OT: MVP- Judge or Raleigh?

[dennismenace]

Last night Judge received his 35th intentional walk. Last time someone got a number that high was Ted Williams in
1955. Just about every season Judge leads the league in improper strikes called (as electronically measured). Well over 100 last year. Those who follow the Yankees know this has routinely gone on for years. This is based on pitches that are low (for him) are frequently called strikes due to the umps measuring by eye from ground off the plate instead of from above/below the knees due to his 6-7 height. This often translates to strikeouts vs walks or worse counts vs better counts to hit at. To also put him in perspective think also of someone like Walt Dropo (6-7) stealing bases and playing all outfield positions as a very good fielder as well.

I guess Raleigh, like Judge, could be one for the ages. I hope he continues to wreck havoc on the league because these guys will end up immortals and they are great for the game. And no PEDs!

 

[dennismenace]

I get that it’s cool, but that should have zero bearing on his value when talking about the MVP. Judge’s offensive numbers vs. both LHP and RHP are better than Cal’s from either side of the plate. Interestingly, Judge is also arguably has more consistent outcomes against LHP and RHP than Cal, despite not being a switch hitter.

Judge has learned over time to almost never swing at a pitch outside the strike zone. Plate coverage is extraordinary.

 

[nomar]

Great question. Ive often thought about this phenomenon and I've come to realize that it does matter. Stevie Wonder's music exists as it is but it has more depth knowing he is blind. Confederacy of Dunces reads differently when you know Toole's life story.
In this case, the numbers are static but his switch hitting ability adds an extra dimension.

If Stevie Wonder is more impressive because he doesn’t have the sense of sight, then isn’t Judge more impressive because he has to face right-handed pitching from the right side? OK, that’s not a fair analogy but neither is yours in terms of the MVP race. The question is, no matter what side of the late they’re hitting from, who’s better?