Prado has three hits in comeback — and why not N.L. MVP?
Martin Prado singles in a run in the seventh for his second of three hits Tuesday night. He's deserving of league MVP honors. (AP photo).
After missing 16 games with a fracture in his right hand, Martin Prado returned to the Braves’ lineup Tuesday night and led the team with three hits, three runs scored, a double and two RBI.
“Don’t you just want to punch him right in the stomach?” cracked teammate Matt Diaz.
Here’s another thought: How about just handing him an MVP trophy?
There’s little question that Prado is the Braves’ most valuable player. When he returned from the disabled list with a fracture in his right pinkie and led the Braves in their 10-2 victory over the Washington Nationals, he started at third base (vacated by the injured Chipper Jones) and batted third (also Jones’ spot). The significance was kind of obvious.
If this guy doesn’t get consideration for National League Most Valuable Player honors, something is wrong. Should Prado continue to hit at his normal pace, he’ll still have good chance to lead the National League in hits and win the batting title, despite missing 16 games. If he continues to bat third, he’ll certainly have a chance to significantly add to his RBI total (though he won’t likely crack the top 10).
Unfortunately, MVP voters seldom factor defense and versatility into the voting. But no player is more valuable to his team than Prado is to the Braves. The favorites for the award are probably are St. Louis’s Albert Pujols (.315, 30 homers, 86 RBI) and Cincinnati’s Joey Votto (.322, 28, 79). Prado is at .318, 13 homers and 45 RBIs.
“For me, you should throw a guy like into the MVP voting because of his defense and his hitting, and I know what he means to us,” manager Bobby Cox said. “But they’re looking for a guy with 45 homers and 140 RBIs and [hitting] .320. But I know he’s our MVP.”
Told of Cox’s comments, Prado said, “That’s not something I think about. I’m just happy we won and I could get a few hits.”
His hand still hurts. Prado jammed his finger in his final at-bat and he expects it to be sore “for a couple of weeks.” He was worn out after the game but you wouldn’t know it by the numbers. After a ground out and a fly out in his first two at-bats, he strung together three straight hits: an RBI double in the sixth, a run-scoring single in the seventh and another single in the eighth, scoring all three times.
“I’m tired,” he said. “My body is falling apart. I felt like I could keep myself in shape. I was running, taking ground balls. I knew I would be out two weeks so I was trying to do something. But a game is different. A couple of games and hopefully I’ll get used to it.”
Yeah. Like he’s a slacker now.
Here are a few more post-game comments on Prado.
♦ Diaz: “He said, ‘Don’t expect me to look like Chipper.’ We don’t. He’s much better looking than Chipper. Seriously, I don’t think anybody expected anything less from him. He goes on a rehab assignment [in Gwinnett] and gets a hit his first time out. He raises the bar so high.”
♦ Batting coach Terry Pendleton: “The guy can just flat out hit. Even when he was out, he did whatever he could do with one hand just to keep active.”
♦ Catcher Brian McCann: “He’s got one of the best swings you’ll ever come across. His bat stays in the zone for so long that he can handle so many different pitches. He could wake up Christmas morning and get two hits.”
Should he be given MVP consideration?
“Absolutely,” McCann said. “We’re not where we are without him. He’s definitely been our MVP.”
So what are your thoughts? Is Prado an MVP candidate?
♦
Instant re-blogs (add fries for a meal)
♦ We’re LIVE, as Braves try for something new — an early win
♦ Falcons and Patriots put aside NFL’s secret society (for a limited time)
♦ Countdown: Bikini-ball, Petrino’s death touch and ‘Real Housewife of Flowery Branch’
♦ Hey, here’s an idea: Manny to Braves (kidding, sort of)
♦
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC and Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
121 comments Add your comment
Herschel Talker
August 18th, 2010
12:10 am
Schultzie:
What is it with you and Bradley? Alternating journalist night? Why don’t you two each take a week at a time rather than this one on one off stuff?
HT
MitchC
August 18th, 2010
12:11 am
Jeff, while you make a convincing argument, I will be shocked if Prado is NL MVP.
I say this for a couple of reasons: The first one is what Bobby said: They usually look for a 45 homer guy.
While we know TP won the NL MVP with 19 homers in 1991, that was a different time. Also, the Braves went worst to first that year, and within an inning of winning the World Series.
Also, Albert P is the marquee name. People look at him, and go “Okay, Albert, he hits 40 homers a year, and will one day likely be in the Hall of Fame.
Regardless what Martin Prado does for our Braves, he’s not… big enough.. in name.
I just dont see it happening, sorry.
IPayForAOL
August 18th, 2010
12:14 am
Love Prado, but McCann > Prado. And McCann is more valuable to the team than Prado.
