First, let me say that I apologize for not getting these posts more often. The last couple of weeks have been tremendously busy at the office and at home. That said, I will try to update more often as we approach the playoffs.

There has been a lot of talk lately about who should be the A.L. MVP with the leading contender at this point being Boston's own David Ortiz. Ortiz is making a pretty strong case for himself too.

His late-inning heroics can not go unnoticed. Time and time again, in fact 17 times he has been a factor in lifting the Sox, almost single-handedly, to victory. Usually with a massive blast to some expecting fan. I say expecting because let's face it, when the Sox are down and Ortiz is at the plate everyone expects the magic to continue. Rarely does he disappoint. And he's been doing it awhile now. Last year his clutch hitting was prevalent too.

His 42 home runs is tied for the A.L. lead. He also leads the league in RBIs with 131. His average is also a very respectable .297 (15th in the A.L.).

When you compare those numbers to any other player in the A.L. only Alex Rodriquez comes close. Very close in fact (42 HR, 114 RBIs, and a .320 BA).
The Patriot Ledger says the MVP Award will be between A-Rod and Big Papi. Some writers are giving A-Rod extra credit for his defense. The Sports Illustrated suggests that A-Rod's "D" will and should be the difference maker. Its article says that it is A-Rod's to lose.

Given the choice between the two, I would have to pick Ortiz. Biased perhaps but I've watched Ortiz and no one comes to play with a better attitude. Especially not A-Rod. That image of A-Rod slapping away a ball in an attempt to get to first base in last year's playoffs looms large. His arrogance and the fact that he is a Yankee bothers me lots.

The Concord Monitor says Ortiz should walk off with MVP. But Boston Herald's Tony Massarotti says there's no defense for denying Ortiz.

If Ortiz does in fact get the nod he will be the first D.H. to receive the award. Yet, another point in his favor.

David Ortiz is a deserving candidate, but the A.L. MVP Award should go to someone who's a little more importance in the Red Sox lineup. No not Johnny Damon (although I could make a case for him), instead I say, Manny Ramirez.

That's right, the once-disgruntled member of the Red Sox who with his goofy smile and sometimes lax approach should be a factor in the voting.

The reason is simple. Without Manny in the lineup there is no way that Ortiz would ever accomplish the feats that he has thus far. Because Manny is such a threat people can not pitch around Ortiz, thus enabling him to produce day-in, day-out.

Manny is still the most feared Boston hitter. In fact, I would bet that of the seven intentional walks that Ortiz has received this year, five or more of them have been without Manny in the lineup. Whereas, Manny hasbeen walked intentionally seven times - regardless of who sat in the five hole. He has been a difference maker, but not with the same heroics. He has respectable numbers - 35 HR, 122 RBIs and a lower than normal average of .284. Certainly these are not numbers that garner much MVP support, but give him some credit for "helping" Ortiz reach this milestone.

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