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Posted By: warshawlaw

But let's not focus on stats alone ("lies, damned lies and statistics"). Yes, Bonds is having a monster season, one of the best ever in certain key statistical categories, but what is the impact of that season as compared to Beltre on the team, assuming the Dodgers win the West handily? In other words, how many runs has he generated and does that total so vastly exceed Beltre's run production that the statistical factors make him a "shoo-in" for MVP? According to this morning's paper: Beltre's got 10 more RBIs than Bonds and Bonds has 15 more runs scored than Beltre. The net impact of all that monster OBP is five more runs crossing the plate. Bonds is hitting .371 but he only has 118 hits; Beltre at .338 has 53 more hits. Neither man is among the to 10 in the league in doubles or triples. The upshot is that Bonds is reaching first base and languishing, a lot. That doesn't help the team, which is why he is being walked. Plus, Bonds ain't much in the field and his impact on the team chemistry is a neutral to negative. Beltre has been playing a great 3rd base and has been the leader of the team, by all accounts, esp. playing through a sprained ankle with a bone spur. Beltre has been the key to the Dodgers run, in every way. That's why I go with him over Bonds, unless the Giants overwhelm the Dodgers in September with BB leading the way. That's why the 1941 MVP went to DiMaggio not Williams.