AL MVP? Indians Lindor, Ramírez choose each other
By César Augusto Márquez
Baseball heroes are made in the postseason. October is when a season of success can be validated or when regular season woes can be erased with several big at-bats or strong pitching performances.
This postseason is when Francisco Lindor and José Ramírez hope to build on their successful 2018 regular season and take Cleveland back to the World Series for the second time in three years.
They hope this postseason brings the long elusive World Series title to Cleveland, which took the Cubs to an exciting Game 7 of the 2016 Fall Classic.
The 2018 Indians have the distinction of being the only team in Major League Baseball history to have two switch-hitters with at least 30 home runs in a season.
In leading the Indians to another AL Central title, Lindor and Ramírez both put together campaigns worthy of the Most Valuable Player Award.
Lindor set personal bests for runs, home runs, RBI and stolen bases this season.
In September Lindor became just the second shortstop in history to have at least 30 home runs, 40 doubles and 20 stolen bases in a season. Former All-Star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra was the first to do so in 1997 with the Red Sox.
Lindor ended the regular season with impressive numbers.
Lindor’s offensive slash line of .277/.352/.871 all topped his 2017 slash line of .273/.337/.842 when he finished fifth in AL MVP voting.
He realizes that Ramirez’s presence has been important for his and the team’s success this year.
“I think José’s presence and the great season he is having has been very important for us as a team,” Lindor said. “Personally, it is a great help to have the support of someone like José.”
Each Other’s MVP
Ramírez, a two-time All-Star third baseman, also has words of praise for Lindor.
“What can be said about Francisco?” Lindor said. “Today he is one of the best shortstops in the big leagues. Of course it’s important to have him in the lineup. But in my particular case, his presence helps me have better numbers.”
Ramirez, a native of the Dominican Republic, had his first big campaign in 2017 with an offensive line of .318/.374/.957, with 29 homers and 83 RBI.
He finished in third in the AL MVP race last year.
Heading into the Division Series against the defending World Series champion Houston Astros, Ramírez has made everyone aware that Cleveland has two switch-hitters that opponents must fear.
While his batting average his dipped to .270, Ramírez surpassed his power numbers from last season. His 39 home runs and 105 RBI set career highs, as did his .387 on-base percentage.
Interestingly, Ramírez does not consider himself a power hitter. That is the reason why he declined an invitation to participate in this year’s Home Run Derby during the All-Star Game festivities in Washington, D.C.
“The long balls are coming, but I am not looking for home runs,” Ramirez said. “I have never considered myself a slugger. In fact, although at the time of the All-Star Game I was among the leaders in home runs, I didn’t participate in the Home Run Derby because I consider myself more of a line-drive hitter.
“I haven’t changed anything in my batting mechanics and don’t intend to do so now.”
The two Latino infielders helped Cleveland claim the AL Central pennant.
The pair have a friendly competition. If the Puerto Rican Lindor reached a historic milestone, then Ramírez would join another elite group as well.
In Ramírez’s case, it was the exclusive 30-30 club with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season to become the 11th Latino to enter that club.
Lindor and Ramírez now seek to emulate the postseason success of Houston’s own Latino superstar duo of Venezuelan José Altuve and Puerto Rican Carlos Correa, who propelled the Astros to the 2017 World Series.
“I think that not only us two, but anybody, would swap whatever personal records we set for a World Series ring, and that is what we are seeking,” Lindor said.
Featured Image: Brace Hemmelgarn / Getty Images Sport