In 2005, Alex Rodriguez won the AL MVP undeservedly. His opponent lost because he is a designated hitter and a DH has never won MVP. David Ortiz aka "Big Papi" embodies everything an elite player should be. His charismatic, benevolent character combined with his hitting ability forms a masterfully affable persona. The one aspect of his game that will always degrade him is the fact that he does not play defense. Ortiz doesn't play first base because he doesn't want to, but because he is told not to. What is he supposed to do? Undermine his manager and protest about his lack of field play? That's not "Big Papi's" style at all. Clutch hitting is such a skewed statistic, but Ortiz has made walk-offs semi-routine including in the playoffs in 2004 where he had three.
The playoffs are where great players can be deemed legendary and average players can be deemed elite. Derek Jeter is a good player, but he is under no circumstances an elite player. He has been on elite teams, which might be the biggest misconception in all of Baseball. Why is it that the Yankees haven't won a World Series since Tino Martinez, Paul O'neill, Scott Brosius, and David Wells? The reason is that these players were the constant in their championship runs. If Jeter is as "clutch" as the media and Yankee fans claim, then why hasn't he been able to catapult his team to the Promised Land since these players left? Nobody pays attention to these details, but if he makes a good play, then rest assured you will see it replayed 10 million times on Sportscenter.
Ortiz was cheated last year for being a DH and will be cheated again this year for not making the playoffs. Jeter will win because of the media's infatuation with this man. From 1996-2003, Jeter had 0 gold gloves. In 2004, he makes his "spectacular" catch running into the stand like a buffoon against the Red Sox and viola! Two gold gloves since that play. That play was so overrated that anyone who knows anything about Baseball should've recognized it instantly. He makes a running catch in fair territory, but because he runs into the stands it's a great play. He could've stopped his momentum easily, yet he chose to dive into the stands. The fool didn't even realize that if he drops that ball into the stands it's a costly double.
The 2006 playoffs is a perfect example of how Jeter's myth becomes gargantuan and empty every year. He hit 5-5 in game one versus the Tigers in the ALDS, which prompted Baseball Tonight to compare him to Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. He has one excellent game in the first round of the play-offs and he is being compared to other dominant athletes? I would've loved to see a segment on how he had a combined 3 hits in the remaining 3 losses. Including a key moment in game two where he struck out with the bases loaded and no outs. Alex Rodriguez did that all year and this was the worst year of his life.
Not one statistic is necessary to explain why Jeter will win the MVP. One very glaring observation is necessary to explain this horrendous award distribution: Everyone loves Jeter.