Reliever or DH as MVP
 

The last major league reliever to win the MVP was Dennis Eckersley back in 1992. In fact, 3 other relievers won the MVP before him (fingers, hernandez and konstanty). But, they won the MVP during different times when reliever roles werent so compartmentalized. It is very rare to see a closer go in for two innings of work.

A DH (or a player who played the most games as a DH) has never won the MVP.

If you had to guess, which will come first - another reliever winning the MVP or the first DH winning the MVP?

DH - even though the idea sickens me, I could see how a DH could win if he played 155 or so games and put up incredible numbers.

At least it will never happen in the league playing real baseball. ;)

The voting for that season was really odd to me. It wasn't even Eck's best year.

I doubt he wins the MVP OR the Cy Young in today's climate of voting.

Just a cursory glance at the stats, I'd give the MVP to either Puckett or Frank Thomas and the Cy Young to either Clemens or Mussina.

I think modern statistical analysis since Eck's days have made it nearly impossible for a reliever to win the MVP. Just look at Mariano. Arguably the greatest Fireman of all-time, and he has "0" Cy Youngs (never really came close if you look at the voting), and never even was in the running for MVP..........even as a Yankee fan I have no problem with that.

DH, I prefer that over the pitcher hitting myself, but I'd be absolutely shocked if one ever came close.

Hell, Miguel Cabrera nearly won two Triple Crowns in a row, and was thrown under the bus by many critics for merely being a pretty serviceable 3rd Baseman. Now that he moved to 1st, he might never be in the conversation again.

Victor Martinez, a DH, is having what could be considered an MVP year. However, the presence of Cabrera in the same lineup make take away needed votes for him.

Maybe after all his years of waiting (2? really?) it's time for Mike Trout to be named MVP. I say this even though he leads the AL in strikeouts and both his BA and WAR have gone down each of his three full seasons. (now that's what you call really reaching for criticism.) With his production waning so, let's throw him a bone before the Braves trade for him. :D

Dave - that's a very good point about modern statistical analyses having an increasing influence on voting.

Rob brings up a good point too - if a DH has an absolutely monster season, he could win. If the stat guys had their way, trout would have been the MVP the last two seasons. But, because cabrera had monster power numbers and played for a winning team, he edged out trout two years ago and easily won last year.

and raymond - i assume you're a braves fan. remember when they almost signed ARod when he was a free agent?

Yeah, I remember. I almost became a hockey fan.

Thank god voters have come to their senses on this. Giving a Cy Young or MVP to a reliever is like giving it to a goal line back in the NFL with a lot of TDs!


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