Now that the Atlanta Braves season is over, it's time to look at which hitters had the biggest impact on the team and which ones were the biggest drag on the team. Today we'll tackle the top and bottom hitters, tomorrow the pitchers.
Hitting MVP
This is a tough one, because there are three really good candidates. Brian McCann was the MVP of last year's team (according to Talking Chop), and he had another good season this year. He is totally deserving of the team MVP, he continued to put up great offensive numbers, and added to his value behind the plate by posting a caught stealing percentage six points higher than his previous season high. The 30% CS mark was right at league average, and a definite improvement in a part of his game that needed the most improvement.
Martin Prado was a catalyst for much of the Braves offensive transformation this year, and he led the team's resurgence when he was moved to the leadoff spot in May. He stumbled at the end due to several nagging injuries, and a double-injury of a hip pointer and a torn oblique finally ended his season in the midst of the postseason chase of late September. He's clearly a choice that many Braves fans would chose for their MVP.
But this year Talking Chop will award the Braves team MVP to the kid, Jason Heyward. Heyward hit .272/.398/.505 up until his June 10th collision with Nate McLouth. From June 10th until he went on the disabled list on June 28th, Heyward hit .186/.238/.271. When he got back from the DL, Heyward once again went on a tear, hitting .302/.419/.457. Take away the time when he was playing injured and Heyward had one heck of a rookie season, and was clearly the most important hitter in the Braves lineup. Yes, he faded a bit at the end, but every hitter in the Braves lineup faded at the end.
He is truly the bright light in the Braves future, and to think that he's already their most valuable player in his first Major League season is even more remarkable. With a year of experience under his belt, he should be one of the most dangerous hitters in the National League next year ... as a 21-year old.
The LVP after the jump...
Hitting LVP
Like the hitting MVP, there are three really good (or bad) candidates for this award. When the Braves acquired Melky Cabrera I remarked that the team had just re-acquired Jeff Francoeur, only not quite as good, and boy was I right. Frenchy posted a slash line this year of .249/.300/.383 (bolstered only by the friendly confines of The Ballpark at Arlington), and Melky posted a slash line of .255/.317/.354 -- Melk had more patience, but not as much power ... how exciting! He was terrible. I count the days until his unconditional release.
Matt Diaz really only has value against left-handed pitching, and in 2010 he once again did pretty well against them (.830 OPS), but he got into 68 games against right-handed pitching and stunk up the joint (.633 OPS), especially in games where he faced a right-handed starting pitcher (.577). Like Melky, Diaz will hopefully be non-tendered at the end of the year. He's a fun guy to watch, if only for his completely unorthodox style of hitting, but we've seen enough of him and it's time to move away from the left field platoon of terror.
Two good candidates -- and really we could also select the Yunel / Gonzalez combo as another LVP -- but Nate McLouth wins this dubious honor. Nate hit below .200 for the season. He was pitiful beyond the pale, and only saved from utter humiliation by a return to some type of career norm in September, after spending the better part of two months in the Minor Leagues, all the while sucking up valuable salary space. Add to his horrible hitting the fact that he caused the MVP of the team, Jason Heyward, to miss several weeks and suffer a decline in production because of an injury caused by a collision where it looked like McLouth wasn't calling for the ball as he should have been.
Odds are McLouth will be around next year because his contract is guaranteed and highly untradeable, so the only glimmer of hope for our LVP is that he did manage to post an .887 OPS in September and October once he was recalled from the minors. Whether McLouth can post those kinds of numbers in 2011 will go a long way towards determining if the Braves will be successful next year.
Pitching MVP and LVP coming up tomorrow.
0 recs | 129 comments
I'm for keeping Diaz....
….just not as a platoon guy or starter. He can still mash lefties. Not sure how much he’s gonna cost though….
Yeah, if McLouth can continue his success since being recalled that would be huge for this team. Same goes for Derek Lowe, who was just phenomenal down the stretch.
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
Diaz was great in July….except for that… he sucked.
Braves Biceps - October 13, 2010
I think
Diaz can be good if he gets regular playing time… His injury kept him out of his rhythm. Remember how he raked in ‘09 when he was getting lots of playing time? I support Diaz… but it could just be because I’m such a fan
HansonManCrush - October 13, 2010
Its ok to support Diaz
but also recognize his limitations. I think Bobby did a good job of extracting the max value out of him, but I think he would be over-exposed if he played full time. When he is successful, his BABIP is ludicrously high, like .360+ range. But he doesn’t really have the tools to sustain that.