Idot
August 18th, 2010
12:21 am
I don’t think so. I believe that Prado has been the MVP for the Braves in 2010.
Kevin Sheets
August 18th, 2010
12:27 am
You have to lead the league or be close to the top in something to be MVP. When TP won the MVP all the power hitters couldnt hit for average. TP was 14th in hrs and batted .19 while the highest ba of the 13 hitters above him was .301. Also led the league with 187 hits and was the man on a worst to first team.
If Prado leads the league in BA and breaks 100 runs, both possible and no one hits too many hrs and rbis which is likely, then i would be for it. But with no hitters going to high in numbers this might be the year that a pitcher whens MVP.
Kevin Sheets
August 18th, 2010
12:31 am
* tp batted .319 not .19
Tweets that mention Prado has three hits in comeback -- and why not N.L. MVP? | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
August 18th, 2010
12:40 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Marty Sullivan, Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: Martin Prado makes his comeback with 3 hits. And why not him for NL MVP? http://bit.ly/cdco8r [...]
Big Man
August 18th, 2010
12:45 am
Albert Pujols will get MVP because he will of course have excellent numbers but with about 13 more RBIs he will set the record with first ten years in the league hitting .300 30 homers and 100 rbis. He will break his tie with Lou Gehrig. That will get it for him. Prado is the team MVP by far.
povox
August 18th, 2010
1:02 am
If Prado is the team MVP, and the team in question advances in the playoffs… c’mon. Next question.
Big Man
August 18th, 2010
1:07 am
If Prado is the team MVP, and the team in question advances in the playoffs… c’mon. Next question.
Then Pujols still gets MVP. Look at his numbers and the history behind it. This will be his third in a row.
Jeff Schultz
August 18th, 2010
1:23 am
Hersh — Is the every other night thing confusing you?
Art Vandelay
August 18th, 2010
1:30 am
Dustin Pedroia won the MVP in 2008 with a .326 average, 17 HR, 83 RBI, 118 runs and 20 stolen bases while playing only at 2B. Prado won’t reach Pedroia in RBI or steals, but he’s on pace to tie him in HR and score about 110 runs. It could be argued that his versatility more than makes up for any statistical difference since he’s started games at 1B, 2B and 3B this year. Prado’s made a total of six errors this season, which is the same as Pedroia had in ‘08, so safe to assume he’ll probably end up with only seven or eight all year, despite playing three positions (so far). He’d certainly get strong consideration for my vote.
Dr. Warren
August 18th, 2010
1:30 am
Credit the Braves for hanging in there. Credit the Phillies for seemingly never losing. Are they tough or what?
Ross
August 18th, 2010
3:09 am
Of course I will never get an answer to this question because yesterday’s blog is like yesterday’s sunlight – but here goes: Cox has noted that Ankiel has an amazing arm – and we’ve seen it here. I’ve seen it when he was a pitcher in St. Louis, before he melted down psychologically. Is there any chance the Braves would see how he throws from the mound, rather than the outfield? I’ve always had the sneaking feeling that one day he would return to pitching. Believe me, it was something else. He was 2nd for ROY in 2000.
danlee
August 18th, 2010
3:20 am
Prado isn’t even going to be mentioned in the MVP talks unless:
1. Wins the batting title
2. Leads the league in runs
3. Braves win the East
The bitter truth is there isn’t much chance for Prado to win the MVP, not because he doesn’t deserve it, but because no one gives him enough attention. I mean, Prado is having a season that blows Chase Utley out of the water, but Utley was still voted the starter for the all-star game. Further, both Utley and Prado came back from the DL today and all you hear on ESPN is “UTLEY’S BACK!”. If Prado can’t get more attention than someone like Chase Utley he has no chance of winning the NL MVP =/
Speaking of tragic injustices: Jonny Venters. He has the best ERA amongst all NL relievers, he’s pitched tons of innings, yet outside of Atlanta you’ll never hear his name in rookie of the year talks. You better believe it would by different if it said “New York” across his chest
Car Insurance – Insurance Cheap in three easy steps | Auto loan calculator Blog
August 18th, 2010
4:08 am
[...] Prado has three hits in quip — as well as because not N.L. MVP? | Jeff … [...]
shmoe
August 18th, 2010
4:25 am
absolutely prado should be MVP! there’s not a doubt in my mind he should be. however, it will go to sentimental favorite joey votto for not being selected to start in the all star game, or pujols, because he’s pujols (and great).
