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Professional baseball

MVP Contenders Emerge in Wide-Open Race

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Phil Garner, manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, cites California Angels slugger Tim Salmon as a top contender for the American League MVP award, along with Boston's Mo Vaughn and Cleveland's Albert Belle. Salmon's defensive prowess and all-around play make him a standout, says Garner. However, Salmon downplays the award, citing the dominance of players like Frank Thomas and Edgar Martinez. The MVP race is particularly intriguing this year, as the contenders are spread across several teams, making it an open contest.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tim Salmon is a top contender for the American League MVP award, according to Milwaukee Brewers manager Phil Garner, alongside Mo Vaughn and Albert Belle.
  • Salmon's defensive play and all-around abilities make him a notable choice for the award, according to Garner.
  • Frank Thomas and Edgar Martinez are among the players that Salmon cites as being in a different class.
  • The MVP award is harder to predict this year due to the wide open field and the fact that contenders play for different teams.
  • Phil Garner considers Mo Vaughn, Albert Belle, and Tim Salmon to be his top candidates for the MVP award.
  • Salmon appreciates Garner's support but does not consider himself a serious MVP candidate.
  • Cubs pitcher Bob Howry credits Tim Salmon for teaching him the importance of hitting away from the pull side, which has helped him become a more effective reliever.

Statistics:

  • Tim Salmon: .325 batting average, 33 home runs, 95 runs batted in.
  • Mo Vaughn: .297 batting average, 38 home runs, 119 RBIs.
  • Albert Belle: .313 batting average, 39 home runs, 109 RBIs.
  • Frank Thomas: .311 batting average, 36 home runs, 101 RBIs.

Sources:

  • The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Tom Haudricourt)
  • Lokomotiv (Football Club)
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