From a viewing standpoint, I’m still a little disappointed that the Cavs are out, just because now we can’t see LeBron vs. Kobe. If Cleveland had beaten the Magic, that could have been a good list – the best individual head-to-head matchups of the last 20 or 25 years. For me, LeBron vs. Kobe makes me think of Magic vs. Jordan in the 1991 Finals. But it’s moot now.
In any event, today’s list surrounds the Mets. Through the first 51 games, I think they have a clear least valuable player. But their most valuable player is fuzzier. Here’s the rundown:
LEAST VALUABLE MET
5. Ryan Church. I’ve been a defender of Lastings Milledge since he first came up to the Mets, but I liked the Church trade. I was the Met beat writer for four years, so you see a lot of out-of-town players and often get a sense of how good they are. And I was a fan of Church. But so far, it looks like I’m going to be wrong on both guys.
4. Sean Green. Still think he could become valuable, as Jerry Manuel hinted the other night. But so far, so bad.
3. Daniel Murphy. Same as Green. Maybe it was wrong to expect more, considering his inexperience.
2. J.J. Putz. From a pure expectations standpoint, probably the biggest disappointment on the team.
1. Oliver Perez. He wins this award in a romp so far.
MOST VALUABLE MET
5. Omir Santos. The guy’s emerged from nowhere to become, what? A co-starting catcher? Incredible.
4. Bobby Parnell. He’s basically been a savior, though I have at least some doubt that he can maintain it all year.
3. Johan Santana. Hard to put him third. But look at the other two ahead of him.
2. Carlos Beltran. You know how I feel about Beltran from my top players in the league list. He’s been the team’s best position player so far, hands down. But not number-one overall.
1. Francisco Rodriguez. Last year I would have voted for Brad Lidge for NL MVP – there was way too much undeserved support for Ryan Howard – so that tells you what I think a reliever’s potential value can be. Anyway, K-Rod’s given up an earned run in one outing this year. He’s perfect with save chances. To be honest, I didn’t realize how good he is until this season.
What do you guys think?
