Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

[SkubeBats]

Ryan Braun is the man!!

[happyyoungster]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

The right man took home the hardware!!

[brewcrew]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

Awesome.

[gnishiyama]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

Being a Yankees fan I don't watch too much NL baseball but
statistically speaking how did Braun get it over Kemp? I understand
Brewers were major players in the pennant race and Braun was
a major reason but they also had Fielder who put up great numbers
himself.
Kemp put up near Triple Crown numbers with no protection.
Braun had an awesome year but just sayin...

[lakeerie92]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

I was hoping Kemp would get it, but I can't argue with Braun getting it.

[maverick14]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

Being a Yankees fan I don't watch too much NL baseball but
statistically speaking how did Braun get it over Kemp? I understand
Brewers were major players in the pennant race and Braun was
a major reason but they also had Fielder who put up great numbers
himself.
Kemp put up near Triple Crown numbers with no protection.
Braun had an awesome year but just sayin...

My friend and I were thinking the same thing. Happy for Braun (UM alum) but can someone elaborate more as to how he beat out Kemp decidedly other than Milwaukee got further than LA did this year?

[Manram]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

The only reason that makes sense is that Braun's team went to the playoffs, Kemp had better stats in almost every category.

[happyyoungster]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

My friend and I were thinking the same thing. Happy for Braun (UM alum) but can someone elaborate more as to how he beat out Kemp decidedly other than Milwaukee got further than LA did this year?

See my post dated 11-09-11 for my humble explanation/opinion...
Here's the link: http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_f...t=47024&page=3

[maverick14]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

See my post dated 11-09-11 for my humble explanation/opinion...
Here's the link: http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_f...t=47024&page=3

Good explanation. I agree with you although I've never much liked the idea of giving it to the guy who was on the better team even if his stats were a little less than another player who was on a non-contending team. Thanks for the input.

[TNTtoys]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

I had the same discussion with my son last night as to why Kemp should have received the award.

Stats:
1. He made a legitimate run at the first triple crown in 45 years.
2. He led the league in Home Runs, RBIs, runs scored, OPS and total bases
3. He is also both a silver slugger award winner
4. He is also a golden glove award winner (hence best defensive player at his position in addition to the ridiculous offensive numbers).

Teams:
1. Braun had the protection of Fielder in the lineup (Fielder finished 3rd in MVP voting himself). Kemp had nobody even close to him for protection.
2. The Brewers were a better all-around team than the Dodgers. There is no way the Dodgers ever had a chance at the playoffs this year...and nobody is taking into consideration how poorly the Dodgers would have finished without Kemp's offense.
3. The Brewers ran away with their division. In fact MLB.COM predicted them to win the division before the season started. The Dodgers were never expected to be a serious contender.
Bottom line, being on the better team with the better protection in the lineup shouldn't give you any better a chance than the next player. In fact, in my opinion, it is an unfair advantage.

[happyyoungster]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

All very good points...

BUT,
when Braun was stepping into the batter's box in pressure-filled situations (ie; 1st division title in 29 years on the line, a surging Cardinals team making a strong push to the finish, sold-out Miller Park, etc.), Kemp had the "advantage" of just the opposite. You could argue his only pressure was coming from his Triple Crown run.

I truly believe (taking an un-biased angle on this one) much merit should go to a player who has to handle those types of things over the other.

How did Braun respond to the pressure?
By hitting bomb after bomb AND taking home September Player of the Month honors. If that wasn't foreshadowing into the MVP results, I don't know what was.

[TNTtoys]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

And that is why it is such a good debate. There is no right or wrong.

Bottom line, and this should not be arguable, it was a 2 horse race.

That said, did you happen to notice that Justin Upton received a first place vote? How is this possible???

[freddiefreeman5]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

So let get this straight.
Braun had the better lineup to help protect him and his numbers and he wind the MVP?
Kemp didn't have any help and still put up better numbers and he doesn't win the MVP?

Just shows how much these awards really mean.

[happyyoungster]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

And that is why it is such a good debate. There is no right or wrong.

Bottom line, and this should not be arguable, it was a 2 horse race.

That said, did you happen to notice that Justin Upton received a first place vote? How is this possible???

I agree 100% on the great debate...and, YES...it was a 2-horse race.
Regarding Upton: my guess is that the single 1st place vote came from one of the writer's that cover the DBacks. That's the ONLY explanation.

[maverick14]

Re: Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

I agree 100% on the great debate...and, YES...it was a 2-horse race.
Regarding Upton: my guess is that the single 1st place vote came from one of the writer's that cover the DBacks. That's the ONLY explanation.

Kind of how Michael Young got a vote in the AL. I found that one funny.