They might be better hitters but if we are talking about value it is harder to find a middle of the field type player (Jeter and Mauer) with 900+ OPS then DH/1B/OF with OPS near or over 1.000. Thus making them valuable.
Again relative to his position when you get an OPS of over 900 out of a mid field player its quite impressive and very valuable. If Derek Jeter was a DH I wouldnt even bother arguing.
Thats why I'm a big Joe Mauer and Derek Jeter supporter. Joe Mauer's offensive production out of the catchers position has allowed the Twins to live with a weak LF and 3B. Derek Jeter's production out of SS has made up for have Melky and a combo of Bernie Williams, Aaron Guiel, Bubba Crosby in the COF spots(up untill late July when Abreu showed up) and under production for A-Rod. With all due respect to Justin Morneau hes doing what a good AL first basemen should do. I do like the Johan Santana pick. He is certainly a legit player in this. If I were to vote today I would vote for Joe Mauer. But of late he has slumped of late so that wont help him.
Are you saying that a 72 point jump in OPS is no big deal? A 900+ OPS for a middle of the field player is quite impressive.
EDIT: The same goes for Joe Mauer.
I know he gets mocked as Captian Intangibles (Which I think is kinda funny) but that isnt why he is in the running for the MVP this year. I actually agree with you when it comes to the MVP. These days award in general are voted on by moronic sports writers who really dont know what they are talking about. Its hard to take seriously.
EDIT: When I refrenced Ryan I was just pointing out the hype isnt only coming from NY.
I tend to speak for myself and to be honest I dont really care about Ortiz. I dont make a smart remark everytimes he K's or makes a mistake. I'm a fan of his? No, but I dont post about him all the time which is pretty much whats going on with Jeter these days with certain posters.
Ha yeah I forgot about Paplebon. I'm sure over the next 10 years we will be seeing that Hughes-Paplebon matchup many times. Hopefully Lester makes a speedy recovery and he joins that group as well.
Agreed, Out with the old guys like Randy Johnson(Next year), Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Curt Schilling (next year) and in with the new guys like Liriano, Matt Cain, Justin Verlander, etc.