50 games later: Who is Sox MVP?
May 29th, 2007 by Bill Burt
Talk about a tough question?
Josh Beckett was probably the runaway favorite until he took a 15-day break (he pitches again today) at 7-0 with a 2.66 ERA.
Let me know your top five, in order.
Here are mine:
1. Kevin Youkilis.
It’s time to stop taking this guy for granted. He is getting better every month. He bats everywhere in the lineup. He is hitting for some power (6 HRs, 27 RBI). Unlike other, more tempermental players, it doesn’t matter where he bats in the lineup. He hits (.357). He is the MVP thus far. I’m not budging on this one.
2. Josh Beckett.
You can’t deny the numbers (7-0, 2.66 ERA) or the poise. Beckett is a new man this season. He is pitching instead of throwing. He is humble instead of a know-it-all. It will be key to see if this blister problem disappears. If it does, we are talking about the starter in the All-Star game and a run at Cy Young. A great Beckett means so much, especially come playoff time, with a bonafide ace to give the ball to for Game 1.
3. Hideki Okajima.
Bill James dream closer-by-committee theory is that you have multiple closers, not just one. Well, thus far it has happened. “Okie” has changed everything. He has allowed this team to “baby” Jonathan Papelbon. He is as tough against righties as he is against lefties. Without this guy, the Sox would have five more losses, at least.
4. Jonathan Papelbon.
Last night he proved he is still the man — men on second and third with no outs, and he got the next three batters, two on strikeouts. It is comforting to know that if the Sox are leading in the seventh inning, the game is over.
5. Mike Lowell.
Another guy we take for granted, particularly on defense. Lowell still has quick hands and can pull an inside pitch with the best of them (see Kevin Millar). His bat has been huge, especially with J.D. Drew still not the guy everyone expected. He is hitting .329, but more importantly his 9 HRs and 38 RBI tie with him David Ortiz for the team lead.
5a. Dice-K.
I don’t think I’m in the majority on this one, but Matsuzaka is the biggest change in the rotation from a year ago. He gives them an ace-like starter in the No. 3 hole. He hasn’t pitched to his capability yet, but at 7-2, he has been very good. He’s averaging a strikeout per inning (64 in 67 innings). If he picks it up a notch, 20 wins won’t be a possiblity but a probability.
Honorable mention (in order):
Jason Varitek, David Ortiz, Julian Tavarez, Tim Wakefield and Alex Cora.
Send me your picks and let the debate begin …
4 reader comments to “50 games later: Who is Sox MVP?”
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2Patrick said:
I could not possibly agree more about Youkilis. 8 consecutive multi-hit games, 20 game hit streak, and an all out hustler on everything, not just the insider he had yesterday. I can’t believe how under the radar he is considering his production. Lets not forget that last year he played enough games at 3rd and OF in addition to 1st that he qualifies for those positions in most fantasy leagues as well. He’ll do anything you ask of him at any time, and flat out produce.
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3Steven C said:
Here are my top five:
1. Beckett: The guy is almost perfect.
2. Papelbon: If he wasn’t closing, they’d be screwed.
3. Ortiz: How is he not in your top five? He’s among the league leaders in several categories.
4. Youkilis: He’s not No. 1, but having a great season.
5. Okajima: He has made the entire bullpen better.
Varitek, Ramirez, Lowell, Matsuzaka and Pedroia are my HM. -
4Roomeister said:
MIke Lowell is number one and Youk is Number two, beckett at number 3 everyone else has been hot and too cold. With Lowell filling in for Manny and Ortiz, our totally stupid GM who cares more about music than baseball Theo better resign Lowell.
