Off Day Fun Poll: Who is your Cubs MVP to date?
by flachimesa on Aug 11, 2008 1:13 PM CDT
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PrintThe 2008 Chicago Cubs are a very special team with different heroes every game.
Who would you vote as this year's Chicago Cubs MVP?
Rank your top 5 choices in order in the comments section and vote for one in the poll. Choose from the following list or you may add others if you feel they deserve consideration:
Alfonso Soriano
Aramis Ramirez
Carlos Marmol
Carlos Zambrano
Derrek Lee
Geovany Soto
Jeff Samardzija
Jim Edmonds
Kosuke Fukudome
Mark DeRosa
Mike Fontenot
Reed Johnson
Rich Harden
Ryan Dempster
Ryan Theriot
Ted Lilly
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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It's got to be Soriano
They played around .500 ball with him on the DL.
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
True.
I voted for Dempster because he’s been solid all year, has had only ONE really bad start and has gone at least six innings in 19 of his 23 starts to date.
Soriano can carry a team when he’s hot—but man, when he cools off, he looks really bad. Hope his current hot streak lasts a while.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Very tough to choose
It truly is a team effort…..the standouts stand out because of consistency and not super-duper numbers. I voted for Demps, but it could easily go to:
Fonzie
Soto
DeRo
DLee
Z
"Eighty-five percent of the world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here." - Lee Elia, 1983
"The only thing that bothers me is that I would never want to destroy the love and what the fans of Chicago are to the Chicago Cubs. I mean, God knows. If there's one pure thing in baseball, it is the fans of Chicago." - Lee Elia, 2008
by CaughtInTheVines on Aug 11, 2008 1:25 PM CDT reply actions
Very tough, indeed
It’s great to have such tough decisions, huh?
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
Top 5 in no order....
Soriano
DeRo
Soto
Big Z
Edmonds
by bleed that blue on Aug 11, 2008 1:27 PM CDT reply actions
DeRosa - without him, our injuries would have been devastating.
Soriano - we just play better when he’s in the lineup
Dempster - our most consistent pitcher
Fontenot - at 2b or off the bench, he’s the sparkplug people with Theriot was
Dome - His approach to batting and his willingness to sacrifice his body have been a huge example to this team - that they have followed.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
Are you still drinking?
:)
Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Aug 11, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
nah
eight beers and one sleeping pill later, I’m just fine… :D
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 11, 2008 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions
We've got alot of good ones..
Dempster
Soriano
Big Z
DeRosa
Edmonds
If you mean “Most Valuable” as in the most value for the $ then I’d say Edmonds is on the top. He was the steal of the year!
Does anyone else see Soriano picking his nose?
I voted Dempster due to the fact that few expected much out of him
If fact, seemed like a common opinion in spring training that he wouldn’ t even make the starting rotation and would end up as a set up guy in the bullpen. I don’t think anyone would honestly say that, best case, they expected more than Marquis like numbers of a .500 record. He’s been top notch nearly every time out, keeps the ball in the park, goes deep into the game, and a surprising strikeout pitcher. He’s clearly the biggest, best surprise for me. That’s the way I’m looking at MVP because without him, I”m not sure that we’re in 1st.
I voted for Alfonso
But I think Dempster is prolly the real MVP and DeRo is up there as well. I just had to give Soriano some love.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
1. Dempster
2. Soriano
3. Edmonds
4. Zambrano
5. Soto
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 11, 2008 1:38 PM CDT reply actions
Dempster
Soriano
Soto
Edmonds
DeRo
Soto gets extra points for swinging a good bat and doing a great job handling the pitching staff. Very tough call. Seems like everybody has had their moments this year. One problem though: Where’s Bob Howry?
Howry Cow! Intentionally left off this list.
Unfortunately, he gets no love from me. He is the one player on this team that makes me “hold my breath” every time he enters a game.
There are others left off this list, too, but for space limitation reasons only.
Geeeez, I love this team.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
MVP
each and every player has a argument for cubs mvp. this “team” has needed everyone it has. usaully when I vote for an mvp its the best player or a player we couldnt live without.
well fact of the matter is we have needed em all.
so I will cast my vote for the cubs mvp this year-it is none other than Jim Hendry!! what a job he has done. I thought he was out of his freaking mind when he signed edmonds. nope he was right. he got us reed for nothing and what a player he has been. how about the trade?? i mean wow-what great timing. he has a wonderful core of players for at least 2-3 more years. Jim Hendry had better get some recognition this year cause he deserves it.
from the mouth of Uecker:
"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."
kudos to Jim Hendry!
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
I would have to go with dempster
I would have thought he would have been a .500 pitcher unless he got a lot of run support. But he was really dedicated himself and has really been a major lift to this team. I would say he not only been the MVP of the staff but probably the biggest suprise on this team along with the resurgent Edmonds.
