If Albert Pujols is a slam-dunk to win the National League Most Valuable Player Award, Derek Jeter is not too far behind to take the American League MVP Award.
When Jeter passed Lou Gehrig's record that had stood for more than 70 years over the weekend for most hits by a Yankees player, he sealed the deal.
Sure, you can argue the honor should go to the Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer, or even Jeter's teammate, Mark Teixeira, but if the Yankees captain isn't MVP, the voting baseball writers should be investigated.
When Jeter collected his 2,722nd hit at Yankee Stadium late Friday night, it was another of those cherished moments in baseball history -- like the night in 1985, when Pete Rose passed Ty Cobb's all-time hits record, or 1995, when Gehrig's consecutive games record was shattered by Cal Ripken Jr.
The legendary Gehrig, also a Yankees captain, was beloved and respected and for someone with the same admirable qualities to now hold this record is fitting.
The MVP Award should go to the player whose leadership and value has contributed to his team's success more than any other individual. Jeter has been that player for the Yankees as they storm to another AL East title.
There may be teammates who have higher batting averages, hit more homers, driven in more runs, but no one has been more valuable to the Yankees this season.
Personally, I don't agree that him setting any record, or any player that sets a record should be given more consideration for MVP than a player who is having a better season. Especially when that record is a career record.For now, though, talk of the MVP Award is far down Jeter's list of priorities.
...Around the Yankees clubhouse, Jeter is the MVP.
Manager Joe Girardi won't say that, but puts his sentiments this way: "Derek is doing everything for us. He's stealing bases, playing good defense and getting on base early in the game.
"The way he gets us started is incredible. He's up in the first inning, and it is like he's saying, 'It's time to play right now. Let's get started. Let's not wait three or four innings to go after them.'"
When outfielder Johnny Damon came to the Yankees after playing for the Red Sox, he said, "There's something about Derek that I found out: He makes everyone around him play better."
...
Girardi believes sometimes people take for granted what Jeter contributes. "I think sometimes people take that as, 'That's just a normal year.' Well, this is not a normal year for most people."
No, this is arguably Jeter's finest year and it will be a shame if MVP voters don't examine closely his season. It's much more than mere numbers.
He has to be the AL MVP.
That said, I do agree that Jeter's value cannot completely be quantified by numbers alone. Michael Kay always talks about not understanding how great Jeter is unless you watch him everyday, and I have to agree with that. He's one of those quiet leaders who do all the little things to help his team win. Many things that don't show up in a box score.
"The MVP Award should go to the player whose leadership and value has contributed to his team's success more than any other individual," says Bodley. I couldn't agree more, and that player, this year, has been Derek Jeter.
10 Comments:
I am 100% behind Jeter getting the MVP. I don't think Mauer should get much consideration because his team is not going to make the playoffs.
Tex is having a great year too but this is Jeter's team and his leadership by example as well as his numbers deserve the award.
JETER FOR MVP!!!
I think if Pedroia got an MVP the year he did then Jeter should as well. Very similiar numbers. That being said I also didnt feel Pedroia should have won that year and since many writers seem to lean towards anti-yankee sentiment I think Jeter will unfortunately lose out on that recognition.
-G
Yeah, but Joe is having one of the better offensive years in history on a very mediocre team. I love DJ but that would be as unfair as last year's MVP.
The MVP is a difference maker on the team we know DJ and what he brings to this team but I doubt the team would've missed him that much if he was injured, we would've struggle more if A-Rod or Tex were injured and thats why I wouldn't give him the MVP. To me it should take a very special year for a #1 hitter to win the award, its like a reliever winning the CY.
I wouldn't trade DJ for anyone but he is not the MVP, not even close.
It's not just about numbers, it's about the VALUE to your team. Mauer is invaluable to the Twins because they don't have the depth of power the Yankees have. Jeter's value to the Yanks extends to his situational hitting, his fielding, his consistency and his leadership, both on and off the field. How could Jeter possibly go through his career without once being named MVP? This is HIS year and i hope the writers vote accordingly.
Mauer is not only having arguably the best hitting season of any catcher in any season, let alone this one, he's also arguably the best defensive catcher in the league.
Jeter's having a great season, but Mauer's having a season for the ages. It's Mauer, by plenty.
Based on OPS Mauer is having about the 208th best year ever.
Mauer is having a great year unfortunately for him the award isn't for the most outstanding player its for the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, big difference.
Joe Mauer currently leads the American League in all three categories.
Only 12 players have ever led the American League in all three, with the last being George Brett in 1980, of the 12 A.L. players to do it, 10 are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame
(Ted Williams - five times, Ty Cobb - three, Napolean Lajoie - two, George Stone, Tris Speaker, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Frank Robinson, Carl Yastrzemski, Fred Lynn and George Brett).
No catcher in either league has ever led in all three categories at the end of a season.
This is one of the most retarded arguments I've ever heard. Because Jeter broke a team career record (one that was not at all impressive -- jeter is not even in the top 200 all times in career hits), he should be the AL MVP in 2009 or there should be "an investigation"? Then you say Mauer should not win because his team isn't good? So for Jeter it's a lifetime achievement award, but for Mauer it's a team award? Good Lord, Mauer has been the best player in MLB this year, followed by Puljos. Cano, Arod (in an off year) and Tex have been more "valuable" to the Yanks this season. Jeter is great, but the's not the best player in the league this year, and in terms of "value" he's robbing the Yanks with that silly contract.
I am SK from Minnesota and a lifelong Twins fan, I have to remain anonymous but I am 100% behind what crossfire said!!!!!!
“I am 100% behind Jeter getting the MVP. I don't think Mauer should get much consideration because his team is not going to make the playoffs.”
JETER FOR MVP AND HE SHOULD ALREADY HAVE A FEW ON THE SHELF!!!
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