Explaining WAR's role in MVP results

Explaining WAR's role in MVP results
Mike Trout and Kris Bryant were named the American and National League MVPs, begging a question: Does this mean that the Baseball Writers' Association of America will judge MVP candidates by different standards in the coming years? Both vote totals are a victory for the new-age sabermetrics statistic called WAR - wins above replacement. Although debatable about what it means, WAR tries to summarize a players' all-around ability in one number. Both second-place finishers - the Nationals'...

Mookie Betts has not hit the rest of the AL East like he has O's pitchers

Mookie Betts has not hit the rest of the AL East like he has O's pitchers
When it comes to Boston outfielder Mookie Betts and his play this year against the American League East, he has been mediocre against three teams but sensational against one. Bet you can guess which one. Or is that Betts you can guess? Betts is crushing Oriole pitching, but batting a collective .223 combined against Toronto, Tampa Bay and New York. In 11 games on the season against the Orioles, Betts is batting .426 (20-for-47) with three doubles, eight homers and 17 RBIs. He has a .471 OBP, a...

Fenway follies continue for Nats (Red Sox win 8-7)

Fenway follies continue for Nats (Red Sox win 8-7)
BOSTON - The Nationals jumped out in front in the second when center fielder Michael A. Taylor delivered a two-out single, scoring second baseman Danny Espinosa. It was Taylor's team-leading fourth RBI. The Red Sox came right back in their half of the inning. A pair of singles from first baseman Mike Napoli and shortstop Brock Holt eventually paid off when center fielder Mookie Betts hit a two-out double, scoring both. Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg has already given up five hits through...