Big Man
August 18th, 2010
4:43 am
Joey Votto has some excellent numbers, no sentiment needed. What I think will hurt Prado is himself. He hit so well in the one hole that it cut down on some of his numbers. If the Braves had a true lead-off man (base stealing threat) and had Prado in the 3 hole he would be amoung the league leaders in RBIs. It will be interesting the last 43 games.
Conyers Braves Fan
August 18th, 2010
4:52 am
Jeff: Prado nor any other Braves player will win a MVP award at this
point in time because the national media (led by ESPN) seem to
view Atlanta teams in a negative way. For example, Jim Rome of
ESPN made a comment Monday that there should be no doubt that the Phillies will overtake the Braves and win the NL East. A few months ago, Tim
Calishaw (a sportswriter who appears frequently on the ESPN show
Around the Horn) stated that the Hawks who had 53 regular season wins
“had no business being in the playoffs”.
Big Man
August 18th, 2010
4:59 am
They deem Atlanta as one of the worst cities for sports. Charles Barkley says things like this on a regular basis. A lot of times they say we do not deserve the Hawks because of the attendance. That is why the big names in Basketball do not even consider the Hawks. They would love to live in the city but the marketing is not there.
ClassicHawks
August 18th, 2010
5:25 am
He is Our MVP, Kinda Like TP Back In Our First Run. I don’t think hit power numbers are enough to win this year however. GOOOOO BRRAAVES! (This Team Is Very Special!)
Jeff F.
August 18th, 2010
6:00 am
Is Prado working with his Dad or high school coach? How is his swing so good then?
TommyP
August 18th, 2010
6:12 am
Prado has NO CHANCE at NL MVP. C’mon, Jeff. You and Bradley are nothing but hyperbole these days.
His versatility makes him a better MVP candidate? You have to be kidding me? Maybe for team MVP but league MVP? No.
erick
August 18th, 2010
6:18 am
That may be the only good thing I have ever seen petrino do!
john d
August 18th, 2010
6:23 am
Come on Jeff, Versatility?? You want versatility? His name is Infante. He’s just as valuable to this team as Prado!
curtis jones
August 18th, 2010
6:25 am
Prado? For MVP? But if memory serves correctly, this is the same Prado that the Braves HOF manager deemed unfit for a starting role for more than 2 years, while Kelly Johnson stunk up the joint.
You know, the same HOF manager who believes that Infante is not worthy of starting each day….well unless his “real” starters are hurt. Kind of like Brooks Conrad…definitely not a starter.
Now, Troy Glaus: THERE’s a starting lineup kind of guy! If the Braves have a 7-run lead, he will smash a double or homer. But if it’s a tie game, his jersey number should be 4-6-3.
Grumpy
August 18th, 2010
6:31 am
Joey Votto wins. No contest. Both Votto and Prado play for division leaders. Votto has a higher batting average, more HR, more RBI, higher slugging % and a higher on base %. If the Reds win the division and Votto’s numbers stay this good, hand him the trophy.
Jake
August 18th, 2010
6:36 am
I agree with you, Jeff. There’s no question he’s the MVP. It’s not even close.
Never thought it would happen....
August 18th, 2010
7:16 am
No. Joey Votto deserves it.
BBrown
August 18th, 2010
7:20 am
Jeff, I totally agree!! Prado is a hard nosed player that can flat out hit and field. No doubt Pujols and Votto are stars. However, give me a versatile player like Prado and build around him. Some critized Cox for not playing him sooner. Perhaps, Cox knew something that was setting Prado up for success with a little more fine tuning before getting the starting nod. Looks like Brooks Conrad is in the same boat as Prado was two years ago.
Terry Lightningberg
August 18th, 2010
7:22 am
Where should we all gather to celebrate Martin’s MVP award — The Prado?
F-105 Thunderchief
August 18th, 2010
7:22 am
Yes, he should definitely be in the discussion. He’s a great overall player. It’s just amazing to me that anybody ever let Kelly Johnson play in front of him. Pfft. What was up with that? And, I’m a huge Bobby Cox fan.
AlG
August 18th, 2010
7:44 am
For a guy to come off the DL, and after just one rehab game jump in with three hits and some good glovework–you can’t make a story like that up. Prado is true MVP material by any real standard of what MVP means.
Rich
August 18th, 2010
8:01 am
In my opinion, Prado is the team’s MVP so far, but for the NL? Not even close. Votto, or Pujhols should get it.
Larry
August 18th, 2010
8:01 am
We are a more balanced and better team with the combination of Prado and Infante in the lineup than Prado and Chipper. Should this team falter in coming weeks it will not be because of the now unimposing and oft injured Chipper, it will be because of Bobby’s managing.
Still can’t believe he didn’t call for a bunt or two to move some runners over last night. He got lucky this time which will only reinforce his infamous “wait and watch” approach which has cost this team so many times to less talented opponents in the post season.
