lol wtf When you look at the stats, Trout had a better season in my eyes He is a more complete player... and more valuable to his team
The triple crown is a great acheivement. That doesn't mean it should really matter in the MVP vote. Trout is the MVP, for being close to Cabrera offensively, while being the best base runner and defensive player in baseball. Both had seasons that would win an MVP most seasons.
Honestly, I objectively agree. But I want to give the MVP to a guy who just did something that so many have tried and failed at so many times in our lifetimes. And I think more voters will be swayed by that emotion than by Trout being a phenom / young / rookie. And yes...I think they are close enough that it will come down to emotion more than looking at baserunning (not saying I agree) Also, while Trout is the superior defender by a longshot (and an amazing one)...Cabrera will get points in the eyes of voters on defense for moving back to 3B for the first time in 5 years. To make that move at his age is commendable...and not that I think it's equivalent--but I think voters will say "Defense--point for Trout, point for Cabrera" and tend to ignore it.
The crazy thing about getting the triple crown is being 1st in both hr's and avr. For the most part, your power hitters, when there not getting home runs are striking out or popping up because they are going for the long ball. To have 40+ homers and a batting average above .330 is truly special because when he is not hitting a homer, he is getting base hits.
There have actually been several guys in recent years to have come close. If Josh Hamilton doesn't get hurt this year, Cabrera doesn't win the triple crown. Guys like Pujols/Cabrera/Votto are special.
There's a difference between coming close and actually doing it. Keep in mind this is the first triple crown in like some 45 years. That's history that just can't be ignored. Even though he didn't miss as much time as Hamilton, Cabrerra also missed time (about 2 weeks) and when he came back pretty much played the rest of the season banged up.
It might be three random stats, but it is impressive when a power guy (HRs and RsBI) also can lead the league in hitting. After all, this is one of the rarest feats in baseball as it has now only been done 15 times. That being said, either Trout or Cabrera would be a worthy winner.
Really can't go wrong with either. Only fans of those particular teams could be pissed about the other winning. They both had amazing and historical seasons. The one edge you could give to Cabrera is that he's still playing and Trout is not.
What Mike Trout did this season is just as rare as the triple crown, and unheard of as a rookie (the rookie part shouldn't factor in). Cabrera didn't miss 2 weeks. He played 161 games. He missed time in Spring Training when he took a ball to the face, but none during the season. Trout did everything but go out there and pitch. Somebody is going to lose out an MVP that they would have won in most seasons.
I remember Cabrerra hurting his leg in the 2nd half of the season. I thought he missed more time but you are right he only missed the one game.
And the MVP award goes to... Spoiler Miguel Cabrera Buster Posey takes home the NL MVP. 22 first place votes for Cabrera, 6 for Trout. 362 total points for Cabrera, 281 for Trout. Rounding out the top five: Cabrera, Trout, Beltre, Cano & Hamilton. 27 first place votes for Posey, 3 for Braun, 2 for Molina. 422 total points for Posey, 285 for Braun. Rounding out the top five: Posey, Braun, McCutchen, Molina, & Headley.
I'd say, in order to beat a season like Trout's, you better be winning the TRIPLE CROWN and going to the World Series. Cabrera did that. Its like what MORE do you want, baserunning, speed and defense too..? If I was a voter I'd give my vote to Trout to the "right" thing to not award the narrative and give it to the best player. (Plus I live near Anaheim) But even if its mostly a symbolic measure to award a triple crown winner, its not TOTALLY "random" stats. And people DO watch sports for the narrative and storylines. I think Cabrera will start to be one of the last to get the "gratifying winner" votes though.
