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Eric R.'s avatar

IIRC, didn’t Andre Dawson win an MVP with the Cubs even though they finished LAST in their division?

Tom Wolf's avatar

Dawson’s selection was criticized, in part, because his on base percentage was only .328. Although WAR had not been created at this time, Dawson’s WAR was only 4.0. A better choice for MVP was Ozzie Smith, the

second place finisher. Although not having a power bat, his overall game produced a higher WAR.

Paul Zummo's avatar

Not only did they finish last, Dawson had like half the WAR of Tim Raines. The voters value division winners unless they don't.

Eric R.'s avatar

WAR was not a stat then. I remember Dawson putting up numbers so superior to any offensive player on a division leader, that they had to essentially ignore the unofficial rule of giving it to someone on a contender

Paul Zummo's avatar

It wasn't an established stat, sure, but Dawson didn't put up any superior numbers other than home runs. His was probably one of the most undeserved MVPs ever.

Bryan J. B.'s avatar

This is missing 2013, Paul Goldschmidt v. Andrew McCutcheon.

Goldschmidt had more runs scored, more home runs, more RBIs, more walks, higher slugging percentage, higher on base percentage, comparable batting average, stolen base, and total hits to McCutcheon.

But the Pirates made the playoffs and the Diamondbacks didn't

Benjamin, J's avatar

You went through all that and didn't mention the two Juan Gone MVP Awards? I also think you spend way too much time going between two deserving MVPs and just the egregious ones.

I mean, this is mostly Red Sox propaganda. I'd further add your last one on Jason Giambi is...lazy to say the least. It's INCREDIBLY hard to compare the value of an everyday player to a starter.