Its hard to pick one of the others because this year has really been a total team effort, even Marquis, who everyone loves to bash, has saved this bullpen by taking one for the team everytime he goes out there and eating up innings.
Let go cubs
1a. Soriano
1b. Dempster
2. Soto
3. Z
4. DeRosa
5. Edmonds
I know i cheated but really either of those two are good choices. We’re a completely different team with Soriano in the lineup. And I don’t need to get into what Dempster has meant to this team this year. He’s been amazing. You could add a handful of different people so far this season too. Marmol has been great, Woody in the closer roll has been lights out, I know he is slumping right now but Fukudome has been a great glove and he gets on base. You could go on and on. Overall the MVP should be Hendry for putting this team together. Everyday its a different hero!!
"Go Cubs Go"
I am going with Demp as well
He has been the most consistent, a great clubhouse presence, and seems to be the “stopper” we could need late this season and into the playoffs. His dedication and focus seems like a great model for the rest of the team to have around.
That said I LOVE THIS WHOLE TEAM!!
Reed has been like the Superman version of Theriot (no disrespect to Theriot). Reed does whatever needs to be done at that moment, homer, HBP, walk, killer D.
Teams that win the ring always seem to have a cast-off or rookie out of nowhere that seems to rise above all expectations.
Reed and Jimbo being picked up off the scrap heap and playing at the top of their abilities every day (could both be starters wanted by every other team)
Soto fits the Rookie profile as stated above.
there is my 5, but it is tough. No slights to Fonzie, Lee or A_Ram, but those guys are paid and expected to do what they are doing.
Good Guys Wear Blue
The team has a lot of MVP's but
how many people realize that soriano has 56 or so RBI’s from the leadoff spot….and he’s missed like 8 weeks of games because of injuries this year…....Thats astounding to me, and he also has a high hr total for the amount of games he’s played. He has been the guy we paid 136 million for and he’s earning all his money.
Statistically speaking...
I agree 100%... Sori is worth one or two more wins than Dempster, but I can’t imagine how much worse off our pitching would be this season without Dempster. Imagine if we had to rely on Gallagher or Lieber. You could also make the same argument about Soriano this season, I suppose, as well. A healthy Soriano, and we win 100+ games.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
no particular order
Alfonso Soriano
Aramis Ramirez
Carlos Zambrano
Geovany Soto
Mark DeRosa
Ryan Dempster
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
I actually have changed my order 3 times in five minues.
5. Carlos Zambrano
4. Geovany Soto
3. Alfonzo Soriano
2. Ryan Dempster
1. Mark Derosa.
I think Derosa has a value to this team that you just can't find in the numbers. He is a go to guy in any position, and gives our star players a rest without a great decrease in offense. He seems to be a great clubhouse guy also. I picked Dempster two because I didn't expect anything from him. Maybe a .500 pitcher in the five spot. He is the come back player of the year in my opinion, and possibly the cy young. I find it very interesting that in this version of my picks I left out Lee, and Ramirez. That is proof of how solid this team is. Hands down best team in the National league. Unfortunately the Brewers, and Cards are the next best teams in the league.yar!
Greybar agrees with ye that Marrrrrk DeRosarrr adds value!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 11, 2008 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions
This is tough...
But I went with Dempster, just for the fact he has really stepped up more than anyone, including myself, expected him to. He’s our most consistent starter so far this season, and gives us a good chance to win every time he pitches. When I heard he was going to be reconverted into a starter again, I was prepared for the worst. He’s one of the most pleasant surprises this season!
I got to say though, all of these guys have done their part this season, and there are so many who could be our MVP. My other four would be:
2. Soriano: Our offense just comes alive with this him in the line-up. Power, speed and a strong arm in the outfield, as witnessed in the first game of the Cards series…
3. DeRo: Utility man with power… he’s done so much for this team this year it’s not even funny. Solid defense wherever he plays.
4. Soto: He handles our pitching staff so well.. it’s hard to believe he’s only a rookie sometimes. I can’t wait to see how he develops over the course of the next few seasons.
5. Edmonds/Johnson: I give the number 5 spot to our centerfield platoon. Amazing defense, many clutch hits… Thank you Hendry for signing these guys!
Oh yes, and greetings to all of you, I’m new here. I’m looking forward to posting during this exciting season!
Solid
Welcome Solid Blue!
I also voted for Dempster. But what is most striking to me as I perused the list of candidates was this thought:
“Man, that’s a hell of a team there!”
"Why does that man drop his club before he runs? I would bring it with me." ~Stewie Griffin
and I forgot to include Wood
[hanging head in “I’m not worthy” shame]
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
Where's Wood on this list
I’m not sure I’d put him atop my list, but he deserves consideration.
