David Ortiz

[Sean]

Originally Posted by 100backstroke

Has anyone ever won the MVP in their final year?

I can't recall it ever happening, but I do recall Koufax winning the Cy Young and finishing second in the MVP in his final season (1966).

I'm glad to see Papi going out on top. I've seen too many guys play beyond the point where they should have retired. Better to go out a year too soon than a year too late.

[Touch'EmAll]

Just read that Ortiz is having the best last year of career since Dave Kingman - way back. He is still being an offensive monster - last night another HR and more RBI's, a nice top ten batting average, and an outstanding slugging %.

They way he is hitting, who would you rather have at the plate? He sure would be my go to guy. I know, DH, but honestly, he gets my vote for MVP. Would be a great way to end his career.

[jhs5120]

Stats compared to the American League:
Home Runs: 8th
Slugging %: 1st
On Base %: 2nd
OPS: 1st
Batting Average: 4th
Doubles: 1st
RBI: 2nd
OPS+: 2nd
Runs Created: 4th
Adj Batting Wins: 2nd
Extra Base Hits: 2nd
Intentional Walks: 1st

[quinnsryche]

Why won't anyone mention his failed PED test? I know it was supposed to remain a secret but it is now common knowledge, yet he's treated like royalty when others like A-Rod, Clemens and Bonds are vilified (as well they should be). What's up with that?

[packs]

It's because he himself has continued to ignore the failed test so there is no baiting from the media like there was with Clemens and Arod who made it a point to deny the label.

Also, he isn't even the best player on his own team so all the MVP talk seems moot to me. Mookie Betts is clearly the best player on the Red Sox.

[bravos4evr]

Originally Posted by quinnsryche

Why won't anyone mention his failed PED test? I know it was supposed to remain a secret but it is now common knowledge, yet he's treated like royalty when others like A-Rod, Clemens and Bonds are vilified (as well they should be). What's up with that?

he was in the Mitchell report, but was never caught up in scandals or named in those doctor's office raids and he has passed every test since the rule was instituted outlawing PED's.


ETA: and he isn't a jerk to fans or the press like Bonds or Clemens were. there's a lot to be said for being liked by the public

[packs]

I don't think that buys you a pass though. Saying I've never been caught since they started checking to see if I've been cheating doesn't erase the years you were cheating.

[bravos4evr]

not really evidence he was cheating tho... the Mitchell report names were supposed to be kept secret and so there is no test results or any data to compare to the leaked names.

If he was cheating it didn't seem to make much difference as his stats didn't drop over the last 6 years. Maybe he is on some new thing they can't detect, but he is tested a lot an hasn't failed one yet.


and like I said in my ETA , not being caught up in scandal and being a fan favorite helps.

[quinnsryche]

I have nothing personally against him and I understand he is very popular as a lovable character and the whole Boston Strong thing but he was named and I would just like to see the media at least bring it up instead of giving him a free pass that I don't think others got.