues, Joseph Pawlikowski, Mike Axisa and a guest posting Rebecca have highlighted the impressive season that the Captain has been having; the latest in a career made up of impressive seasons. In doing so, they've sounded the alarm on the 2009 Derek Jeter for MVP campaign.
Though he has fallen in the rankings over the last week or so, Jeter still ranks as the 5th most valuable position player in the American League, by WAR or wins above replacement. He trails only Ben Zobrist, Joe Mauer, Evan Longoria and Marco Scutaro. All of which play for teams that would not make the playoffs if the season ended now. And Jeter could certainly gain ground.
Count me in. Not only is he deserving, but it would be a delight to see Jeter win the award at this stage of his career. I've always held out hope that Jeter would be able to collect one MVP award and Mariano Rivera would be able to nail down a Cy Young before both players leave the playing field behind.
The closest that Jeter has come was a second place finish in 2006 when he was just 14 points behind Justin Morneau. Mo also managed a second place finish in the Cy Young voting in 2005 when Bartolo Colon won (it wasn't particularly close). Make it happen, Cap'n. (Corny, yes).
Though he has fallen in the rankings over the last week or so, Jeter still ranks as the 5th most valuable position player in the American League, by WAR or wins above replacement. He trails only Ben Zobrist, Joe Mauer, Evan Longoria and Marco Scutaro. All of which play for teams that would not make the playoffs if the season ended now. And Jeter could certainly gain ground.
Count me in. Not only is he deserving, but it would be a delight to see Jeter win the award at this stage of his career. I've always held out hope that Jeter would be able to collect one MVP award and Mariano Rivera would be able to nail down a Cy Young before both players leave the playing field behind.
The closest that Jeter has come was a second place finish in 2006 when he was just 14 points behind Justin Morneau. Mo also managed a second place finish in the Cy Young voting in 2005 when Bartolo Colon won (it wasn't particularly close). Make it happen, Cap'n. (Corny, yes).
