The Game Haus will spotlight those MLB names whose contributions have helped bring victory to their teams this season. We will do so by crowning our MVP’s and Rookies of the Year for each baseball club. Today, we continue with the National League West Division.
Team MVPs: Arizona Diamondbacks
MVP: Paul Goldschmidt, First Baseman
For eight years in the majors, Paul Goldschmidt has become a household name in Chase Field, where the Arizona Diamondbacks have called home. The six-time All-Star also has three Golden Gloves and three Silver Sluggers to his name. In recent games, Goldschmidt has struck gold from the batter’s box. #44 boasts a >.350 batting average in his last 30 games, along with nine home runs and 24 RBI’s. This brings his 2018 numbers to 30 home runs and 76 RBI’s. Goldschmidt and company have won seven of their last games. But they’ll need to keep the pressure on to keep their lead in the National League West.
Team Rookie of the Year: Yoshihisa Hirano, RHP
When you think about a 34-year old rookie (no, that’s not a typo), a lot of doubts and skepticism may follow. But so far, Yoshihisa Hirano is proving that age is just a number. Before making his MLB debut, Hirano played 12 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball in his native Japan. There, he was a five-time All-Star and 2014 saves leader in the Pacific League. Now stateside, Hirano holds a 4-2 record from the mound and 2.13 ERA. Hirano has become a big part of Arizona’s bullpen. Be prepared to see a lot of #66 moving forward.
Team MVP: Colorado Rockies
MVP: Nolan Arenado, Third Baseman
Only one game behind in the National League West, the Colorado Rockies are making their way back to October. Leading the way is none other than Nolan Arenado. So far, Arenado has belted 31 home runs and 90 RBIs this season. Plus, his batting average is climbing significantly, averaging .333 in his last 15 games.
The 27-year old has won a Golden Glove Award in every season in the majors and boasted a > .950 fielding average each time. It’s safe to say that Nolan is the best third baseman in baseball of right now. Colorado, now, has to step up and keep winning to keep #28 a Rocky.
Team MVPs: Los Angeles Dodgers
MVP: Max Muncy, First Baseman
As the Los Angeles Dodgers fight to stay in the race for the division, Max Muncy has turned into a prominent power hitter. Muncy has cashed 30 home runs and 59 RBIs this season. The former Baylor Bear has also been improving his batting average, hitting .314 in his last 15 games.
Right now, the Dodgers have reversed their fortunes from a slow start to their 2018 campaign. The team leader in home runs will need to keep firing to help LA take back the National League West. Luckily, the lead is not too far away.
Team Rookie of the Year: Walker Buehler, RHP
The former Vanderbilt Commodore is off to a solid start to his MLB career. Walker Buehler boasts a 6-4 record with a 2.96 ERA. As Star ace Clayton Kershaw fights to regain his footing, pitchers like Buehler have no doubt stepped up and helped keep L.A. above .500 this season.
However, Buehler, like the rest of the Dodgers, still have plenty of room for improvements. Proper approaches can result in immediate stardom and plenty of wins.
Team MVPs: San Francisco Giants
MVP: Andrew McCutchen, Right Fielder
The longtime Pittsburgh Pirate moving to San Francisco was one of the biggest acquisitions of this past offseason. Andrew McCutchen leads his new team in home runs and RBI’s this season. However, #22 is fighting off a cold streak, only batting .218 in his last 15 games. Also, it’s going to take more than one man to improve the Giants’ season. But having a veteran that’s a four-time Silver Slugger does help in leadership.
The National League West may seem out of reach for the Giants this season. But whatever lessons they learn now can lead them back to the playoffs before they know it.
Team Rookie of the Year: TIE: Reyes Moronta (RHP) & Dereck Rodriguez (RHP)
San Francisco has two rookie pitchers catching fire quickly in 2018. On one hand, there is Reyes Moronta boasting a 5-1 record from the mound with a 2.15 ERA. On the other hand, there is Dereck Rodriguez with a 6-1 record from the mound and an ERA of 2.30. Not to mention Dereck is the son of Hall of Fame catcher, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.
Team MVPs: San Diego Padres
MVP: Craig Stammen, RHP
Things have not gone well for the San Diego Padres this season. They not only sit dead last in the National League West, but also boast the worst record in the NL. However, some bright spots still shine in San Diego. One of them is their best pitcher, Craig Stammen.
The 34-year old holds a 6-2 record from the mound, with a 2.60 ERA. Stammen also has surrendered a meager .226 batting average this season. He may not have a lot left in the tank. But take #34 lightly, and he will make you look bad.
Team Rookie of the Year: Christian Villanueva, Third-Baseman
Christian Villanueva has broken a lot of ground in his rookie season. Villanueva leads the team in home runs this season, and has 46 RBIs this season. His batting average has steadily improved as well, hitting .356 in his last 15 games. But it will take a lot more than just one man for things to turn up for the Padres. San Diego has yet to find its first winning season since 2010. But with #22 in tow, San Diego may have somewhere to start in preparing to finally create winning formulas.
Featured image courtesy of wikipedia.org
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