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MLB Players of the Week: Ozuna’s has a power surge and Shields saves the Royals’ week

By JJ Keller

Sep 5, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Royals defeated the Yankees 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Royals defeated the Yankees 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick (47) hits a singles and drives in a run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick (47) hits a singles and drives in a run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Player: Howie Kendrick, 2B, Los Angeles Angels

As mentioned in the teaser, this was a pretty tough decision. Yunel Escobar had the better rate stats, including a league leading  317 wRC+. But I ended up going with the close 2nd in that category, Howie Kendrick, because I personally value more sustained success. Kendrick played 7 games with a 295 wRC+, while Escobar only played in 5 of them, leaving Escobar 15 plate appearances short of Kendrick. Fangraphs states that Kendrick created 11 runs on the week, which led the league, while Escobar was tied for 5th with 7.

Taking a deeper look, Kendrick posted a .500/.543/.844 line with a double, 2 doubles, 2 home runs and 10 RBI. The average and on base percentage rank 1st in the AL, while the slugging percentage was 3rd. This one will ultimately end up being very debatable, and really comes down to what the individual values. But to me, sustaining such a high level of production for 2 more games is more impressive than what Escobar did.

Kendrick’s play helped the Angels continue their streak of dominance over the week, going an undefeated 7-0. That obviously takes more than one player. But Kendrick’s 11 runs created accounted for 17% of the Angels run scored, so he certainly played a major role.

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