Andy Braves Fan - October 13, 2010
I am a Diaz fan also but
It’s time for him to go, no more horrible platoons in LF please. It’s really dragged on this team for too long . It’s time for an everyday regular in LF. Thank you.
traderchris - October 13, 2010 via mobile
This. 10 years of unproductive platooning at a position that’s really easy to fill with a solid regular has been one of the most disappointing aspects of this team for a long while.
cbwilk - October 13, 2010
couldnt agree more
it would be nice to have a steady everyday LF in the lineup and producing. the platoon was the biggest reason the mid to bottom of the order was so unproductive the last couple years.
traderchris - October 13, 2010
I suppose
Me being such a fan makes me overlook his limitations… Here’s to hoping he does well in KC with Frenchy lol
HansonManCrush - October 13, 2010 via mobile
That would actually make sense since they already had him once and traded him for nothing.
cbwilk - October 13, 2010
And with 2 OF spots being a mess
It wasn’t even necessarily cost effective either.
Andy Braves Fan - October 14, 2010
Considering it was mostly Diaz and Cabrera, and they combined to make 5.65 million dollars, it really wasn’t.
cbwilk - October 14, 2010
Throw McLouth in there
and it was really cost ineffective.
Andy Braves Fan - October 14, 2010
Martin!
I pick Prado as the offensive MVP. He was consistently great all year until September, but just about every hitter on the team was bad in September.
redwards95 - October 13, 2010
By some reason
do you mean Bobby actually had no options that were better? Because you will note that the 3 LVP candidates were he other 3 OFers not named Heyward.
Andy Braves Fan - October 13, 2010
And
I reply failed.
Andy Braves Fan - October 13, 2010
Melky for LVP
There doesn’t appear to be a poll for hitting LVP. I’d vote for Melky. McLouth at least had the good sense to get injured and be sent to the minors, but Melky kept sucking along all year yet for some reason Bobby kept playing him.
redwards95 - October 13, 2010
By some reason do you mean Bobby actually had no options that were better? Because you will note that the 3 LVP candidates were he other 3 OFers not named Heyward.
Andy Braves Fan - October 13, 2010
Can Prado be co-MVP?
Also, I’m surprised Infante wasn’t at least mentioned.
TonyAlmeyda - October 13, 2010
Because
as good as Infante was, he was nowhere near as good as the other 3, or Chipper.
Andy Braves Fan - October 13, 2010
Because
outside of June and July he sucked?
drumzalicious - October 13, 2010
Outside of May through August would be more accurate, but I wouldn’t say he “sucked”.
April: .273 avg. .314 OBP
May: .317 avg. .343 OBP
June: .306 avg. .343 OBP
July: .429 avg. .455 OBP
August: .344 avg. .383 OBP
Sept/Oct: .264 avg. .313 OBP
TonyAlmeyda - October 13, 2010
where is the Cy Young and Cy Yuk?
joshant - October 13, 2010
It'll be up tomorrow
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
I’ll give you three guesses who the Cy Yuk is, and the first two don’t count.
J-Freak - October 13, 2010
I’m sure it’ll be KK, despite the fact he doesn’t deserve that.
UMDBHIK - October 13, 2010
How about Chavez? I think he did the most damage in the fewest innings.
king of games - October 13, 2010
Just because I'm bored, 2010 Braves with an OPS over .800
Brian McCann: .828
Jason Heyward: .849
Martin Prado: .809
Chipper Jones: .806
Brooks Conrad: .811
David Ross: .871
Derrek Lee: .849
HM: Eric Hinske: .793
I’d like to see the Braves work with Ross at 1B in the offseason to give Freeman a rest when needed. Not talking a full-on platoon partner, just getting Ross some more AB’s, particularly against lefties.
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
Ross HAS to either learn some 1B or get traded. We don’t need a guy with an OPS over .800 getting one start per week.
king of games - October 13, 2010
Not to mention...
…he led the Braves in SLG and OPS this year, while finishing 2nd in OBP.
Last year he was 2nd only to LaRoche in OPS. Small sample size, sure. But when it happens two years in a row, you have to at least entertain the idea of finding a way to get him some more PA’s.
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
Boston would probably give us whatever we want for Ross.
king of games - October 13, 2010
not sure what I want from boston that they would realistically give..
Braves Biceps - October 13, 2010
Jed Lowrie?
jeg - October 13, 2010
He's made of glass....
If he weren’t so injury prone, he would be a good player.
