SEATTLE — Nelson Cruz’s first-inning RBI single Wednesday extended the Seattle Mariners’ streak of reaching base to 36 consecutive games — longest in the American League. Cruz also leads the league with 39 home runs, and is second in hits with 154.
While such numbers make a strong case for a Most Valuable Player candidacy, the Mariners’ absence from the playoff race will work against the 35-year old veteran. Only five MVP winners played for teams with a losing record — Ernie Banks (1958-59 Cubs), Andre Dawson (1987 Cubs), Cal Ripken Jr. (1991 Orioles) and Alex Rodriguez (2003 Rangers).
“I think he should get some MVP consideration,” Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said before his team’s homestand finale Wednesday. “Obviously, where we are in the standings will probably hurt him somewhat. But this guy shows up every day and competes. What he’s done is remarkable.
“He’s been a complete hitter — he’ll hit doubles, take a single, and he’s done well in RBI situations, well over .300. And he’s played a pretty decent right field for us.”
Cruz’s numbers — he finished Wednesday with a slash line of .321/.390/.615 — stand up to those of the front-runners in the MVP race, the Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson (.300/.369/.581) and the Angels’ Mike Trout (.297/.394/.583).
But “valuable” is a subjective term to voters, and in the event of a photo finish, a player on a winning team almost always gets the benefit of the doubt over a player on a non-contender.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.