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View Full Version : Biertempfel: Ranking MLB's best, and Pirates' chances



X-Terminator
08-26-2013, 10:08 AM
With five weeks left in the regular season, Andrew McCutchen sure looks like the National League MVP.

Although he got off to a somewhat slow start (by his standards, at least), McCutchen's performance at the plate is every bit as good as last year. He ranks among the top three players in the league in wins above replacement, which is one of the more important tools voters use when filling out MVP ballots. His base stealing and baserunning has improved, as has his defense. Also, McCutchen is universally recognized as the face of the franchise, which, for better or worse, plays a big role in the voting.

Of course, none of that is a guarantee McCutchen will win the award. A lot can happen in five weeks.

The MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year awards are voted upon by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Two members in each of the 30 chapters cast ballots for each award. Ballots are due on the final day of the regular season.

On Wednesday afternoon, I received my 2013 MVP ballot via email. I've been an awards voter for the past decade, and this will be my fourth time voting for MVP.

The ballot came with this disclaimer: “There is no clear-cut definition of what most valuable means. It is up to the individual voter to decide.”

I haven't yet finalized which 10 names I will list (in order of preference) on my ballot. I always reveal that after the winner is announced.
But if you'd ask me today how I think the final outcome will look, I'd say ... 1. McCutchen; 2. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers; 3. Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks.


Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/pirates/4570836-74/mvp-mccutchen-pirates#ixzz2d5W71alb
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