Would be nice to snag Ellsbury — though I’m sure Ross for Ellsbury straight up won’t happen. Perhaps a prospect or two to sweeten the deal, and then we have an every day CF/leadoff guy with speed.
BW Smith - October 13, 2010
Ross couldn't be the centerpiece
of a deal for Ellsbury. That’s delusional talk. Even with Ellsbury’s injuries.
Andy Braves Fan - October 13, 2010
Ellsbury, maybe with some cash or prospects thrown in. Then we use one of our young arms for a LFer trade (maybe Kemp?) and just sign a decent defensive catcher in FA.
king of games - October 13, 2010
Boston would never go for that...
….for any backup catcher. Yes, Ross could start for most clubs…….but Ellsbury as well as cash and/or prospects?
They won’t sell so low on Ellsbury. They’ll want him to prove to be healthy and productive before they entertain the idea of trading him, most likely.
Braves need to keep Ross around. If McCann goes down, we’d be f_cked without him. They just need to try and utilize him a bit more.
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
I guess it depends on how much they want Crawford. If they get him, Ellsbury becomes expendable, and they desperately need a catcher. VMart is a FA and even if they resign him, they don’t like him at catcher and their only other options are Varitek and Salty.
king of games - October 13, 2010
I like Gardner, for what it's worth....
…and if the Yankees sign Crawford or Werth, he may be available.
Not that Ross would be a factor, just changing the subject a bit here.
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
Yeah, I thought of that, but the Yanks really have no need of another catcher.
king of games - October 13, 2010
Not talking about trading a catcher for him....
Ross isn’t going to bring in much, regardless of which team he’s traded to.
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
Well, they already have Youk at first. Where else you going to put him? Yeah, they could move Youk to third, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they signed Beltre to a longer-term deal.
dunnytwogloves - October 14, 2010
or… we should get another catcher on our roster. get rid of the 7th bullpen spot?
Braves Biceps - October 13, 2010
I agree, it would be nice to utilize Ross a little more.
ChrisK562 - October 13, 2010
Of course, the argument could be made that if he played more he wouldn’t have that .800 OPS. Some guys are bench players. They do well in limited playing time but the holes in their game get exposed when they get extended playing time. There’s no guarantee Ross would be as effective if he played more. In fact, his career numbers suggest he wouldn’t be.
cbwilk - October 13, 2010
Even better to trade him then.
king of games - October 13, 2010
How much value does a backup catcher really have?
cbwilk - October 13, 2010
well our backup catcher has more value than most…but your point is still very valid
Swo12bv - October 13, 2010
This makes me think about signing Brandon Inge...
could play 1st with Freeman, 3rd for Chipper, or also take LF. Right handed bat, decent power, and if he’s on the bench, then Ross can be used at 1B or as a pinch hitter since he can catch.
Mr. Sanchez - October 13, 2010
I'd rather sign Coner Jackson
He’s a good RH bat, can play 1B, 3B and OF and probably wouldn’t cost as much as Inge.
Jay212033 - October 14, 2010
That experience at third isn’t much though. 6 games in AA in 04, 2 games in the Majors in 07. Kind of a stretch to say he could fill in there.
Also, if you’re comparing Inge and Jackson, Inge might just be worth the extra money. In the last 2 seasons Jackson has combined to hit .218 with a .616 OPS, while playing in only 90 games. Over that same span, Inge has hit .238 with a .719 OPS, while playing in 305 games, including a league high 161 in 2009. Granted, that production out of Inge isn’t a huge increase, and considering he’ll be 34 he could regress, but it’s also worth noting he was doing his work in Detroit, a pitcher’s park, while Jackson was in Arizona, a hitter’s park. Inge did play nothing but third base the last 2 seasons, but he did play 60 games at catcher and 13 games in the outfield in 2008.
Personally, I think either would be a good choice to come off the bench for the Braves in 2011, but Inge would be a better one, because his track record is much better, even if he costs a little more.
cbwilk - October 14, 2010
Yes. Very true. So, specifically, for those who don’t understand, how much trade value does a 31 year old backup catcher really have?
cbwilk - October 13, 2010
I'd say not much...
if Ross was as desired as Braves fans’ think of him, I doubt he’d have been willing to resign here instead of seeking starter’s money as a free agent this winter. Not that he isn’t a good player, very valuable and would be wanted by most teams, but if they’d be willing to part with a good package of prospects for him, then they’d also be willing to pay a lot more than we resigned him for.
Mr. Sanchez - October 14, 2010
He could have gotten much more...
I think. But if he’s happy here, playing a reduced role and doing solid in his spots, so why should he go for greener grass??
