So I had no idea until I saw the blurb about Joey Votto on ESPN's frontpage, but with just over a month left in the season both him and Pujols have a legitimate shot at the triple crown. And if Jose Bautista's steroids ever run out, Hamilton and Cabrera would be in the running for the AL crown too. This could be a very exciting final month.
That's why it was such a huge fricking joke that he was almost left out of the all star game. He's had an awesome season.
I guess I could post some numbers too (as of 8/23): NL Batting Average 1. Votto- .325 3. Pujols- .319 NL Home Runs 1. Pujols- 33 3. Votto- 29 NL RBIs 1. Pujols- 92 2. Votto- 86 AL Batting Average 1. Hamilton- .357 2. Cabrera- .341 AL Home Runs 1. Bautista- 40 2. Cabrera- 31 4. Hamilton- 28 AL RBIs 1. Cabrera- 103 5. Hamilton- 89
I don't think it'll happen in the AL, it's possible Cabrera won't even catch up to Bautista's current mark. This might be the best shot Pujols has ever had though. I'll say he does it.
Too far of a climb for the AL, but Pujols has a legit shot...as does Votto, but I got to believe Votto will see more pitches than Pujols...
Bill Brown just mentioned that Infante of the Braves is hitting .349 but doesn't have enough plate appearances to qualify. If he averages 4 per game for their remaining games, he will qualify and may make this all moot.
Agree with this. I could see him or another such player to due this. Also an average in the .320 seems so low to win the NL Batting Crown. It has not been done since 1991 by Terry Pendleton (.319 BA). In fact, a NL Batting champion has not won with a BA at even .330 or lower since Gary Sheffield in 1992 (.330). Though looking at the remaining teams the Reds play, he could raise his own average a good deal...
Yep, Infante's going to mess it all up. He started the season as a utility guy, but some injuries have vaulted him into an everyday player and I believe he hits near the top of the line-up so will get nights of 5+ AB's, and at least 4 usually (perfect games notwithstanding). He'll hit the 502 AB mark and steal the battle title from Votto/Pujols. Bautista has already messed it up for the AL with his juicy juice.
Speaking of Triple Crowns, happy 75th Birthday to Beaumonter Frank Robinson. The most underrated baseball player (athlete?) of all time. <object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xmvGvAQa0kQ&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xmvGvAQa0kQ&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>
HE hasn't really gotten the opportunity to prove himself before. I don't think its fair to claim he's on the juicy juice, he could just be having one of those years.
I Think Carlos Gonzalez is trying to make the whole triple crown race mute. The guy is batting an insane 0.500 in his last 13 games which now has him nearly 20 pts ahead of Votto in the average. To make it more interesting, he is now only 4 HR back from Pujols leading 35 HR and 1 RBI (after current Col-Cinci game) back from Votto leading 98 RBI's. If he (and the Rockies) can keep this pace and make a run at the Padres who keep collapsing. I could see him stealing the MVP.
Not only is Carlos Gonzalez in the triple crown race, but he also has a good chance to lead the league in runs scored (2 back) and has an outside chance at 30 steals (at 23 right now). He also leads the league in hits and is top 5 in triples.
They would have to create a new term for someone who led the league in Avg, HR, RBI, Runs, and Hits in 1 season. I would nominate "Baseball Jesus" as the title. Could be like Buddy Christ with a baseball hat..
Eddie Murray is. 500 HR's and 3,000 hits. Only Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Rafael Palmeiro are in that club.
