Rationalizing why Mike Trout is bad and your guy is the undisputed MVP is an experience that every American League fan will go through at some point over Trout’s career, but tonight on the Houston Astros’ broadcast, the announcers started really grasping at straws. The game tonight featured the two frontrunners for AL MVP: Mike Trout and José Altuve. There are compelling cases for both players, but one stat that should definitely not factor into any voter’s consideration? Runs scored. Astros analyst Geoff “Blummer” Blum disagrees! He brought up Altuve’s superior run count while comparing the two players. “I know Mike Trout is a high-powered guy with those 28 home runs, said “Blummer” by way of writing down Trout’s 47-point edge in OBP as essentially meaningless. “He’s only scored 82 runs when he gets on base. Altuve’s going to be well over 100.” I thought we had moved beyond runs scored as any measure of value in 2010 at the latest, but whatever, let’s do it. Mike Trout was out for six weeks in June and July this year, which is why going into tonight’s game he had scored 17 fewer runs than Altuve—in 41 fewer games. In all, Trout has scored .19 runs per plate appearance, while Altuve is at .17—he’s better than Altuve at converting his times on base to runs. Going by this ridiculous metric, Trout is the MVP—it makes a worse case for him than a statistic like WAR, which gives Altuve a healthy edge precisely because it accounts for both quality and quantity. José Altuve is a joy to watch and there’s a very good case to be made that he’s the AL MVP this year. There is no need to sink to these depths to defend his honor.
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English football has an enormous following across the world, not just because of the players but because of its history, its tradition, the excitement, the capacity crowds, Torres, who spent six years in the Spanish top flight with Atletico Madrid, told Liverpool s website.
The other leagues can learn a lot, even La Liga. Madrid have signed Kaka and Ronaldo, and Barcelona have Xavi and Messi but, really, the Premier League is way ahead.
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Brisbane Roar recruit Jade North said his was elated to return to the A-League to play for the reigning two-time champions.
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North said returning to Brisbane was an easy decision, for football reasons and also because it will give him the chance to promote indigenous football development in Australia.
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The France international joined Bayern from Juventus on a two-year loan deal in August 2015 for an initial fee of €7 million, with the Bundesliga champions having an option to make his stay at the Allianz Arena permanent for €21m.
The Bavarians seemed ready to trigger their right to buy Coman after his impressive 2015-16 campaign, but doubts have arisen over the 20-year-old s future after an underwhelming start to this season.
After scoring six times and supplying 11 assists in 35 outings last term, the former Paris Saint-Germain player is yet to find the net or set up a team-mate under Ancelotti.
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A Kylian Mbappe brace condemned Juventus to defeat in their Champions League opener at the Parc des Princes, with Weston McKennie scoring a second-half consolation for the Bianconeri.
After the match, video footage was circulated on social media which appeared to show visiting fans making offensive gestures, prompting an inquiry.
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Having recently admitted that the prospect of returning to manage on Merseyside appeals to him, Benitez refused to play down the regard with which he holds Liverpool, but said he will be strictly professional in trying to do his best for Chelsea on the day.
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With a move to Lazio looking likely, Ravel Morrison has cancelled his contract with Premier League side West Ham.
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Morrison moved to West Ham from Manchester United in January 2012, but managed just 24 appearances in that time most of which came in a breakthrough spell last season.
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United completed a shock loan deal for Shanghai Shenhua striker Ighalo on Friday, with the 30-year-old joining until the end of the Premier League season.
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It s a dream come true because since I was a kid I followed and dreamt of Manchester United, former Watford striker Ighalo told Sky Sports News.
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The Spaniard initially made a move for the Republic of Ireland international six months ago whilst he was in charge of Wigan Athletic, though he failed with a £5m deadline day bid.
The former Celtic man was signed for £9.5m in 2010, though Spartak may accept around £4m as the player is entering the final year of his contract.
Earlier in the month, McGeady revealed that England could be his next destination, after turning down the offer of an extension to his current deal.
West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland have previously shown interest in the 27 year old; though the Toffee’s are odds on to secure his services this summer.
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Stoke City have the signing of Tom Ince from Huddersfield Town.
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This Premier League season is turning out to be one of the most unpredictable to date with the battle for the title, the fourth Champions League place and relegation all keeping spread bettors on the edge of their seats.
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Sellers of Liverpool s outright Championship spread will have been pleased with B…