In the end,
it never matters,
with Bobby Cox,
as the manager!
1-14 all time in the last game and series of the postseason.
Sam
August 18th, 2010
8:03 am
No, not NL MVP, not even close, but definitely a consideration for Braves MVP along with Hudson and McCann.
Willy
August 18th, 2010
8:04 am
Prado would be the thinking man’s MVP, but people respond to glitter.
Sam
August 18th, 2010
8:05 am
IF you ever had to trade Prado or McCann, which one would you trade? Sorry, not McCann. NEVER!!
That’s your Braves MVP question answered right there.
Kudzu
August 18th, 2010
8:05 am
Utley rejoins the Phils 0-5; Prado rejoins the Braves 3-5; Utley on front page of ESPN.com….Prado no where to be found…ESPN blows!
Let's Go
August 18th, 2010
8:10 am
I love the way Prado has carried the Braves at times this year but my vote this year would go to Joey Votto over Albert Pujols since Votto has little protection in the Reds line-up. Pujols is having another great season but he has Matt Holliday hitting behind him and Matt is having a heck of a season too.
Larry
August 18th, 2010
8:11 am
Guys, what you may not remember is that when ESPN was first launched one of their chief competitors for national sporting interest was the “Super Station,” WTBS, that was broadcasting Braves games all over the universe. Strategically, and to gain market share, they avoided the Braves coverage and this attitude still permeates today.
To hell with ESPN!
The Mick
August 18th, 2010
8:14 am
Prado had done a great job this year but Infante is no slouch .I’m thankful he is on the Braves. He is an everyday player.He has earned it..
What else does he have to do to prove himself. Speak English?
Dr. Warren
August 18th, 2010
8:19 am
I find it hard to imagine some ESPN executive telling his writers and on-air staff, “Everyone, avoid talking about the Braves. When you do, just say negative things.” Every city outside of NY and LA imagines there’s a bias against their team. Check the blogs like this in other towns and see.
Ben in Albany
August 18th, 2010
8:26 am
After the injustice delt to Andruw Jones in 2005(51 homers-128 RBIs) I’ve given up any hope that a Brave will ever win an MVP award again. The national press sometimes doesn’t even act like there is a team in Atlanta most of the time.
Daniel
August 18th, 2010
8:27 am
MVP for the team? Yes. MVP candidate? Sure, he’ll get some third place votes. MVP? Not a chance.
Booyah
August 18th, 2010
8:29 am
Hey Mick – Prado does speak English and speaks it well. In fact, he interprets for Infante when needed…
Pepe Frias played here.
August 18th, 2010
8:33 am
I am so sick of ESPN. Even if the braves were on , i dont know if i would watch them. I used to like to listen to mike and mike in the morning until they started kissing phila.’s butt. When they got Oswald , Mike Greenberg said the race was over and the Phillies will bypass the Braves by labor day. Oh i so want the Braves to prove them wrong.
The Doktor
August 18th, 2010
8:38 am
I’ve been saying this since May, Martin Prado IS the catalyst for the 2010 Atlanta Braves. Only now is it becoming apparent; but, one man does not a team make. As they demonstrated last nite tho, when they’re smart and patient as a TEAM they can be very impressive with the bats. They just need to find that consistency and cohesiveness they had earlier this season. IF they put all that together with the pitching they’re getting from their staff, it’ll be a real interesting October here in Atlanta…
GT Baseball
August 18th, 2010
8:41 am
He’s having an amazing year, but Votto and Pujols are just too much. Pujols is going to go .300, 30, 100 10 years in a row, all the while being pitched around in every big situation (despite Holliday, they still do it). Guy is incredible. Could be the best RH hitter of all time. Votto is also more deserving than Prado. Seems like every time the guy goes deep, its in the 7th inning or later. That’s a stat I would like to see – can anyone find that? Out of Votto’s 28 bombs, how many came in the 7th inning or later?
David P
August 18th, 2010
8:41 am
Because there are many other players in the NL with much better numbers than Prado. Stop smoking crack.
ATLfan15
August 18th, 2010
8:42 am
Prado deserves consideration, and he may get it, but he won’t win the MVP award. I don’t care though…I know what he’s doing for the Braves and that’s all that really matters.
The ESPN thing is nothing new. I’ve just accepted it as a part of life.
@Pepe: why would you waste your time listening to Mike and Mike? The only thing more annoying than those two is scraping fingernails down a chalkboard.
Dayman
August 18th, 2010
8:49 am
On baseball tonight last night the big story was the two allstar second basemen returning from the DL, Pedroia and Utley. Prado was not mentioned. He doesn’t get enough national face time for MVP.
