I wrote about 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge last Monday so I guess I’ll pen an article about NL honoree Paul Goldschmidt this week. While I’m not so blown away by Goldy’s card as I was Judge’s, I wouldn’t bench him, either.
Goldschmidt played a full 151 games for the Cardinals and boy, he had a season! He hit for power with 35 homers and a .578 slugging percentage. He hit for average (.317). He had gap power with 41 doubles.
And he could even steal a base when needed with 7 steals.
As a result, Goldy hit the century mark in runs (106) and rbis (115).
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Totals | 151 | 651 | 561 | 106 | 178 | 41 | 0 | 35 | 115 | 7 | 79 | 141 | .317 | .404 | .578 |
Unlike Judge’s card, Goldschmidt has a single column card. Let me be clear… there is nothing mathematically inferior with a double column card. You could argue they are more accurate. I think some of us (older guys?) like the aesthetic that the single column cards bring especially for slugger types.
Regardless, Goldy has power numbers 1-5-5-6, definitely a “clutch” card which is good with runners on base.
Not only does Paulie have a 55-7 but he sports a 15-10. With his four 14s, I count eleven on base chances against the best pitchers (not counting his 53-19).
Because he hit into only seven double plays in 651 plate appearances, there’s a 41-13 on Goldschmidt. That’s the best kind of strikeout in my opinion. Certainly beats a 24. Goldy also has two 31s though I don’t think many will hit and run with his two 5s.
Of course, he is rated a 1B-5 which boosts his value that much more.
MVP trivia from our IAL
Both 2022 MVPs Aaron Judge and Goldschmidt are on the same team in our Illowa APBA League. Our commissioner, Mike Bunch will enjoy both the 2022 Goldschmidt and Judge cards in his Green Rock Bombers’ lineup.
It doesn’t stop there. The year before, both 2021 MVPs (Ohtani and Harper) were also on the same team, Don Smith’s Marauders. Our current season (based on the 2021 MLB season) isn’t quite over but Don is in third place and will most likely enjoy a playoff berth.
Share the wealth, guys!
