Top 5: MLB Early Season MVP Candidates
We are only a handful of games into the 162-game marathon that is the Major League Baseball season, but it is never too early to start thinking about MVP candidates. Some of the players performing in the elite class are perennial all-stars and household fixtures. Others, however, are not well known nationally and are bursting onto the scene for the first time.
Can these players perform at their current pace for the entire season? Will any of them be in contention for the MVP trophy at the end of the year? History says no, but it is still fun to take a look at some early season favorites. Here are five players in no particular order playing MVP type baseball.
Miguel Cabrera: Cabrera has been a real offensive force for the Detroit Tigers and has helped them get off to a 7-5 start. Currently he is among league leaders in several categories — first in batting average (.489); tied for first in hits (23); and third in on base percentage and OPS (.538 and 1.326). Cabrera has shown the world he could hit like this before and it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if he stayed towards the top in these statistics for the entire year.
Ian Kinsler: As hard as it may be to imagine, being stuck on the Texas Rangers does have its advantages. Perhaps the biggest is the stadium itself, which has been known to be a hitter’s park. Kinsler, who is only in his fourth season in the majors, leads the league in OPS and slugging as he is in the top ten in on base percentage, batting average, stolen bases, RBI and home runs.
Kevin Youkilis: With big questions of whether or not his best seasons were behind him, all Youkilis has done is prove his naysayers wrong. He’s gotten on base better than anyone in the majors, leading the league with an impressive .559 on base percentage. And even though his power numbers are middle of the pack, by putting himself on base with such frequency he’ll make an impact in a lot of games this season.
Johan Santana/Zack Greinke: Everybody who follows baseball knows that Santana is a stud, but few outside of Kansas City realized how special Greinke is. Both have been dominant through three starts and will be in contention for Cy Young awards and possibly MVP hardware.
Greinke: 0.00 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 3-0 record, .219 BAA
Santana: 0.46 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 2-1 record, .157 BAA
And there you have it, five players off to incredibly hot starts. The list is sure to change throughout the year but no one can deny that these guys have performed great thus far.
Write a comment