Eric Sorenson
These snakes just won’t die.
Despite the Los Angeles Dodgers torrid streak in the National West, the Arizona Diamondbacks continue to stay within striking distance of the post-season thanks in large part to the bat of Paul Goldschmidt who’s recent tear includes a pair of walk-off home runs on the same week his bobble head debuted at Chase Field.
With the skyrocketing production and lead-by-example approach on and off the field “Goldy” has vaulted himself back into the National League MVP race.
The question is do the D-backs have to make the playoffs for him to have a legitimate chance?
“If the team makes the wild card, yes,” ESPN baseball insider Pedro Gomez told Pros2Preps.com in a recent interview. “If they come close. If they put up a good last six weeks of the season but maybe just fall short but Goldschmidt just continues to have the season he’s having yes, there is chance.”
Gomez said the award usually, but not necessarily always, goes to a player who not only puts up extraordinary numbers but also leads his team to the playoffs.
“The National League is a very, very tough MVP race this year,” Gomez said.
He doesn’t believe Goldschmidt’s low-key, team-first approach will hurt him in the voting and says the slugging first-baseman comes as advertised.
“You talk to managers around the league, scouts around the league,” he explained. “They absolutely think the Diamondbacks have somebody who’s going to be a cornerstone player for the next 10 years, at least. That’s something that a lot of clubs would love to have. The raw power that Goldschmidt has. The eye he has at the plate. Those are the things that they talk about and they absolutely love him.”
Only time will tell if Goldschmidt will add another award to his collection this fall.