Bill
August 18th, 2010
8:49 am
@ Ben in Albany. The national press acts like there is no team in Atlanta because the FANS act like there’s no team in Atlanta. They cover what they’re readers/listeners/viewers want to hear. And the simple fact is that Atlanta doesn’t care about the Braves. In the middle of a pennant race they only draw 14,000 people. And a few years ago they couldn’t even sell out a playoff game. The Phils have sold out 98 straight games. Bigger fan base = more coverage from national media.
Dayman
August 18th, 2010
8:59 am
Bill, for five straight years the Braves have been voted in the top three for most popular teams in baseball, this year behind the Yankees and Red Sox. Its not that the Braves don’t have fans its just they are very spread throughout the Southeast and the country and its hard or impossible for them to make games on a nightly basis.
Archangel
August 18th, 2010
9:08 am
Has anyone else noticed the increase in run production since losing chipper.
ATLfan15
August 18th, 2010
9:10 am
@Dayman: don’t try to justify the poor attendance for last night’s game. who wouldn’t want to watch the Braves play a last place team?(press sarcasm button now)
@Bill: the Braves had the third largest crowd of the season Sat night against the Dodgers. and they have already drawn over 1.5 million fans this season. And really, who in ATL (besides a Philly fan) gives a crap how many games the Phillies have sold out?
Tami
August 18th, 2010
9:11 am
Sure! I’ll go with that. And…OK. Maybe Pujols and Votto are at the top of the NL MVP list….right now. But if last night’s return is indicative of how the rest of the season will play out, Martin can easily roar his way back into contention for the MVP. I think right now would be a good time for him to get hot (like he isn’t already) and stay hot. During the stretch run, he will get a lot of notice! The voters won’t be able to ignore him then. What a return for Martin last night! He seemed to energize the whole team. And….what a game for young Mike! We all knew he was ready to come up, and showed us why. Awesome game last night. Wish I could have been there.
Trade Nate for a Bag of balls
August 18th, 2010
9:13 am
We have ALOT of professionals in Atlanta from around the country that root for other teams.
We have ALOT of Yankees, Red Sox fans here
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
August 18th, 2010
9:14 am
Don’t know about NL MVP, but hands down he is the best player on the Braves this year, and that’s enough to get my vote. If the Braves win the division, Bobby Cox will and should be Manager of the Year. And when is Hudson going to get some Cy Young love?
E-6
August 18th, 2010
9:14 am
Suddenly the clamor to pick up another .250 hitting infielder has diminished.
Scoots
August 18th, 2010
9:16 am
If there was a year that a non-power hitter could win the MVP, I think this could be the one. Power is down, pitching is up this year -especially in the NL. With the steroid era in the rearview, I could see more importance placed on hits, runs and defense.
The OPS numbers are becoming a more mainstream measure of offensive production – if Prado can jump up the leader board on OPS, while maintaining the league lead in hits and average, it’s not out of the question.
Martin V Prado = MVP!
Vermont 39
August 18th, 2010
9:19 am
Never once did they mention Prado’s return on ESPN…those clownheads…Utley and Pedroia…both did nothing compared to MARTEEEEEN.
We have a great team..We know it and so does BC!!!
GO BRAVES
PMC
August 18th, 2010
9:19 am
Question: Where the heck did Martin Prado come from? Did we draft him trade for him? For all I know we had streaky Kelly Johnson and then instantly there was consistantly awesome Martin Prado.
Mail Order maybe?
gej
August 18th, 2010
9:22 am
The thing about giving Prado the MVP is that Albert Pujols, Joey Votto, Ryan Zimmerman, Andres Torres, Kelly Johnson, Aubrey Huff, Brian McCann, Rickey Weeks, and about 10 other players are having better years.
Prado has been very good, but only a total homer Braves fan would say he’s been the most valuable in the entire league.
Calvin
August 18th, 2010
9:25 am
Remember Dustin Perdoria won it two years ago with similar numbers to what Prado has now so it isn’t out of the realm of possibilities.
fieldofdreams
August 18th, 2010
9:29 am
I sure hope so. The mantel of leadership is very obviously passing from Chipper to Prado. Hope Chipper can deal with it, when / if he comes back next year. PS: Mike Minor rocks! Great stuff, not intimidated by the moment, really, to lose K Med and have Minor in the wings…Frank Wren drafted a winner. That kid’s one cool customer out there. He’s got a big Vanderbilt star written all over him. Our young pitchers will keep us on top of the East for years to come.
