September 11, 2007

SPORTS JURY: Who are your most valuable players in the AL and NL?

A-Rod and Rollins

In the American, Alex Rodriguez is a clear-cut choice. He leads the league in HRs, RBIs, slugging percentage, runs, and if his average improves, he could take the Triple Crown. He’s on pace to hit close to 60 HRs by season’s end, and that puts him with some pretty exclusive company. His play is a big reason why the Yankees are where they are now, poised to take the wild-card in the AL. Others to consider in no particular order: Vladimir Guerrero (Angels), Magglio Ordonez (Tigers), David Ortiz (Red Sox) and Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners).

In the NL, the call is a lot closer, But I’ll go for Jimmy Rollins of the Phils. Leading the league in runs, triples, total bases and extra base hits, he should garner attention for his sparkling defense as well. His teammate, Chase Utley, is a very close second, a guy who has put up great numbers and plays with infectious energy, setting the tone for the club. Others to consider in no particular order: Prince Fielder (Brewers), David Wright (Mets) and Albert Pujols (Cardinals).

On a final baseball note, Congrats to the Oregon Ducks baseball program in its hiring of George Horton of Cal State Fullerton. His credentials and experience are awesome, second to none. So, three weeks left in the season, no less than eight teams competing for a division or wild-card spot ... it’s going to be a great finish.

Joe Cooper
Engineer technician, Roseburg

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Guerrero and Fielder

First we need to define what an MVP is. It is not the one with the most home runs, highest average, or coolest TV advertisements. There are certain requirements that need to be met before one can be called a legitimate MVP.

The first requirement is playing on a winning team. If you are not in the playoffs, your team is not a winner, and you are not the MVP. This eliminates Ichiro Suzuki, Magglio Ordonez, and everyone from the Phillies and Dodgers.

The second prerequisite is that you own a glove and you know how to use it. The league MVP is not in the clubhouse checking his lottery numbers and watching TV when his team is playing defense. You can cross designated hitters David Ortiz and Travis Hafner (Indians) off the list.

The third requirement is that your team would suck without you. This eliminates everyone from stacked teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Mets.

The final requirement is that you must be near the top of the league in at least one major statistical category. Sorry Diamondback fans, you will not have an MVP this year.

Given these requirements, the 2007 Major League Baseball MVPs are obvious.

Vladimir Guerrero is the American League MVP. He is in the top five in batting average and RBIs, an outstanding fielder and will be playing in the postseason. The National League MVP is Prince Fielder. He is the only recognizable name on a team headed to the playoffs, he leads the league in home runs, and he owns a glove.

Bob Grubbs
Engineer, Roseburg