Statistically Dodgers’ Matt Kemp outrivaled by Brewers’ Ryan Braun – MLB News
The race for National League’s Most Valuable Player Award came to their end on Tuesday, November 22 with Ryan Braun finishing first, leaving behind one of the most favourite hitters, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Matt Kemp.
Matt Kemp fell short with 332 points compared to 338 points of Ryan Braun. The observers believed the main reason was the Milwaukee Brewers’ wonderful performance and elevating themselves to 96 wins throughout the season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers could only finish just over 11 games out in the National League West, making it difficult for Kemp to notch this award. This was something that even Braun referred too, saying it was probably one thing that separated the two.
A quick look at the stats of both the players in 2011, interestingly, brings a different record. Matt Kemp had 39 homers to his credit compared to 33 homers of Braun. Compared to 111 RBIs of Braun, Kemp had 126, having got 40 steals whereby Braun had 33
in his record.
With the 60 more plate appearance, Kemp seemed to have ascendancy in almost every aspect of the game apart from the average which stood .324 compared to .332 of Braun. But when Kemp was asked about the comparison, his was a true spirit of a genuine player.
"Let everybody know," Kemp said, "I hold no ill will against Mr. MVP. He's the man, he won the award, nobody should take anything away from him. He’d an amazing season. "I'm happy for Braun. He had a great season and his team made the playoffs.”
Braun, on the other hand, chronicled what he dreamt of.
"When I made the commitment to the city of Milwaukee, to the Milwaukee Brewers organization and to this fan base, my intent was to spend my whole career in Milwaukee and one day be mentioned alongside names like Robin Yount and Rollie Fingers.”
Nonetheless, even in the presence of Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols, Justin Upton, Joey Votto and Lance Berkman, this was a singular feat for Kemp. He certainly is young and capable enough to receive this honour next year provided he retains his fitness.
Tags: