It is rare for a pitcher to be awarded the MVP of a league, and many are against it, but it is looking more and more likely to happen in the National League this season. Justin Verlander of the Tigers was last to be honored with the award in 2011. Only 24 pitchers have won an MVP award in major league history, with only 8 winning the Cy Young award in the same season. Many do not agree with pitchers winning the MVP due to it being the most "valuable" player. They question how a player who only plays every 5 days can be most valuable to a tea compared to players who play day in, and day out.
More times than not the MVP award will go to a position player, especially with pitchers having their own separate award. The National League is lacking any position players having a breakout, MVP season. Marlins' OF Giancarlo Stanton was the leading candidate with his 37 HR's, and 105 RBI. Unfortunately, his recent injury from getting HBP in the face in Milwaukee will hold him out for the rest of the season. That most likely spoils his chances at winning the award.
The other position player who is in the running is reigning MVP winner Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates. He has missed some time with a back injury, and is hitting .311. McCutchen only has 75 RBI with 23 HR's, again time missed could cost him knowing those numbers would be higher minus the injury. The success of the team also factors in to the conversation. The Marlins are under .500 and will most likely miss out on the playoffs, while the Pirates are in as a wild card team, for now.
The two Cy Young favorites seem to be the two MVP favorites in Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals, and Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers. Both have missed time with injuries, but have dominated in the time they have been on the mound. Adam Wainwright is tied for the ML-lead with 18 wins, along with a 2.56 ERA, 4 complete games, and 2 shutouts. Also throw in the 164 strikeouts to just 47 walks for a tremendous K/BB ratio.
Clayton Kershaw beat out Wainwright to start the All-Star game in Minneapolis this past July. The Dodgers ace has 18 wins as well, but just 3 losses compared to Wainwright's 9. His ERA is a sparkling 1.67, along with 1 no-hitter in his 6 complete games. Both the Dodgers and Cardinals are sitting in first place in their division, so the numbers seem to be leading us to another pitching MVP this season.
More times than not the MVP award will go to a position player, especially with pitchers having their own separate award. The National League is lacking any position players having a breakout, MVP season. Marlins' OF Giancarlo Stanton was the leading candidate with his 37 HR's, and 105 RBI. Unfortunately, his recent injury from getting HBP in the face in Milwaukee will hold him out for the rest of the season. That most likely spoils his chances at winning the award.
The other position player who is in the running is reigning MVP winner Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates. He has missed some time with a back injury, and is hitting .311. McCutchen only has 75 RBI with 23 HR's, again time missed could cost him knowing those numbers would be higher minus the injury. The success of the team also factors in to the conversation. The Marlins are under .500 and will most likely miss out on the playoffs, while the Pirates are in as a wild card team, for now.
The two Cy Young favorites seem to be the two MVP favorites in Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals, and Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers. Both have missed time with injuries, but have dominated in the time they have been on the mound. Adam Wainwright is tied for the ML-lead with 18 wins, along with a 2.56 ERA, 4 complete games, and 2 shutouts. Also throw in the 164 strikeouts to just 47 walks for a tremendous K/BB ratio.
Clayton Kershaw beat out Wainwright to start the All-Star game in Minneapolis this past July. The Dodgers ace has 18 wins as well, but just 3 losses compared to Wainwright's 9. His ERA is a sparkling 1.67, along with 1 no-hitter in his 6 complete games. Both the Dodgers and Cardinals are sitting in first place in their division, so the numbers seem to be leading us to another pitching MVP this season.
