Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers) wins Triple Crown!!

[El Kabong]

It seems to me, with what little I know about baseball, that winning the Triple Crown would guarantee winning the MVP. But last week in Sports Illustrated, they argued that Trout was still the obvious choice because batting average, RBIs and home runs are three of the 'least relevant' statistics.

That's what it would seem to me also, grey. I'm shocked, but not at all surprised that SI would be pushing the case for Trout. I hope I'm wrong.... but if the positions were reversed..... and it was Trout winning the Triple Crown and being with the Tigers... and Cabrera with Trout's statistics and team....... I'd bet there'd be no argument. SI would back Trout hands down. Reeks a little of ethnic bias to me.

As for SI saying those stats are the "least relevant".... that would be a huge shock to me also, as it goes against traditional baseball wisdom.

I think they might say that now because the "important numbers" are all the new fangled ones On Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage, etc.

Miggy is a hell of a hitter, but he's a tad self destructive as well at least in the past he has been.

[TitoFan]

It seems to me, with what little I know about baseball, that winning the Triple Crown would guarantee winning the MVP. But last week in Sports Illustrated, they argued that Trout was still the obvious choice because batting average, RBIs and home runs are three of the 'least relevant' statistics.

That's what it would seem to me also, grey. I'm shocked, but not at all surprised that SI would be pushing the case for Trout. I hope I'm wrong.... but if the positions were reversed..... and it was Trout winning the Triple Crown and being with the Tigers... and Cabrera with Trout's statistics and team....... I'd bet there'd be no argument. SI would back Trout hands down. Reeks a little of ethnic bias to me.

As for SI saying those stats are the "least relevant".... that would be a huge shock to me also, as it goes against traditional baseball wisdom.

I think they might say that now because the "important numbers" are all the new fangled ones On Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage, etc.

Miggy is a hell of a hitter, but he's a tad self destructive as well at least in the past he has been.

Even with that, Cabrera finished with an OBP of .393, just below Trout's .399. But beat him handily in Slugging Pct (.606 to .564). Even in this strange OPS statistic (OBP plus Slugging Percentage), Miguel outdistances Trout by .999 to .963.

SI can say whatever they want.... but any way you look at it, if Cabrera doesn't get the MVP, it's a robbery..... IMO.

[Kirkland Laing]

The MVP award pales into insignificance compared to the Triple Crown. In fifty years nobody is going to remember who the 2012 MVP was.

[TitoFan]

The MVP award pales into insignificance compared to the Triple Crown. In fifty years nobody is going to remember who the 2012 MVP was.

Very true. But in principle, it would be wrong and a slap in the face to Miguel Cabrera if Trout is voted MVP.
But again..... very true.

[VictorCharlie]

I don't think there is any ethnic bias. SI is notorious for making wild and controversial picks. Their pre-season predictions for every sport are always full of head scratchers. I'm pretty sure the lead MLB writer said "I want to pick Cabrera but that's what everyone expects so obviously it is Trout."