Dr. Warren
August 18th, 2010
9:30 am
For anyone who believes that Prado is the NL MVP, answer me this–honestly: If Pujols were offered in a direct trade for Prado for the rest of this season, would you turn that trade down?
coach smith
August 18th, 2010
9:37 am
MVP = MOST VALUABLE PRADO!!!!!!!!
Hell yes he should be considered! I am not sure there is a better or tougher all around player in than him right now
keith
August 18th, 2010
9:37 am
While Prado could get honorable mention, he shouldn’t get MVP of the MLB.
Here’s a thought: If our team was St. Louis or Cincy, we would make the argument that our guy has much better numbers than Prado.
It won’t happen, but it’s a nice thought being a Braves fan.
southga brave
August 18th, 2010
9:38 am
Boycott ESPN for a week and see what they think of the Atlanta market!! I agree the 2nd base All-Stars all returned on the same night and the two that failed badly were mentioned over the catalious of the 1st place Braves. No BIAS there huh?
Bravos
August 18th, 2010
9:43 am
I agree Prado should and will be considered in MVP, although please note that missing 16 games doesn’t hinder his chances at the batting title at all since it is based on average.
Supes
August 18th, 2010
9:48 am
Absolutely he can be if he continues to tear it up Jeff.
Lets not forget Dustin Pedroia won the MVP in the AL over some power and RBI guys while playing 2B (ironic) so it won’t be the first time. There is also little doubt he was the MVP on a playoff team for the BoSox that season. Could happen, if the voters keep an open mind and the Braves win the NL East while Martin Prado continues to hit and play good D.
Ramblin Wrecker
August 18th, 2010
10:03 am
If Dustin Pedroia or Jimmy Rollins can win an MVP, why can’t Martin Prado?
E-6
August 18th, 2010
10:09 am
It’s pervasive – even MLB Trade Rumors heralds the return of the two eastern boys -no mention of our guy Martin. For the record, eastern boys Utley and Pedroia who are hitting 47and 30 points respectively below Prado were a combined 0 for 9 last night while #14 went 3 for 5 with some truly meaningful hits. back.
GT Baseball
August 18th, 2010
10:16 am
We should be happy that Prado is flying under the radar!
Sam
August 18th, 2010
10:17 am
Dr Warren, great post at 9:30. Pujols for Prado would be approved by 95% or more of Atlanta fans, especially when you have an Omar to fill his slot. NL MVP is NOT Prado but we love him anyway for our Braves.
Knuckle Sandwich
August 18th, 2010
10:18 am
I belive Jon Heyman at SI said this earlier in the season…Prado is the heart and soul of our team. No doubt about it.
smalltowngirl
August 18th, 2010
10:19 am
I agree with the other posters here that the national media doesn’t take the Braves seriously…Just today both Fox Sports and MSN have headlines about the Phillies…how they came back against the Giants, how they will over take the Braves, etc. Folks think the Braves don’t have enough fan support…blah, blah, blah. While I know there were only about 16,000 folks at last night’s game against the Nats, we have been averaging pretty huge crowds at the Ted this year. I know if we can’t make it to the game, it is always on at home. The fact of the matter is…it’s hard to make it down to the stadium on a weeknight with work, traffic, and other responsibilities. It’s not that Braves fans don’t care…it just becomes a logistical nightmare.
Bruce Mac
August 18th, 2010
10:21 am
Roll Tide, juvenile and redneck are not a good combination, leave the humor to others if that is the best you can do. How do you spell Mississippi dumb azz?
VD
August 18th, 2010
10:28 am
I love Prado’s comments EVERY TIME. It always goes something like “Its not about my stats, its about winning.” This guy could care less if he was asked to bunt every at bat as long as they won the game.
By the way, any truth to these Derrek Lee rumors?
joe
August 18th, 2010
10:31 am
Lets win and get into play-off before we start giving out awards.
Whats Wren doing to improve the team?…waivers anybody?
E-6
August 18th, 2010
10:34 am
Derrek Lee to the Braves according to MLB Rumors. Here we go again – another .250 hitter to solve our problems. Bet the kid at Gwinnett could manage .250 in the bigs.
Ken
August 18th, 2010
10:34 am
All in all, the guy is scrappy. He would do, whatever he had to do, to help his team win. If the following goes as planned…I look for these guys to be the in the running, for…
CY Young: Tim Hudson
MVP: Martin Prado
Prado is just awesome…and for him to come out and do what he did against the Nats Tuesday is unreal.
he certainly has my vote, let alone he was already in the AllStar Game
You go, dude!
joe
August 18th, 2010
10:37 am
How about the kid last night..pitched a great game.
Milky the last 62 games hitting 308 and good “D”……….We have alot of un-song stars.
1st is killing us Glaus is just there for “D”
Kentavo
August 18th, 2010
10:38 am
Why wasn’t Prado highly touted as a prospect?