I think there’s something to be said for us lucking into finding a guy content to fill his role in an exceptional capacity, finding the right situation for himself and his family (I’ll assume, dunno anything about his personal life), and playing the game he loves, being a good clubhouse guy, just doing all the things he needs to do to be a great teammate and contributor.
His situation is rare because we’re constantly being bombarded by “more money, more playing time, more fame,” players. But honest, hard-working role players exist, and we’re lucky to have one of the best role players in the league right now.
-C
cthabeerman - October 14, 2010
Absolutely
Sam Jethroe - October 15, 2010
Why Ross? Why not McCann? Ross is a better defensive Catcher then McCann.
Or why not try to stick Ross in LF?
Broccoman - October 13, 2010
this this this
ROSS NEEDS MORE AB’s!!!
Maybe Fredi will be less reluctant to use him in late inning PH situations than Bobby was
HansonManCrush - October 13, 2010
Funny how the article names Heyward as the MVP, but the voting supports Prado : )
ChrisK562 - October 13, 2010
In his retirement press conference Bobby Cox just said Prado was his team MVP.
cbwilk - October 13, 2010
Trade Nate or KK for Fukudome?
I would support that trade, Fukudome would be a decent 4th OF. Also, I think we could, and probably will, non-tender Diaz and resign him at a lower amount.
king of games - October 13, 2010
He'll be making $13.5 million next year...
And Kawakami and McLouth’s contract’s combined are about the same for next year. Wouldn’t be a bad fit, actually.
Fukudome had a pretty solid year.
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
Even better, trade em both.
king of games - October 13, 2010
I’ve got to go Melky on the LVP. McLouth was equally bad but the volume of shitiness produced by Melky trumps.
509 PA’s of .671 OPS. Check
.098 ISO Check
-15.9 UZR Check
-1.2 WAR Check
Ugly, f’ing ugly
jeg - October 13, 2010
So basically MilkDUD should've paid the Braves for allowing him to play.
Melky is in horrible shape. He needs to get it together during the winter. W/ his arm defense should be at least average or him, or even a plus. Sure don’t see his bat helping him stick around.
FitzFan - October 13, 2010
Heyward
Heyward had too many stretches (some aided by injury I know) where he just didn’t produce at all, including the playoff series. He needs to be more consistent in my opinion.
Buffalo Braves - October 13, 2010
he's a rookie
needs time to adjust… once he does he’s gonna be a pretty decent #3 hitter imo
HansonManCrush - October 13, 2010
no one debates that but if the argument is who was the best hitter this season…i think the answer is McCann…he played the most consistently and had a great year…he also was good behind the plate…int eh future hewyard will be better, presumably, but this year I think Mac is the answer, but thats just me.
Swo12bv - October 13, 2010
Agreed.
I voted for McCann. Prado would have made it but injuries sapped his ability at the end. McCann had vision problems at the beginning of the season but he recovered very well.
Pavy848 - October 14, 2010
Hmmm.
He went on the DL because of the thumb. But I’m wondering, did the collision effect his performance at the plate?
MBL1 - October 13, 2010
He strained his thumbs after winking to the bench and giving them the thumbs up after his “accidental” collision.
!Vive la Francoeur! - October 14, 2010
Need some help here....
On McCann’s baseball-reference page it says this under his’ 2012 Salary’…
‘2012 becomes club option if player fails to win specified awards 2007-2011’
Which awards?
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
An Emmy
OH WAIT GOT THAT!
SuperNewb - October 13, 2010
Emmy automatically turns it into a player option for however much he wants
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
From Cot’s Contracts:
Either way, unless he has a career-ending injury, the Braves will keep him.
-C
cthabeerman - October 13, 2010
Well he got the All Star part down pat. Even went so far to be the MVP this year and everything! He has 3 Silver Sluggers too.
I’d say he’s good.
Sarahbeth - October 13, 2010
I feel like this is the first I’ve heard of Heyward being affected as a result of that collision. I thought he hurt his thumb sliding into second? Nate was bad enough at the plate, doesn’t need more blame for stuff forced on him than he already deserves.
Sir Stealth - October 13, 2010
Same here. But now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense.
MBL1 - October 13, 2010
When he was placed on the DL....
….it seemed like every article I read switched back and forth on the reason. One article would say his wrist won’t be fully healed until the offseason. Next article said his thumb wouldn’t fully heal until the offseason, with most of these not even mentioning the thumb.
The thumb injury has been confirmed, but was there ever anything wrong with his wrist?
