M&M As Solid as Ever, but what MM&M?(37.11)

[niles08]

Many things have came and went over the past few seasons. Things that were supposed to happen, didn’t, and surprises came out of nowhere. One thing however that has been as consistent as ever is the duo of Emilio Morales and James Monger in the heart of the Hawks lineup.

Morales is putting the final touches on his 3rd consecutive season with over 59 home runs and 147 RBI. His 7.4 WAR is a new career high for the 27 year old slugger and one that should garner MVP votes. He nearly won MVP last season, but after losing out, has actually raised his batting average this season by .33 points and a slugging average nearly .100 higher than last season. His OPS of 1.041 excellent and he is playing solid defense at the hot corner.

To think he wasn’t chosen for the all-star game is a crime.

Batting a few spots lower, James Monger has been just as good as expected in his 3rd full season in the BBA, also his third with a batting average over .300 and with more than 25 home runs. Monger hit 40 2 seasons ago and will fall short of that mark as he currently has 25. He more than likely will also not reach 100 RBI’s for the first time in 3 seasons either, but his glove at 2B has been just as good as ever.

Last season Monger actually took votes away from Morales in the MVP race.

Adding another M to the former M&M and you get 23 year old outfielder Martin Marin. Marin has benefited by hitting between Morales & Monger this season to the tune of 37 home runs this year, including 21 over the past 2 and a half months since the move in the lineup. His batting average since that move also jumped up from the .240 range to .285. On the season he is batting .262 but the move has clearly benefited Marin.

[RonCo]

Maybe you should add McNeill next year?