Ryan Braun NL MVP!!1

[SkubeBats]

Ryan Braun is the man!!

[happyyoungster]

The right man took home the hardware!!

[brewcrew]

Awesome.

[gnishiyama]

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]

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

[maverick14]

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]

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

[happyyoungster]

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]

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]

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.