I say:
Soriano
Dempster
Soto
Ramirez
Marmol/Wood (the secrets of our bullpen success)
Wood was not left off intentionally
I just forgot to add him.
Good pickup (of my omission).
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
Not a fan of picking a MVP, that said....
The 5 players who have been indispensable in no particular order.
Dempster
Zambrano
Marmol
Soto
Ramirez (he’s the best and most important hitter in the lineup and has been since 2003)
Under-appreciated list…
DeRosa
Edmonds
Johnson
Theriot
Fontenot
Hands down it's gotta be Theriot
he’s the sort of scrappy player who does the little things. The things you don’t find in a box score. He makes the team around him better with his scrappitude.
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
Oh, boy.
Are you gonna start something.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
mine are...
Sori – the catalyst
Dempster – stepped up this year as the #2
Soto – lock as ROY, his hitting is just a bonus to how he has handled the staff this year
DeRo – versatility, every good team needs one
You know this team is solid when Lee and Ramirez aren’t in the top 5!
You ARE freaking out MAN!
I went with...
...Soto. I wonder how many rookie-of-the-year All-Stars also won MVP? I’m still astounded by his mouth-is-moving-but-nothing’s-being-said move to our supposed ace veteran, Zambrano. How many rookie’s are that comfortable, in his position, who also get love in return? ...Where would we be with Barrett and Kendall? Nowhere fast. – TL
I agree with Soto for MVP
he has handled this pitching staff as if he was a ten year veteran. I believe he has been a big reason the Cubs pitching staff as a whole,has been as successful as it has.
Ahh, you beat me to it.
Steve Phillips on his computer use as Mets GM, "I played solitaire on my computer in my office."
You could have went with Micah HoffPOWER!!!!
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I'm going to categorize mine a bit differently...
Most Outstanding Player: Alfonso Soriano - the superstar, the chauffeur of the limousine
Most Valuable Player: Mark DeRosa - he has done everything the team has needed, and done it very well; where would the Cubs be without him?
Most Outstanding Pitcher: Ryan Dempster - only one bad start all year
Most Valuable Pitcher: Carlos Marmol - gets the toughest outs late in the game
Rookie of the Year: Geovanny Soto
Mr. Leather: Derrek Lee
Mr. Wood: Aramis Ramirez
Mr. (off-the-scrap)Iron: Jim Edmonds
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
I believe Kerry
is Mr. Wood. :-) Nice list, though. Not much I can disagree with…
"Why does that man drop his club before he runs? I would bring it with me." ~Stewie Griffin
Nicely done
add Mr. Breath of New Life in the Bullpen: Jeff Samardzija and consider your list more complete.
Too early for consideration?
Well done, DRMH.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
Excellent addition Flach!
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
Demp
The sheer unexpectedness of his solid year gives him a bump.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
PS
Aramis has seemed kinda quiet this year, but I think he’s been our most valueable hitter. I love the 124 OPS+, the .290 EqA, and my favorite, the fact that he already has 60 walks when his previous season high was 50. His work with the glove hasn’t been to shabby either.
Dero
1. DERO- plays everywhere, and does well at all of the postions
2. Demp- consistent all year
3. Sori- Stay healthy thats all we ask
4. Ramy- Big RBI’s, should finally get a gold glove.
5. Geo- solid all year.
I think most importantly this has been a whole team, great parts. That is why Hendry should get Exec. of the year.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
Dempster
is the top of my list and then it gets blurry from there. I would put Soto really high, but he has a chance at ROY so I will share the wealth. I go with Soriano and Ramirez to round out my top three.
"That guy is a gamer." said Ron Santo of Reed Johnson on 07-25-08
Soto
Soto has handled this pitching staff like a 10 year veteran. He has done a great job making Big Z a calmer more mature pitcher. Dempster has had a great year also partly due to Soto. Lilly is a better pitcher this year. All our starters are very different pitchers and he has them all pitching great.
Soto at the plate is also why the Cubs have the best offense in the NL. He hits for power and for good average. He has played in most of the games and seems to be holding up very well.
Finally Geo is a great teammate. He is a Cub.
I'll Go With Theriot -
This is a great poll, because there are many good candidates – and we couldnt be where we are with out all of them
My reason for voting for Theriot
9th in the NL with 135 Hits
Hitting 314 – 50 pts over LY – 5th in the NL
Is one of the league leaders in multi hit games (cant find exactly how many)
Plays a solid, not spectacular SS
Table Setter
I dont get the Theriot angst on this board!
Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic. Crash Davis
AL,
DO the cubs vote a Team MVP each year?
Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic. Crash Davis
Good question.
Not sure of the answer.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
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