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
There could have been. Replaying the video of the collision in my mind, it’s possible.
MBL1 - October 13, 2010 via mobile
It’s like he ran into McLouth so hard that Nate’s suckiness entered into his body through osmosis.
pchaucer - October 13, 2010
it's Prado
if he wasn’t hurt as much this year, we would have reached the ws already (I’m not blaming him)
southman - October 13, 2010
That would be impressive considering the NLCS hasn’t even started yet.
king of games - October 13, 2010
Don't ever question Prado's ability
to control the flow of time.
Creek Johnson - October 13, 2010
That special ability is why I voted him MVP.
Tarkus - October 13, 2010
I’ll go:
Mac
Prado
Kid
Infante
Fatvirus - October 13, 2010
Melky taking ABs away from Nate in Spring Training is what led to Nate’s miserable 2010. Melky is clearly out LVPlayer, especially when taking into account the god-awful defense
Rhyno18 - October 13, 2010
That's a stretch at best.
I fail to the see the correlation between a handful of ABs in March to full on suckage for the first four months of the year, especially since McLouth has sucked ever since he came over from the Pirates. In other words, Nate’s suckage is no recent development thus can not be attributed to Melky “stealing” ABs from Nate in Spring Training.
DogDaysofSummer - October 13, 2010
McLouth
I understand why McLouth is the LVP (though I might give it to Melky) but I have a fair amout of hope for him next year. His .263/.358/.509/.867 line since coming back from that mental AAA break and working with Chipper on his swing is very encouraging. It is a small sample size but it wasn’t BABIP induced as he even had an ‘unlucky’ .261 BABIP in that span.
Once he gets used to playing LF and if he keeps working on his swing with chipper an .867 OPS with defensive value in LF would really be a boon in to our offense without making a single trade.
bbxxj - October 13, 2010
MVP:
1. McCann
2. Heyward
3. Prado (probably better if he didn’t get hurt.)
4. Infante
Creek Johnson - October 13, 2010
According to some baseless statistic.....
….Troy Glaus was the slowest running position player in 2010. Slower than Bengie Molina, Pablo Strandem’all, Prince Fielder, Lance Berkman, and Brian McCann.
Kind of surprised by that, actually.
Undocorkscrew - October 13, 2010
Prince Fielder is actually pretty fast…don’t you remember his inside the park HR… and McCann continually steals abses and doesnt get thrown out… SPEED FTW
Swo12bv - October 13, 2010
Pablo isn't has slow as you would think.
FitzFan - October 13, 2010
Being a big body doesn't = slow.
It just means they might lack the initial acceleration but once they get going their mass can equal high speed.
Pavy848 - October 14, 2010
Sorry Gondeee...
but I have to disagree 100% here.
Martin Prado is the MVP and Melky is the LVP.
Scott Coleman - October 13, 2010
This.
Melky drug us down the entire 162 season + a bonus 4 playoff games in which he was negatively instrumental.
fandave - October 13, 2010
this
I cringed when our final AB came down to Melky… The fact that he made the final out was a perfect metaphor for the value he has on this team… Melky must go
HansonManCrush - October 13, 2010
on a choppah no less.
king of games - October 13, 2010
If only Fontenot didn't
GET TO DA CHOPPAH!
Creek Johnson - October 13, 2010
That was my favorite part.
When it became obvious that he was going to be our final out, I was praying for a CHOPPAH. Just for my own amusement.
Sarahbeth - October 13, 2010
Agree
rookiefan - October 13, 2010
this
Heyward had a historic rookie season, but Prado and Mac are ahead of him.
Braves24 - October 14, 2010
When do we lock-up Heyward long-term?
TradeAndruw - October 13, 2010
2012 is my guess.
Broccoman - October 13, 2010
As good as he was this year
I feel like we need to wait one more year to make sure he’ll hold up over 162 games.
Scott Coleman - October 13, 2010
Agreed
but then lock him up, pray he goes for a McCann-like rate.
Andy Braves Fan - October 13, 2010
I think
he’ll sign long-term for reasonable… He’s a humble guy, loves ATL and is just happy to be playing baseball… I’m think an Evan Longoria/David Wright-type deal is in his future
HansonManCrush - October 13, 2010
Everybody seems humble until negotiations start.
That’s one thing I’ve learned about athletes. Most of ’em anyway. Just saying, you never know.
Creek Johnson - October 13, 2010
hwo do you know all that about Heyward…if you say based on interviews…every single player seems like that (except for a handful of guys like Milton Bradley)
Swo12bv - October 13, 2010
I don't know...
