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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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Jul 25, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna (13) gets a single during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna (13) gets a single during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Player: Marcell Ozuna, OF, Miami Marlins

This one was not nearly as difficult to decide, as Ozuna was the clear best player in the NL over the week. Not only was he the best hitter, he stepped up to the plate 30 times, meaning there is no real case against him. His 318 wRC+ led the league, and it’s easy to see why.

He hit an insane .464/.500/.1000 with 3 doubles, 4 home runs, and 11 home runs, the latter two of which led the league. He was also tops in batting average by a 14 point margin, and slugging percentage by 130 points. Like Kendrick, he created a league-leading 11 runs over the week, as if the previous production wasn’t enough.

Though there were no real challengers, the runners up were likely Andrew McCutchen and Adrian Gonzalez. They were 2nd and 3rd in wRC+, with Gonzalez at a 237 mark, and McCutchen at 234. Both performances were great, but Ozuna was still able to hold an 81 point lead in wRC+.

The Marlins went 4-3 over the week, with Ozuna leading the way through a decent week. And while the Marlins are most likely not going to make the playoffs, they will still look to Ozuna to continue to play well in the unfortunate absence of Giancarlo Stanton.

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