Buster Posey wins the NL MVP race, outrivaling Ryan Braun
This year’s National League Most Valuable Player Award had its share of excitement and thrill. The top 5 nominees finalised had represented their respective teams in the best possible way possible, putting them (the teams) on the winning track.
The award, nonetheless, has (had) to go someone whose contribution was not only matchless statistically (individually speaking), but also quite significant in terms of changing the outlook of the entire season for team.
From Yadier Molina, the St. Louis Cardinals' catcher to Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Ryan Braun, from Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates to Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants’ Buster Posey, the names were certainly illustrious and eminent.
They, in their capacity, had done something extraordinary for the team. However, he who ultimately prevailed over all was Buster Posey. The San Francisco Giants' catcher not only outperformed the peers defensively, he was unparalleled when it came to execution in offence.
That which set him apart, eventually, was his ability to cruise his team into the post-season and then help them outrival all the teams to win the World Series. Facing him in this competition for NL MVP was none other than Ryan Braun.
Braun had led the National League in homers, runs, SLG and in OPS. That is where he was being considered a thoroughly strong candidate for the NL MVP again. The past year, to be recalled, it was Braun who won the prestigious award.
However, Milwaukee Brewers had a very different 2012 season as compared to the year before that. The past season saw the Brewers easily making their way into National League Championship Series, something which was not the case this season.
In the regular season this year, they were outdone by the St. Louis Cardinals which secured a Wild Card berth – for the second consecutive year. Contrast this performance of the Brewers to the one where they won the National League Central title in 2011.
Where Ryan Braun’s performance was instrumental the past year, not only winning him multiple awards, he had complete defensive backup as well. This year, however, that was conspicuously missing.
Nonetheless, whatever the results this year, Braun’s consistency kept him incredibly distinct among his peers wherein he hit .319 with .987 OPS and .391 OBP. To be seen the next year, therefore, is to see who carries the day when it comes to the same MVP.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect the official editorial policy of Bettor.com.
Tags: