Carlos Gonzalez is having a wonderful season. He is a true triple crown threat (he won't make it in RBIs unless he goes on a bender) and will probably win the batting title. His play of late as the Rockies make another September run has propelled him to MVP conversations. While his numbers warrant attention, the argument for MVP doesn't add up. Here are a few reasons why:
1. CarGo isn't the most valuable person on his own team. That would be Ubaldo Jiminez, who has CarGo in WAR by at least two points. Tulowitzki has almost as high a WAR with far fewer at bats and games played.
2. You just can't ignore the splits. CarGo has a 1.205 OPS at home versus .760 on the road. He has 25 homers at home and 7 on the road. He has 74 ribbies at home and 34 on the road. He has 19 doubles at home and 14 on the road. It may seem unfair, but you have to take offensive production in Colorado with some kind of grain of salt.
3. He's not great in the field. Both B-R and Fangraphs have Carlos Gonzalez in the negative numbers for fielding proficiency. And as a right fielder, he only has two assists all season.
This is no knock on Gonzalez. He's had a great season and is a bit part of the Rockies successful run at the playoffs. He's just not the most valuable player on his team never mind the league.
2 comments:
I think it's gotta be Votto.
Tulo is out of his mind right now. What a run.
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