PORT JEFF, NY – TGIF. Raise your glasses. Good. Now that we got the pleasantries aside, let’s talk some sports. As the MLB season comes to a close and the NFL season is just starting, we have plenty to weigh in on. Here’s what we have got; MLB MVP Talk, Chiefs vs Raven Reactions
MLB MVP Talk
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Much has been made recently of whom the NL MVP should be. As a Mets fan, I feel as if I’m obligated to say it should be Francisco Lindor, and I don’t think the voters would be wrong by choosing either. However, how can it not be the Mets’ SS? If you really think about it, the Dodgers would (probably) – at the very least – be in a playoff spot with or without Ohtani. Where would the Mets be without Lindor? 500? Or below? The MVP should go to the Most Valuable Player on his own team. According to FanGraphs war (wins above replacement), Lindor leads Ohtani with 7.1 wins above replacement. This takes into account the next-level defense that Lindor has been playing all season long. It’s also worth noting that a DH has never won an MVP, and perhaps for good reason. Not to take anything away from Shohei’s greatness, (he’s sporting a 6.1 War himself), and he will undoubtedly win the next 5 MVPs when he returns to the mound next season. But for this season , the Most Valuable Player in the NL is Fransico Lindor.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
It’s a bit clearer in the AL, where Yankees slugger Arron Judge is having another video game type season. Royals SS Bobby Witt JR is at least worth having a conversation about, as he is almost single-handedly keeping the royals in an AL Wild Card spot. He’s hitting close to 350 for the entire season. Much like Lindor, Witt probably won’t win the MVP Award. If you were to give the award to the player who is more valuable to his team, though, I say you can make a case for Witt…The Yankee’s lineup is still a top 5 unit even with guys like Verdugo and Torres not hitting. The Royals only have two other above average hitters according to OPS+ (a metric to determine how good a player truly is). 100 is league average. Witt checks in at 174, while Judge checks in with a mammoth 220, (OPS+). The only other active player on the KC roster is Salvador Perez, who logs a 109. I’m not saying Witt should win the award, but he should be getting more national coverage as a guy who is playing elite level SS as well.
Chiefs vs Raven Reactions
WHAT A GAME! Let’s get the elephant out of the room. How many flags did we see in the opener?! There were 4 of the Ravens’ starting tackle Ronnie Stanley on the opening drive alone. I really hope this is not a sign of things to come for this football season. Anyway, back to the game…Rookie WR Xavier Worthy looked like the steal of the draft, with electrifying speed for the first Chiefs TD… Lamar Jackson was pretty much Lamar. He dazzled with his legs and made some insane throws. The one that stood out was a desperation throw to Isaiah Likely to bring the Ravens within 3 to start the 4th quarter. Then the rookie struck again, this time through the air to put KC up ten. Baltimore would not go quietly, though. An inspired final minute from Lamar Jackson put the Ravens on the doorstep to potentially tie – or even go for 2 and win the game. But Likely’s toe was just a step out of bounds.
The Giants and Jets kickoff later this week. Even as an optimist, I just don’t see a path for the G-men to be competitive this year. Of course, I hope I’m dead wrong. But it looks to be another transition type season.
As for the Jets…
