LogFAQs > #909836397

One more deGrom MVP article 'by the way', though this is more of a "why he shouldn't not win" look than a "why he should win" look. Basically more of the argument that MVP really should just be "best player", but it already kind of dictates that in its definition. It's not the most compelling article for making a case for him, but it makes good points on the MVP award as a whole.

Notably the last 2 paragraphs:

"Imagine that baseball had no awards. Imagine that you were in charge of creating them. Whats the very first award you create? Whats the most important award you create? Its the best-player award. Of course its the best-player award. Its not the best-player-on-a-team-that-makes-the-playoffs award. Its not the best-player-on-a-team-that-makes-the-playoffs-but-only-just-barely award. Its not the best-player-on-a-team-that-makes-the-playoffs-and theres-not-another-really-great-player-on-the-same-roster award. You create an award that looks to recognize the best player. Baseball has such an award. Its the highest-profile award given by the BBWAA. You can definitely overthink it, and over the course of several decades its turned into something extremely overthought. Its turned into something other than what I have to imagine was the original intent. Sometimes I dont even know what voters are arguing about anymore. I understand how we got to this place, but we dont need to stay here.

They say its the most-valuable-player award, not simply the best-player award. The most valuable player is the best player, according to the only intent that makes good sense. Even by these simplified criteria, theres still infinite room to argue. There are statistical error bars everywhere, and its not like the conversation becomes less fun. Rather, I think it becomes more fun and engaging, because at least wed all be trying to answer the same core question. In my opinion, this season, Jacob deGrom was the best overall player in the National League. Therefore, hed get my vote for the NL MVP. Its a vote that I dont have, but its a vote I would give him with my full and total confidence."

plus, listing excerpts directly from the MVP voting form:

One, the first listed rule:

1. Actual value of a player to his team, that is, strength of offense and defense.

Two, from the first paragraph:

The MVP need not come from a division winner or other playoff qualifier.

Three, the last line:

Keep in mind that all players are eligible for MVP, including pitchers and designated hitters.

with special attention to that first point.
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~Wigs~ Dp Guru Wins over Me: 1, Fantasy Baseball Wins over Dp: 3
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