The MVP Races

Coming out of the All Star break several players appear to have an edge in the ATB XI Most Valuable Players Race. A few years ago we altered the post-season award selection process to an voting system, so ultimately the decision rests upon the 24 faithful ATB owners. This is merely a snapshot of the two most likely candidates to be considered in each league come October.

Vin Scully League

Babe Ruth, Rochester Beau Brummels
.312 / .480 / .678, 1.158 OPS, 95 RC, 30 HR, 71 R, 70 RBI, 17 2B, 5 SB
PROS: Leads the league in Slugging, OPS, Runs Created, Home Runs, RBI, and RC/27. Also in the Top 3 in both Runs and OBP
CONS: He's a part time DH and Rochester is not assured of a playoff slot. If they miss, they could have missed without Ruth on the roster as well. Ruth has to be considered the front runner though.

Rogers Hornsby, Bucky Dents Middle Name
.335 / .383 / .582, .965 OPS, 58 RC, 14 HR, 42 R, 55 RBI, 14 2B, 5 SB
PROS: The best hitting middle infielder in either league, he leads VS in all rate categories among second basemen and shortstops. Despite missing much time, he also leads middle infielders in Home Runs
CONS: He isn't Babe Ruth.

Some other options are Barry Bonds (RKA) and Albert Pujols (HH).

Harry Caray League

Ted Williams, La Chapelle Neanderthals
.351 / .454 / .613, 1.066 OPS, 61 RC, 17 HR, 42 R, 49 RBI, 7 2B, 0 SB
PROS: Likely the best hitter in Harry Caray, leading the lead in Slugging, OPS, and RC/27.
CONS: He missed over 20 games with an injury and his counting stats are not on par with other contenders. Worse, his Neanderthals went 14-6 while he was out.

Mickey Mantle, Duke Street Kings
.325 / .410 / .592, 1.002 OPS, 82 RC, 25 HR, 63 R, 83 RBI, 7 2B, 7 SB
PROS: While rate stats aren't in the same league as Williams, Mantle does lead the league in home runs and RBI, and is Top-2 in Runs Created and Runs. He also plays "Very Good" defense in Center Field.
CONS: The Kings are on track to miss the playoffs and few think he is as good of a hitter as Williams.

Steve Evans (WPP) and Tip O'Neil (ECT) are also contenders for the award. The latter is a high average doubles hitter with speed, the former his a plodding high average doubles hitter.