Is Ohtani still a lock for MVP?

[Duren, Duren]

Obviously he's been in a hitting slump since the all star game. And striking out at a high rate. But his pitching has been excellent and steady. And his base running has been an extra factor in terms of overall evaluation. 

With two dozen games remaining it seems unlikely he will get to 50 homers. Or even match Glauss at 47. And his batting average continues to drop. But he still has a chance at double digit wins, though with only a limited number of starts left. 

The problem is also that other candidates are getting hot. He might even be passed in homers. And the team has never been a contender all season. Voters may see Ohtani as an old story now, with everything already taken for granted. And not captivating as new challengers emerge during the home stretch. 

I think he still will win unless something really dramatic happens. But he is slumping as the end of season approaches, and that might affect voter perceptions 

[angelsnationtalk]

The answer is yes, if that's what you're wondering.

[PattyD22]

A favorite?  Yes.

A lock?  No

[Jason]

I don't see how he isn't. He's got great offensive numbers minus BA and he has been dominant on the mound post ASG. 

[Stradling]

Yes 

[Chuck]

Yep! 

[Angelsjunky]

I'd put the odds at 90%, down from 95% a month ago.

[SlappyUtilityMIF]

Yes, It's done! He just needed to be healthy all year! 140-150+ games played, 30+ bombs, Wins 10+,  throws 125+ innings, and have an ERA below 4.00...

***EDIT***

What he is doing is pretty awesome! He has basically shown that you can play almost everyday and pitch, hit and play the field similar to little league. 

The Craziness of it all.  You have 5 tools for pitchers + 5 tools for hitters/fielders (Ohtani is about a 9.25/9.50 tool player)? I haven't seen his arm strength from the outfield listed anywhere so it should be Above Average and his fielding should be at a minimum slightly better than League Average.

So, maybe 9.5 tool player in a 5 Tool League? That is an MVP EVERY SEASON as long as he Plays 140-150+ games, hits 30+ Home Runs, Wins 10+, throws 125+ innings and has an ERA below a 4.00.

For him it will always be about HEALTH! And his arm health. We already new he could hit. He also has a high Baseball IQ so he knows what he should do and anticipates extremely well. Even if his Average drops the Power #'s and the Pitching stats as stated previously no one has done that since the BABE.

The issue the HALOS will have will be his FUTURE contract. You can't Pay him like a TOP 10-20 hitter and not also pay him as a TOP 10-25 Starting Pitcher. So, there will be a precedent that will be set up. What that is? I have no clue. Think maybe a 5-7 year deal - $125M + an additional 50% tacked on for the pitching side.

 

[Chuck]

If Ohtani continues to pitch well and hits a few more dingers, steals a few more bases but hits in the low .200's the rest of the way he's a lock. 

[Tank]

i don't see a way for him to lose it at this point.

[T.G.]

[arch stanton]

MVP is voted by writers. Writers like having stuff to write about. I can't imagine him not winning

[TooCool]

I think he's a huge favorite but you know there will be some voters that are haters because the Halos suck. It'll be just like when Trout was robbed of a few MVPs himself because of the Halos non playoff appearances. So that could be how Ohtani gets screwed when it's all said and done.

[Docwaukee]

I have to think so.  Not only is he truly the most value player but he's also the 'sexy' pick.  I do think Vlad will get some votes though.  

[Inside Pitch]

The offense has tanked the pitching has spiked.   His biggest competition is prolly Vladdy Jr and a case can be made that he's the third most valuable player on that team behind Ray and Semien.

[T.G.]

I think IP just said Vlad, Jr. sucks.

[Dtwncbad]

He still wins it despite all the Harvard grad writers knocking him down for being Asian, like Harvard does for admissions.

[Angel Oracle]

9 hours ago, Dochalo said:

I have to think so.  Not only is he truly the most value player but he's also the 'sexy' pick.  I do think Vlad will get some votes though.  

It’s clearly Shohei and Vlad Jr., and then everyone else.

Maybe Olson for 3rd place?

Edited September 8, 2021 by Angel Oracle

[Biergott]

Salvador quietly sneaking in the back door.  Won’t win MVP but how crazy a catcher and pitcher sit atop the HR standings?

[HaloSpurs]

I think it's done. He could not play another game and win it. This season is one of the most special in the history of the game, that won't be overlooked

[Duren, Duren]

And you can be sure that when he wins there will be all sorts of snide and sarcastic remarks about his team. 

Along the lines of "he had a historic season on a team that was never in contention." And followed by a recap of Trout's wasted MVP years with the same theme. 

When Ernie Banks won his two MVP awards the Cubs were terrible. But they had the reputation as 'lovable losers' (half a dozen years before the Mets claimed that title). The perception about the Angels most of the last decade is either under achievement and/or poor management. 

Banks was also beloved by the baseball writers because of his personality and optimism. Ohtani is mostly an enigma to the media, though he is admired and respected for his accomplishments. 

[Angel Dog and Beer]

13 hours ago, Biergott said:

Salvador quietly sneaking in the back door.  

Eww.

[fan_since79]

Historic season, leading the majors in home runs and one of the better pitchers in the game. Ruthian.

Yes, a lock.

Just skip the damn derby next year, please!!

[Jeff Fletcher]

9 hours ago, Duren, Duren said:

When Ernie Banks won his two MVP awards the Cubs were terrible. But they had the reputation as 'lovable losers' (half a dozen years before the Mets claimed that title). The perception about the Angels most of the last decade is either under achievement and/or poor management. 

I think has more to do with environment (society, media, etc) during the two periods in question than the teams themselves. 
 

Also, Ohtani is still going to win the MVP. 
 

If you just woke up today and looked and his stats, you’d have zero question. The only reason you’re asking is because you saw his stats a month ago. 

[Angels 1961]

Most talented player ever to play this game. We may never see a season like this again. I wonder if Trout and Rendon were healthy what kind of numbers he would have put up.