MLB Players of the Week: Big Papi and Kershaw dominate

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Aug 9, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Michael Morse (38) at bat in the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Offensive Player: Michael Morse, 1B/OF, San Francisco Giants

Speaking of Michael Morse, he is my choice for the NL POW. This one was much closer than the AL side, but Morse is certainly deserving. Over the last seven days, Morse hit was 8 for 17 with a slash-line of .471/.545/.941, 3 doubles, 1 triple, and 1 home run, 5 RBI, and 3 walks.

Of the basic metrics, Morse only lead in slugging percentage and OPS. He was 5th in average and 4th in on base percentage, but he had such a massive lead in slugging, that the overall offensive numbers, such as wRC+, have him as the very slight leader with a 298 mark. Nolan Arenado was a close second at 292, but he lost some ground having played all of his games in Coors Field, which is the most hitter friendly park in the league. Three of Morse’s games were played at home in AT&T Park, which is one of the more pitcher friendly ballparks in the bigs.

Unlike Ortiz, Morse’s team did have itself a solid week, as they won four of their seven games. That says more about the team that it does Morse himself, but he certainly played a big part in their success.

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