Hype

So I know I shouldn't let this sort of thing bother me, but it does. Every year mlb.com gives out the Hank Aaron award, ostensibly to the best hitter in each league. The problem is that the award is determined by fan vote, with the result that fame and popularity play an even bigger role than they do in BBWAA voting. Case in point, the American League winner last year was Derek Jeter; while I think Jeter was robbed of the MVP, I don't see how anyone could think he was a better hitter, than, say Travis Hafner.

This year, the voting has been narrowed down to five, and there is some major silliness. The worst is that Barry Bonds, who in case anyone forgot PASSED HANK AARON FOR THE ALL-TIME RECORD IN HOME RUNS THIS YEAR, and is currently posting the highest OBP for anyone other than himself since Mickey Mantle in 1962, was not deemed deserving of the HANK AARON award by sufficiently many fans to warrant a place in the top 5. Jose Reyes, who everybody likes because he smiles a lot and runs really fast, is on the list, despite the fact that he is a barely above average hitter. Yes, I know he is a very good hitter for a shortstop, so his VORP is very high; but that sort of consideration is relevant to MVP voting, which attempts to account for total value. The Hank Aaron award is supposed to be for the best hitter. Right now, the best hitter--who also happens to be one of the three best hitters ever, and at his peak was probably better than anyone ever--is not on the ballot. The fans should be ashamed.