Angels News: MLB Analyst Says Shohei Ohtani Doesn’t Deserve MVP Award
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Some critics of Angels' superstar Shohei Ohtani now aren't so sure he'll win the trophy after he all but wrapped up the AL MVP award before the All-Star break.
One argument made by MLB Network's Chris "Mad Dog" Russo is that his injury and subsequent absence from the team hasn't led to winning baseball and therefore makes him unworthy of the award.
"This is just going off the deep end here. There is no way I make Ohtani the MVP. The team is 17 games under .500. The most valuable player. Doesn't mean the best player. When you're 70-86, you've cleaned out your locker for the most part in September. I don't blame him for doing it, but he's not even on the team right now. He hasn't pitched since August 1st. Essentially, he's not my MVP. Now, he's going to win, so who cares what I think? I'd give it to somebody else."
Russo's been known for his hot takes in his entire media career and this one isn't any different.
Sadly the radio host ignored all context that led to the Angels' poor record when making his points to his wide audience.
GM Perry Minasian's failed pursuit to gather talent around the team during the trade deadline completely blew up in his face and led to waiver claims just a month later.
Phil Nevin's game-to-game management style wasn't ideal though the vast amount of injuries on the roster haven't helped that matter in the slightest.
Included in those ailments alongside Ohtani were Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon who made navigation for a daily lineup a nearly impossible task for Anaheim all season long.
Ohtani's likely second AL MVP win should only help his case to receive the biggest contract in MLB history this winter despite detractors like Russo stating otherwise.
