Sizing Up the MVP Race

Kershaw's ERA for 2014 was 1.77

The Baseball Writers of America will crown a Most Valuable Player for the 2014 season on Thursday night (both American and National Leagues). The Pirates have the defending NL MVP in Andrew McCutchen. He is also up for the award this year. Joining him is Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

What are McCutchen's chances of taking home the award in back to back years? Unfortunately not likely. Clayton Kershaw has thrown for numbers that have not been seen in years before. (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kershcl01.shtml?redir) It's hard to compete with numbers along those lines. What does McCutchen have going for him? Kershaw is a pitcher though. They don't win these awards too often. Justin Verlander won the MVP in the AL in 2011. The last NL pitcher to win was Bob Gibson back in the 1960s.

McCutchen's worth is easily measured. When he was injured in August, the team went into a tailspin that included 10 consecutive losses. He was worth that much to this team.

My guess: Clayton Kershaw is the 2014 NL MVP. He was just that good.