Suppose i’m just hoping for a “i love atl so i’ll take a hometown discount” type story
HansonManCrush - October 13, 2010 via mobile
I hope he's this generation's Chipper Jones.
Pavy848 - October 14, 2010
I'd like...
McCann’s contract look like a short-term deal compared to Heyward’s…
-C
cthabeerman - October 14, 2010
Depends on what he'll take
waiting until he has a huge year next season (if he does), could cost a LOT more.
Mr. Sanchez - October 13, 2010
Can someone explain why Infante isnt in the conversation?
He stepped in anywhere we needed him, and he came to play every day. He was way out of the running for the batting title, but magically started to shake up the conversation late. He seemed to put this team on his back some days, and was definately our most consistant hitter, other than Prado.
While im not saying he definately deserves to win it, i think he should at least be in the conversation.
Since when has a “Utility Player” made this big of an impact, especially when his team needed him to the most.
1) Prado
2) Infante
3) Mac
4) J-Hey
5) Hinske at times.
oVecKid - October 13, 2010
I was going to ask the same question. Infante, you know, the All-Star, the guy that had the 3rd highest batting average. I would like to see how his numbers compared to the other guys near the top of this blog. I think the MVP of 2010 is probably the “Braves”, from the clubhouse comradery, to the guttiness (even a word?) of the comeback wins, to the fun they seemed to be having most of the season, made it a great year to watch, even if they didn’t play their best at the end. Just makes me more ready for 2011 to get here!
HeyMikey - October 14, 2010
Batting Runs Above Average
Heyward 28.5
McCann 19.2
Prado 17.4
………………..
Melky -10.1
That’s what I based it on anyway.
TheBravestWay To Block A Decent Prospect - October 13, 2010
TC doesnt do a Fielder MVP…so when Gondee says Hitting MVP i take that as a position player, so i include defense….which leaves you with the exact same results…but just wanted to mention that…I end up taking McCann despite the evidence, bc he was more consistent and plays a tougher position, and defense at C can’t really be quantified, although he isnt a great defensive C.
Swo12bv - October 13, 2010
Marteeeeeen
all the way. if not for his constant and consistent production throughout the year we would have been an 80-85 win team and missed the playoffs entirely.
Gondee I love ya and I love this site but JHey has some work to do before he is MVP.
Hell he probably is going to lose ROY to Posey as much as i hate to even think that
ChitownBravos - October 13, 2010
Infante next year
Infante should probably start full time next year some place in the field. If we don’t get a decent outfielder in free agency and Chipper is ready to go, Omar may be our starting left fielder.
KC Ryan - October 13, 2010
Another one?
Can somebody else help me nip this Infante starter thing before it grows too much. It’s the same as the Diaz for leadoff hitter thing from last year.
Andy Braves Fan - October 14, 2010
I say Prado
If it werent for him hitting at the top of our lineup we would have gotten no where near the post-season
drumzalicious - October 13, 2010
Braves roster had a lot of good options for hitting MVP this season
When you consider Prado, Heyward and B-Mac. Overall, it felt like Prado was the MVP of the team the way he hit on the year as a whole.
crime_dog - October 13, 2010
I say Prado and Melky. Melky was SUCH a downer
Taylor Masters - October 13, 2010
no one said Mr. Brooks "Clutch" Conrad
he of the multiple game-winning homers!!!
scorby911 - October 13, 2010
You cannot forget he bad about him though
Taylor Masters - October 13, 2010
what...
that he is bald…?
Hektor DiPaula - October 14, 2010
Hey why’s that bad?
jbeachbum24 - October 14, 2010
the* damn it
Taylor Masters - October 14, 2010
melky is by far the hitting LVP for me. If I didn’t just compare their respective pitches per plate appearance, I would not have believed that melky is more patient than frenchy. He’s the king of the first pitch out. His defense is atrocious and he should be out of the league next year. He makes me so mad I want to punch him in the face.
telemakhos - October 13, 2010
Prado is the MVP
and in regard to the LVP……Melky sucks, but… Melky >>>>> McOut
I can count on one hand how many hits Nate had for the whole year.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - October 14, 2010
MVP / HITTING
Seriously ? How can you overlook the only choice we had this year ? This game is about pitching and hitting. Prado was the only consistent force at the plate. He also provided us a steadying defense ( and we all saw how important that is ). Looking at the votes here, once again, you should be embarrassed !!!
FanSince53 - October 14, 2010
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