Why are dh's considered MVP candidates?

Question

They almost never play the field, all they do is hit. MVP's should be great all around players.

Answer 1

Don't know, but I don't think they should be considered if they only hit, they never save a run with a good play, nor steal a base, heck they don't even bunt. An MVP should be a player who is a great asset on defense and offense, DH don't even play most of the games in national league stadiums, cause they don't play good defense, they can only hit, they should give an award for MVH, most valuable hitter.

Pitching and defense wins championships, and defense, just ask Italy, the New England Patriots, and the Yankees of the late 90s.

Answer 2

DH players are usually the big guys who smash the ball and get tons of RBIs. Travis Hafner has 6 grand slams and he's a DH. Ortiz has 43 and has like 5 walk-offs. And Jim Thome is helping out the White Sox big time by adding another big bat. However, MVP stands for Most Valuable Player. If these players' teams don't make the playoffs, they aren't valuable because obviously, they didn't have the stuff to lead their team. Ortiz should have won it last year, but not this year. The Red Sox are slumping without Tek, and Ortiz has done nothing in this series against the Yanks or previously against the Tigers.

Hopefully, a DH leads his team to the World Series and wins it soon. But not this year.

Answer 3

Because voters are trying to emphasize the well rounded approach to the game. A player who plays strong defense, along with putting up strong offensive numbers obviously does more to help his team win than another player who contributes offensively. Unfortunately, they've gotten themselves confused. If they can give out MVPs to great offensive players who play a crappy first base or left field, or even a shortstop who plays below average D for his position, then why can't a DH get the award? In those cases, the player is actually hurting his team defensively, dragging down his value to the team. At least a DH doesn't hurt his team defensively.

Answer 4

Unless they rename the award, DH can easily be the Most "Valuable" player. You can't tell me the Red Sox would be where they are this year without Ortiz. How many games has he won with his bat? A lot, esp. considering it only takes a 5 or 6 game swing sometimes to go from division winner to out of the playoffs. Instead of lobbying for DH's not to be included in the MVP voting, a better solution to your perceived problem would be for them to get rid of the DH and let the pitchers bat again. I'm sure they'd find room for Big Papi on that field.

Answer 5

I also imagine that Jeter for the AL and Beltran for the NL why because this adult adult males carried their communities all 3 hundred and sixty 5 days lengthy and both have giving lengthy island's communities the early exceeded to the playoff. they're evidently born leaders they helped their communities contained in the field and out the field at the same time as something is going incorrect. They both have gold glove protection and by no skill an excellent form of folk have that. they help their communities defensively, offensively, and emotionally and that is something Howard neither David Ortiz is popular with a thanks to do and heavily isn't able to do ever. MVP award would not basically stands for the superb offensive participant in the three hundred and sixty 5 days or the superb defender u must have both and slightly more desirable than that u ought to lead your crew into victory besides u can.

Answer 6

Because offense is valuable. A DH would have to be great to be considered, but in the case of Ortiz, it is legitimate. I prefer Ramirez to Ortiz, but he is a great hitter.

Most people place more value on defense than it deserves. The difference between a good defensive player and a passable one is only a handful of runs per year.

Answer 7

If a player is putting up phenomenal numbers in terms of compiling a high batting average, having a great OBP, driving in runs there should be consideration. Note I said 'phenomenal' numbers. Enough to overtake a candidate who isn't a DH.

Answer 8

Because their bat can carry a team. A relief pitcher won MVP an he is barely on the field...

Answer 9

the DH in the American League is one of the most important players on the team - they only have one way to help the team and that is with their bats - other position players can be weak hitters but outstanding defensive players and vice versa - Dh's (like David Ortiz) have to swing the bat to help their team - imagine where the Red Sox would be if they didn't have Big Papi

Answer 10

im a die hard sox fan but i say if ortiz cant win MVP but barry bonds can hes not a dh but not a good fielder so even have pitchers bat or let ortiz win mvp