Everyone has his own standards when it comes to MVP voting, ranging from Player Rated Highest by Win Shares (PRHWS) to My Favorite Yankee (MFY). Most debates about the MVP turn out to be pointless because they devolve into reiterating those standards over and over, rather than actually applying them. And people aren\’t likely to change their standards in the heat of an argument. So instead, I\’ve become something of an existentialist when it comes to MVP voting: Pick whatever standards you like, just make sure you apply them consistently. If you don\’t think starting pitchers deserve consideration for the top spot on your ballot…don\’t vote for one of them for second. Same goes if you only want to consider players on contending teams. We can debate semantics all day, but the fact is that the voting standards outlined on the official ballot are sufficiently vague so as to permit multiple interpretations. And that\’s OK. As an analyst and would-be cultural critic, though, I am interested in looking at looking at the nature of people\’s biases–what are they, and how do they arise?
A lost season for the Angels has folks in Anaheim scratching their heads. John Smoltz’s injury buries Bobby Thigpen’s name for another year. The Royals’ run evokes memories of George Brett and company. Sandy Alomar…you can probably guess what Chris will write about Sandy Alomar. Witticisms, Kahrlisms and roster schmisms in this edition of Transaction Analysis.
The Marlins have done just fine without Mike Lowell–in no small part aided by the acquisition of Jeff Conine–but the Fish will certainly be happy to have their start third baseman back in the lineup. It’s possible that he’ll get a couple regular season at-bats to test his thumb if he’s cleared. He was targeting Saturday, but due to the medical staff’s concerns, and an adjustment of game time, Lowell is more likely to be back on Sunday. A final determination will be made when he’s seen by the doctor on Friday. (On Conine and others, has this been the weirdest year in recent memory for moves working out that looked horrible on paper?)
With the clinch, the Twins get to rest their players and reset their rotation for the Division Series. Ron Gardenhire started the 2003 Rochester Red Wings on Wednesday, affording some rest for guys like Doug Mientkiewicz. Minky will sit out the remaining games to try and get his wrist some much needed rest. As well, the Twins will work the rotation to get Johan Santana–a guy they were reluctant to have in the rotation not too long ago–as their Game One starter. How Ron Gardenhire sets his bench and rotation will be very interesting, with guys like Chris Gomez, who has missed the better part of September with back problems, and Eric Milton, looking for roles.
How does Francisco Rodriguez stack up with other AL rookies in 2003? If anyone’s seen the real Shawn Estes lately, the Cubs would certainly like to know of his whereabouts. And the Detroit Tigers suck. All this and much more news from Anaheim, Chicago, and Detroit in your Thursday edition of Prospectus Triple Play.
See? THIS is why I don’t go to more games:
Have you seen anything more fun (on a baseball field) than Billy Wagner vs. Barry Bonds today? –Jim Cole
Well, Jim, I wouldn’t know, because I didn’t see that epic matchup. While the Astros were clinging for dear life to their division hopes in yesterday’s 2-1 win over the Giants, I was in Anaheim, watching the Dodgers…excuse me, the Mariners…go down like Peter McNeely against John Lackey and the Angels. I’m not complaining–I got to talk baseball for two hours with SABR’s Stephen Roney and saw some very good pitching–but Jim’s e-mail illustrates the opportunity cost of going to games in the satellite era.
I promised an analysis of the Mariners’ fade for today; that’s not coming until Friday. (Life Lesson No. 12: Never believe promises made after 2 a.m. Those of you 22 and over probably know this one already.) Today, it’s all about the Marlins.