I remember the first time he got called up and smacked a few doubles (if memory serves) and really hustled, and I said “who is this guy”?
Kentavo
August 18th, 2010
10:39 am
I just saw that Braves are trying to acquire D. Lee.
keith
August 18th, 2010
10:39 am
Yes, Jeff, hello????
What’s the rumor that the Braves/Cubs are about to reach a deal for Derek Lee??????
Updates, please?
I realize he hit 33 homers and 111 rbi last year, but I thought that Bobby was going with Glaus…who may have just started to produce.
I don’t see why we get Lee unless he’s going to come off the bench….this deal would baffle me.
They better not give up anything to get him.
StatsMan
August 18th, 2010
10:40 am
It’s not just the rankings in core metrics that hurt Prado. He is ranked 29th in wins over replacement player (WAR). And his offense is not as valuable playing third base as it is at second. An excellent player, but I’m thinking no chance.
keith
August 18th, 2010
10:40 am
I know that Lee at his best was better than Glaus at his best, but with our platoon of Outfielders, this deal would baffle me.
Unless we’re doing Glaus for Lee straight up????
This is weird.
joe
August 18th, 2010
10:41 am
Lee would be great..he can still rip….
MVPrado
August 18th, 2010
10:43 am
It’s about time someone said it. Thank you. Prado has been the difference maker, the spark plug, the ignitor for the Braves offense all season. He is the MVP. He is also their emotional leader in the clubhouse.
http://sportscrack.com
Willy
August 18th, 2010
10:47 am
HERE COMES DERRICK LEE! THERE GOES TROY GLAUS!
keith
August 18th, 2010
10:47 am
But back on the topic, yes, Prado has definitely our team MVP (not considering Huddy)…he’s been our sparkplug on offense. How many times has he lead off the game with a single/double? Many times it seems.
Matt
August 18th, 2010
10:49 am
He’s a great player. Versatile, hard nosed, team guy. He’s the team MVP for sure but you could double his HR and RBI and he still wouldn’t win it. These awards are numbers driven. As long as Pujols and Howard are hitting 40+ HR and 100+ RBI(sometimes 120-140 RBI) players aren’t going to have a chance.
Ted M
August 18th, 2010
10:50 am
Votto & Pujols both also have scored more runs then Prado, while Prado is our MVP he does not deserve to be league MVP.
boots
August 18th, 2010
10:50 am
Other considerations should be that Prado is a lead-off batter for most of the year. That is something that was not normally true for him, but his team needed him there, and he successfully made the transition. That is a plus for the MVP award. Further, a lead-off hitter is not going to have the RBIs that a middle of the lineup guy will have, and that has to be considered. Finally, Prado’s glove and ability to play other positions is something that the two first base candidates don’t have.
Hey, Jeff, where does Infante sit in the batting race now that he is a starter? He has to be close to qualifying for enough at bats, doesn’t he?
Ted M
August 18th, 2010
10:51 am
Votto & Pujols both also have stolen more bases then Prado.
Ted M
August 18th, 2010
10:52 am
The Braves are close to trading for Derrek Lee, according to David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com. Lee, who vetoed a deal to the Angels last month, must approve any trade the Cubs propose. Sources close to Lee told Kaplan that the first baseman would likely approve a deal to Atlanta. Kaplan’s sources say the trade would be a salary dump and is near completion.
It's a shame what he did to that dog
August 18th, 2010
10:55 am
“and why not N.L. MVP?”
Uh…….maybe because there are other players who are putting up better numbers and playing longer?
It's a shame what he did to that dog
August 18th, 2010
10:56 am
“The Braves are close to trading for Derrek Lee”
Lee sucks.
Tech Sucks
August 18th, 2010
11:00 am
Unfortunately MVP almost always goes to the most HR, most RBI’s without fail. With Pujols average too, there is no way Prado wins MVP.
But the guy is amazing.
KnightInATL
August 18th, 2010
11:01 am
Does that mean that Lee has been claimed off waivers by us and we’re now in the 48 window to strike a deal?
Coach
August 18th, 2010
11:06 am
Why trade Glaus for Lee? They have essentially identical stats.
southga brave
August 18th, 2010
11:10 am
I really hope the Braves make the WS so ESPN has to cover them. I hope all Braves fans totally ignore ESPN then. What will they do when one of the teams fan base will ignore them and not tune? It is about ratings ok, what will they be then? One good deed (coverage) deserves another (boycott)!!!!!
As for Prado as MVP, yea he or Huddy probably are the Braves MVP but honestly Votto should be the league MVP. That does in no way minimize the things Prado has done! He has and is the everyday catalist. There are numerious Braves that have done a lot to carry this team this year.
