The Atlanta Braves season has not gone as planned. The injury bug was present from the start of the season. Atlanta lost all-star pitchers Spencer Strider, Huascar Ynoa, AJ Minter, and then the biggest of blows, losing Ronald Acuna Jr.
The Braves got off to a hot start in April, then watched the Phillies get rolling. They’ve also played baseball at a sub 500 clip since. Even though things didn’t go as planned, the Braves were still second in the National League East and were holding on to the first wild card position. The playoffs were definitely going to happen.
Then July happened and so did the Mets, Diamondbacks, and Padres. These three teams all caught fire and surpassed the Braves in the wildcard race. It appears that these four teams will be battling out for the three wildcard positions in the National League. Suddenly, Atlanta looks like they could be the odd man out.
While the Braves as a team are scuffling the summer away, one player is having a great season. In fact, his name should be in the conversation for national League MVP. I know people frown at the sight of someone hitting for the cycle, those same people also frown at the triple crown calling it a statistical trophy. Personally, I think it is great and it shows that the player had a great season. You don’t win a triple crown for just being decent. It’s one of the most true bodies of work recognition for excellence.
Marcell Ozuna is that player. Before right this second, did you know he was a triple crown threat?
The big bear is nipping at the heels of Luis Arraez for the batting title. Ozuna is also amongst the league leaders in RBIs and is in the rearview mirror of Shohei Otani in home runs. All the talk is that Ohtani will be the MVP. The discussion every year in every sport is the same. What does Most Valuable Player actually mean? I am officially starting the MAS campaign and backing Ozuna for MVP. Now, if I could only get Mike to add him to Mike’s Man Crush one week. That might be the push he needs!
In all seriousness, Ozuna’s numbers in a very tough division should have him in the race. Whether they do or not is the bigger question and lights the fire on an annual pro sports debate. When speaking MVP, just imagine where this Braves team would be without him. I rest my opening argument. But I will NOT rest this case.
