This, That and an Abomination

This afternoon, I was watching an episode of Baseball Tonight I had recorded, and I heard a very funny quote attributed to Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis. He reportedly said he's glad to be playing third base instead of first, because it's "a less social area." Make of this what you will. Here's my interpretation: "I hate making bleeping small talk with those jerks I play against," or "Now I won't get beat up by Rick Porcello any more." Kidding, but it did make me laugh.

I hadn't heard much about Jose Valverde lately, so I had to take a little looky loo at his spring numbers. In eight innings, Papa Grande has the following line:

1.13 ERA, 4 hits, 4BB, 4K, 1.00 WHIP, .154 batting average against

Good to know our closer is on track. Would be nice to see him cut down a little on the walks, but he's not getting hit around, that's for sure. /claps hands and longs for Opening Day

I'm sure you say this as often as I do, but "WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?" Specifically, what is wrong with T.J. Simers of the LA Times? What would make him launch such a mean-spirited attack on Marcus Thames of all people? Did his significant other just run away with his best friend and send him a video of them being "intimate" together? Did his beloved pet (and only friend) just die? Sadly, I don't think either is the case. Simers has a reputation for being a bit of a slimy provocateur. Craig Calcaterra of NBC's Hardball Talk says that Simers' regular MO is to "insult, bait and pester a given Dodgers or Angels player and hope against hope that they’ll spout off in anger so that he can print a juicy quote and follow it up with his 'man, what’s his problem'?" Is your writing and reporting talent so non-existent that you resort to such tactics? Thankfully, Rogo of Designate Robertson has shredded Simers on our behalf. Please read it. It will help to diffuse your righteous indignation.

In closing, I would like to shout from my rooftop that Opening Day is now only eight days away. Our home opener is only sixteen days away, and my first game is only twenty days away. Happy face.

MVP

This morning, Mike Greenburg of Mike & Mike in the Morning said that the AL MVP should go to CC Sabathia, since Albert Pujols will win the NL MVP, and there really is no deserving candidate in the AL.

Let's take a look at potential AL MVP candidates:

Francisco Rodriguez, 62 of 69 save opportunities, 2.24 ERA, 77 SO over 68.1 IP

Dustin Pedroia, .326 AVG, 17 HR, 82 RBI, 52 SO, 52 BB, .376 OBP, .493 SLG

Joe Mauer, .328 AVG, 9 HR, 85 RBI, 50 SO, 84 BB, .413 OBP, .451 SLG

Kevin Youkilis, .312 AVG, 29 HR, 115, RBI, 108 SO, 62 BB, .390 OBP, .569 SLG

Justin Morneau, .300 AVG, 23 HR, 129 RBI, 85 SO, 76 BB, .374 OBP, .499 SLG

Josh Hamilton, .304 AVG, 32 HR, 130 RBI, 126 SO, 64 BB, .371 OBP, .530 SLG

Carlos Quentin, .288 AVG, 36 HR, 100 RBI, 80 SO, 66 BB, .394 OBP, .571 SLG

I guess it is clear that none of these guys are a runaway like Albert Pujols (although he and CC would've really had a tight race if CC had spent the whole year in the NL).  To put it mildly, and to state the obvious I'm astounded by Pujols.  His numbers are absolutely crazy, and you gotta love him.

In looking over the stat lines for these AL players, it is really difficult.  I feel for Carlos Quentin, who's working against an incomplete season (although self-inflicted).

My vote goes to Kevin Youkilis, because he had a killer OPS, hit for average and power, had 115 RBIs, and plays stellar defense (and can play more than one position).  To be honest though, I almost felt like changing my answer, even after I typed his name.  His weaknesses (relative to these other MVP candidates) were baserunning and strikeouts.

Who is your 2008 AL MVP?