I also feel for Glaus if he is traded for Lee, he has played a good D at first (limited range) and help propel the Braves in May and June. Now to leave without a shot at the playoffs. He would have to be disappointed. Before some of you point out what he has done lately, where would they be without him at this point? Another thing here is, everyone says Freeman can’t come up because the Braves need a right handed bat. This would be an exchange of a righty (he has started to hit a little again)for a lefty. I would like to see Kawami and Mclouth sent somewhere, anywhere for anything if it was salary relief. Yea I know with no prodution from those two and a big salary that will not happen. Just wishful thinking!
Pat
August 18th, 2010
11:26 am
No way Prado is NL MVP. Votto and Pujols are both far more valuable to their teams. Prado’s numbers don’t even compare, and both of those other players play great defense as well. Plus Prado has been out for a while and the Braves just kept on winning without him. There really is no case.
BravesFanLostInOhio
August 18th, 2010
11:32 am
Not going to get the MVP award, but he has won the hearts of Braves nation….way better award!
ok, jk…MVP is better and would be nice, but voters dont vote for the Most Valuable Player; they vote for most impressive stats.
Willy
August 18th, 2010
11:38 am
Jeff,
Do you and Mark have a third wheel?
Ted Striker
August 18th, 2010
11:40 am
Prado won’t ever be MVP if for no other reason than this — many fans on other teams can’t even properly pronounce his first name. Sometimes it’s just dumb luck that gets you.
It's a shame what he did to that dog
August 18th, 2010
11:55 am
southga brave
I’m not sure if ESPN is still as biased towards Atlanta as they used to be. Baseball Tonight seems to give a lot of good coverage to Atlanta. I remember when Buck used to announce the games on Fox. HATED THAT GUY!!!!!! Peter Gammons has always given the Braves a lot of respect.
Matt B
August 18th, 2010
12:00 pm
Polanco had 4 hits last night and is hitting better than Prado. Lets give him the MVP too. LMAO. Get real. Pujols will win MVP and the Phillies will win the NL East. DLee wont even make a difference. Have fun fighting SF for the WC!!
Athenian
August 18th, 2010
12:25 pm
Geez, Schultz just threw it out there. Why the backlash? Look at our ERA since the break, incredible.
Athenian
August 18th, 2010
12:28 pm
A better argument is Huddy for the Cy.
southga brave
August 18th, 2010
12:38 pm
Sorry guys a brain-fart….. I know Lee is right handed!
Tweets that mention Prado has three hits in comeback -- and why not N.L. MVP? | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
August 18th, 2010
1:14 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jeff Emanuel, Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: Prado has three hits in comeback — and why not N.L. MVP? http://bit.ly/a5pFpD [...]
Poll time: If Braves get Lee, should they drop-kick Glaus? | Jeff Schultz
August 18th, 2010
1:55 pm
[...] ♦ Prado has three hits in comeback — and why not him for MVP? [...]
JASon
August 18th, 2010
7:12 pm
Some people come on these blogs and post 2 or 3 separate comments within a few minutes. I’m sure these people have great social skills.
Glaus deserves credit for way he reacts to Braves' trade | Jeff Schultz
August 18th, 2010
9:00 pm
[...] ♦ Prado has three hits in comeback — and why not him for MVP? [...]
thunderbull56
August 18th, 2010
10:47 pm
Why not ? Braves MVP if not MLB MVP.
Brady and Patriots show Ryan and Falcons how it's done | Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2010
11:22 pm
[...] ♦ Prado has three hits in comeback — and why not him for MVP? [...]
Kevin
August 20th, 2010
7:04 am
Maybe cause Bobby cox no wants him to not show him up n Ow i out for good chipper jones and way we let nats win shows again under cox non leader he sorta like Pinella I told u saps in chicago u team would quit at all star time ask wonderful soriano Mr broke clutch n owner who with Gm has no balls to Fire LOu at break he decide he would re-tire oh sure they told u not retire we Fire so He took that.But no worrys he be some place with Yankees front office soon! Oh the MVP of Natl league is a Tall banana split with cherrys
ColeSensure
August 25th, 2010
10:39 am
Martine Prado does not deserve the MVP award unless the Braves win the world series. If the Braves end the season as World Champions then YES Martin deserves the MVP. But should the Braves follow their history of building everyones expectations up just to lose the big series then why should the Braves do anything else than blow their chances and lose again. I expect the Braves to lose because in the end, that is their overriding mindset. Think of this: 14 post season appearances. O – N – E (1), UNO WORLD TITLES. Thats embarrasing and can be considered the Buffalo Bills of baseball.