Another contest between the two clubs is still very much in doubt, even if the Dodgers appear destined to lose ground to the Atlanta Braves for the top record in the National League.
A Dodger and a Brave are vying for the National League Most Valuable Player honor as ballots are being cast around the nation.
Mookie Betts of the Dodgers, not Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Braves, is the undisputed MVP.Period. The election is over, and anything less would make one question what people are watching, in my opinion.
It’s Betts if they’re concerned about value. Betts is the person to choose if they want variety. Betts is the baseball player they watch.
Acua was even more captivating, compiling the hottest stats in the league and became the only player in baseball history to amass at least 30 home runs and at least 60 steals. However, this bling now has an unnecessary gloss thanks to the bigger bases and the new pickoff rules. Betts is in charge of almost all other significant statistics.
He has more wins than a replacement in the league than Acua by almost a full win.
In the league, Acua ranks third in on-base plus slugging percentage, while he is the league leader.
Compared to Acua, he has more home runs. Compared to Acua, he has more RBIs.
He may have had the best season of all time as a leadoff hitter because he established records for home runs (39) and runs batted in (103) when batting first. In front of one of the best lineups ever, Acua takes the lead, but not even he can equal Betts’ stunning impact power.
The real kicker comes next. While Acua hasn’t left right field yet, Betts has played three different spots on three different portions of the diamond.
Betts made 73 starts in right field, 51 starts at second base, and 12 games at shortstop. He was a solid defender in all three positions. Furthermore, his readiness to switch to the infield has given the Dodgers the lineup versatility they need to make the most of their most decimated squad in any of their ten division winning campaigns.
Betts’ altruism allowed the Dodgers to make place for a whole left-handed outfield, including Jason Heyward and James Outman. And David Peralta and the other two gave stunning relays in return.
The Dodgers overcame Gavin Lux’s injury and Miguel Vargas’ troubles thanks to Betts’ collaboration.
Already persuaded? Why wouldn’t you be?
I questioned manager Dave Roberts about his choice for the National League MVP prior to Wednesday’s 6-1 loss to the San Diego Padres. He was naturally reluctant to pick a favorite at first given that he had two credible competitors in his clubhouse (Freddie Freeman was predicted to finish third).
“If I could speak… I don’t know, I guess I’m happy I don’t have a voice,” he replied.
About Betts, I enquired.
Roberts answered, “You’re asking me to pick a side.
Mookie Betts of the Dodgers smashes a home run in the first inning against the Miami Marlins.On September 5 in Miami, Mookie Betts of the Dodgers takes the mound against the Miami Marlins.
Yes. I was. The Dodgers will need to choose a side if they don’t want Betts and Freeman to cast separate votes. Finally, Roberts lifted a gentle hand toward Betts, as if recognizing this.
Mookie is undoubtedly having a fantastic season. It’s difficult for me not to declare that Mookie is the most important player,” he remarked.
Roberts remarked, “The numbers of what Freddie is doing, the runs scored, the runs batted in, the doubles, everything he’s got.” brings our club, I’m telling you, he’s right where Mookie and everyone else is.” Freeman also has a top-five ranking in WAR, OPS, runs and batting average while setting a record pace for doubles.
However, he admitted what everyone already knows: that Betts is ranked first because to his versatility.
I believe Mookie’s ability to play on the dirt, which allowed Jason Heyward to play right field, makes me feel good when I say I can slide him in there, the man stated.
He concurred when I questioned whether his adaptability sets him apart from Acua.
“For me, it is,” Roberts affirmed. “I believe the people with the power to vote will consider that because…The statistics…Additionally, it adds value to the team.a player who can play one position, win a Gold Glove at another position, and then extend his career It’s quite valuable to have a lineup that elevates your baseball team’s offensive performance. I therefore hope that is taken into account.
Betts has created some of the most motivating moments for a club that has benefited from that excitement, if voters still need more persuasion.
In the third inning, Mookie Betts of the Dodgers safely returns to first base against the Atlanta Braves.On September 3 at Dodger Stadium, Mookie Betts of the Dodgers makes a safe return to first base against the Atlanta Braves.
Betts hadn’t played shortstop since the Arizona Fall League in 2013, but he was there in late April after hurrying from Los Angeles, where he was on paternity leave, to Chicago. He arrived at Wrigley Field in time to fill in at shortstop for that seventh inning.
He hit a diving double play later in the inning to assist in keeping the victory.
Betts told reporters, “I just told Doc I just want to win, so I’ll play anywhere.”
Then, in late August, there was the trip to Boston, which could have been a diversionary emotional reunion with his former fans, but Betts was committed.
He finished the month of August by going 7 for 15 with 4 RBIs as the Dodgers won 2 of 3 games, effectively clinching their division title.
The Dodgers finished the month with a 24-5 record, and Betts was almost unstoppable. In that month, he hit.455 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI and entertained ideas of winning a second MVP.
Betts told reporters, “I would be lying if I said it wasn’t amazing. But winning the World Series, the division, and playing well are the most crucial things, guy.
The Dodgers progress along with Betts. Cody Bellinger in 2019, Clayton Kershaw in 2014, Kirk Gibson in 1988, Steve Garvey in 1974, and Sandy Koufax in 1963 all experienced this.
Betts should soon be a member of their club along with all of the Los Angeles Dodgers MVPs.