Can cal be mvp?

[Sperrydogg]

Cal is literally the only part of this team giving me joy right now.

I’m stoked that your stoked

 

[bileever]

Unlike football, the MVP in baseball doesn't have to be on a winning team. For the NFL, it's hard to win the MVP if your team isn't in the playoffs. Not in baseball--for example, Ohtani and Trout with the Angels.

And yes, it should be taken into consideration that Judge has more protection in the lineup than Cal does.

Hitting is by far the most important factor in the MVP voting, but voters are actually instructed that they must consider the player's defensive contributions as well as his hitting. In addition, the award is for the player who is most valuable "to his team":

“There is no clear-cut definition of what Most Valuable means. It is up to the individual voter to decide who was the Most Valuable Player in each league to his team. The MVP need not come from a division winner or other playoff qualifier.

“The rules of the voting remain the same as they were written on the first ballot in 1931: (1) actual value of a player to his team, that is, strength of offense and defense; (2) number of games played; (3) general character, disposition, loyalty and effort; (4) former winners are eligible; and (5) members of the committee may vote for more than one member of a team.”

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Cal is literally the only part of this team giving me joy right now.

Only one? I don't know. Woo is making my go......wooo. Bats are heating up. Starting pitching is coming together.

 

[Sperrydogg]

This mvp snowball is growing. Cal is gonna be in GQ magazine. Soon he’ll be voted sexiest man alive then MVP BABY!!!

 

[Sperrydogg]

If cal gets the most all star votes would that hold sway in the mvp voting?

 

[Shane Falco]

What a year for Cal. Nice to see a player sign a big contract then go out and exceed expectations. Can't believe the M's finally have a hitter that's in the MVP conversation.

 

[Wsumatt1982]

This mvp snowball is growing. Cal is gonna be in GQ magazine. Soon he’ll be voted sexiest man alive then MVP BABY!!!

I already see the title in my head, "From Big Dumper to Big Thumper"

 

[Kamcussionator]

To answer the OP's original question: No, he plays in Seattle.

 

[bileever]

For years, I've been saying that we won't win anything without a big bat in the lineup. Who knew we already had one? We just need one more.

 

[Hawkinaz]

If cal gets the most all star votes would that hold sway in the mvp voting?

No. All Star voting is done by fans, MVP is sports writers

 

[Sperrydogg]

No. All Star voting is done by fans, MVP is sports writers

Right but it’s still another thing that adds to Cal’s credentials

 

[Chapow]

Judge is batting .182 with 3 HR and 4 RBI in his last 15 games. .160 with 1 HR and 2 RBI in his last 7 games. I can't imagine he'll remain this cold for too long, but I wouldn't be surprised if he reverts back to something more along the lines of his career numbers for the rest of the season as opposed to his unbelievably hot first couple months.

 

[Sperrydogg]

Judge is batting .182 with 3 HR and 4 RBI in his last 15 games. .160 with 1 HR and 2 RBI in his last 7 games. I can't imagine he'll remain this cold for too long, but I wouldn't be surprised if he reverts back to something more along the lines of his career numbers for the rest of the season as opposed to his unbelievably hot first couple months.

Cal needs to keep it going for all our sakes

 

[Sperrydogg]

Cal is still improving in the mvp race and it seams like judge is tapering. I think cal has an advantage because of his position and absolute importance to the Ms, also he is rewriting history this season. Judge is definitely having a great and impressive season but is it historic?

 

[Azvacar]

Cal is still improving in the mvp race and it seams like judge is tapering. I think cal has an advantage because of his position and absolute importance to the Ms, also he is rewriting history this season. Judge is definitely having a great and impressive season but is it historic?

Yes.... and I the " and absolute importance to the Ms, "

But doesn't it feel like that NEVER really gets considered for the vote... only the stats?

Cal is literally the Ms... if we at least hit Wild card, there is no doubt to me he should be at least top 2 vote getter... barring how Judge pans out over the break

 

[Ozzy]

I do think Cal is more valuable to his team than Judge is but that's not how they vote. IF Judge hits 360 with 60 homers he's probably a lock. I think a real solid case can be made for Cal too when factoring in his position, how tough it is to put up numbers at that position, his work with the staff, calling all the games, platinum glove winner etc but in the end Judge will win it if I was betting.

I hope at a minimum Cal hits 50 homers as a catcher because it's never been done and that would cement him as an all timer at the position. Offensive numbers are just super rare for these guys. Even the best like Bench were up and down year to year because you get beat up. If Cal can put up 30 homers for the next 5-7 years he is in a tier of his own.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Exactly. Cal is absolutely worthy. But those numbers by Judge are just plain ridiculous. Take out the biased opinions, because we all love Cal, it's going to be Judge. Even if WE know that doing all this, while being a catcher and rarely taking a day off, is way more impressive. Doesn't really matter. Not only are his numbers ridiculous, but he also plays for the Yankees. That matters to the voters. It sucks, but it's just reality. Plus, he has already won MVP twice. I think Cal is more valuable, but my opinion doesn't mean squat.

 

[Sperrydogg]

Hall of famer Cal Raleigh

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Whoa, easy kid. He has a LONG way to go.

 

[Wsumatt1982]

My favorite part of what Cal is doing is that we resigned him this past offseason. He's got his money and still having this type of monumental season. Typically, players tend to only really show up when they are coming up for a contract.