MLB Players of the Week: Big Papi and Kershaw dominate

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Aug 18, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits a double during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Offensive Player: David Ortiz, DH, Boston Red Sox

David Ortiz had a massive week for the Red Sox, and that was despite missing Thursday’s game due to soreness. The veteran slugger went 12 for 21, slashing .571/.667/1.238 with 2 doubles, 4 home runs, 8 RBI, and 6 walks in 27 plate appearances. That’s a 22.2 percent BB-rate, compared to a 11.1 percent K-rate.

He has lead the AL in average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, wRC+, and fWAR over the week, and the next highest WAR is Alex Gordon of the Royals, who over the last seven days has compiled 0.7 WAR, compared to 1 full win from Ortiz. That is a ridiculous week. It is completely impossible, but if someone was worth 1 WAR per week, they would total 24 WAR on the season. Second place in wRC+ over the week, from either league, was 238 from Michael Morse. Ortiz posted a 408 mark.

Despite Big Papi’s massive week, the Red Sox went 1-6, including a 1-2 series loss against the Astros, and a 4-game sweep at the hands of the AL West leading Los Angeles Angels. They will take on the Mariners in a three game set over the weekend, and as a Mariners fan, I hope this wreckage doesn’t continue for Ortiz, because sooner or later, it will lead to some runs, and subsequently wins, for the Red Sox.

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