We're at the midpoint of Season 4 and I think it's safe to say that the Canaries are going to run away with the regular-season title, as they're currently sporting a 7-3 record and a whopping +26 run differential. What's less certain, however, is who will win the Positional MVP and Pitching MVP awards. Let's take a look at where we stand! I'll rank the candidates from least likely to most likely.
Pitching MVP
3. Joe McGinnity, Canaries. There are really only two candidates at this point, but I have to tip my hat to the Canaries' sidearm reliever, who has yet to yield a run. I think a relief pitcher has a better shot to win the award next year (the expansion team will result in a contraction of roster sizes, forcing relievers to throw more innings), but McGinnity could sneak up on us if he continues this run.
2. Tim Keefe, Canaries. Last year's winner continues to dominate, going 3-0 in four starts for the first-place team. His 2.91 ERA is second-best among starting pitchers.
1. Mickey Welch, Haymakers. The talented but enigmatic Welch has long been in the shadow of teammate Cy Young, but this year he's pitching like an ace. He's only 2-1 in four starts, but his 2.25 ERA leads all starters by a good margin.
Positional MVP
5. Deacon White, Haymakers. In a league consisting of nothing but Hall of Famers, White is no standout. This year, however, he's put together a fine campaign as a middle-of-the-order bat whose normally lousy defense at third base is (for now) league average.
4. Nap Lajoie, Blue Legs. His team might end up with the worst record and worst run differential in league history, but the Legs' captain and second baseman is a hit machine who leads the league in batting average.
3. Cap Anson, Haymakers. The Haymakers' first baseman won this award last year, and he's turning in another fine season. Although he committed his first fielding error ever, he's hit a pair of home runs and has propped up an offense that is scoring only 3.70 runs per game this year compared to 4.75 last year.
2. George Davis, Canaries. With a league-leading three home runs (and an all-time record of eight for his career), the Canaries' third baseman provides only average defense, but his power bat has sparked the Canaries to an impressive first half. Davis may well tie or break the single-season home run record (four), set by the Blue Legs' King Kelly in Season 1.
1. Ed Delahanty, Canaries. Delahanty plays wherever he's needed in the field (mainly in center) and has managed to avoid any defensive miscues while hitting two homers and leading the league in total bases. Although the Canaries have many offensive stars who are not included in this MVP ranking (Hugh Duffy, Honus Wagner, etc.), Delahanty is the main reason they're averaging 6.30 runs per game and are on pace to shatter the single-season record of 95 runs (in a 20-game season).
No comments:
Post a Comment