2013 World Series MVP Odds and Predictions: World Series MVP Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers

2013 World Series MVP Odds and Predictions: World Series MVP Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers: Unlike the regular-season MVP Award that requires a season’s worth of production in order to win, the World Series MVP can be earned simply by stringing together a few big games or even by being responsible for a single, pivotal moment in the series. As a result, the award is no exclusive to the biggest and brightest names in baseball. Yes, plenty of all-time greats have won World Series MVP honors, but plenty of role players have also been recipients. Of course, the one common theme between nearly every World Series MVP is being a member of the winning team. In fact, New York’s Bobby Richardson is the only player to earn the award despite playing for the losing team, and he won way back in 1960. With that in mind, the outcome of the series will be a huge factor in determining the World Series MVP, but here is a closer look at a few players from both sides that could end earning the honor in 2013.

The Favorites

He is one of the best statistical hitters in postseason history, and St. Louis outfielder Carlos Beltran is up to his usual October tricks. He has driven in a team-high 12 RBIs entering the World Series, and no other player has more than five. Beltran also leads the all Cardinals with a .921 OPS this postseason, but it is his clutch hitting that has helped St. Louis reach this point. If Beltran continues to drive in runs and helps the Cardinals win a championship, he could take home MVP honors, as well.

While most of the Red Sox hitters have been struggling in October, outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury has been on fire. He leads the team with a .400 batting average, 10 runs scored, six steals and a .992 OPS. Ellsbury has been a one-man wrecking crew from the leadoff spot, and thanks to his speed, he has been able to generate several much-needed runs already. If he continues to get on base and cause havoc, he could easily snag MVP honors as the driving force behind a World Series victory for the Red Sox.

St. Louis ace Adam Wainwright has already played the role of hero this postseason, tossing a shutout in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Overall, he has a 2-1 record during the playoffs to go along with a stellar 1.57 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP. Meanwhile, Wainwright is slated to start Game 1 so depending on how long the series lasts, he will make at least two starts. If Wainwright ends up winning two games and the Cardinals end up winning the World Series, he could easily earn MVP honors.

The Dark Horses

Coming off NLCS MVP honors, St. Louis starter Michael Wacha just might keep the momentum going in the World Series. The rookie has been amazing in the postseason, compiling a 3-0 record to go along with a miniscule 0.43 ERA and 0.57 WHIP. If Wacha comes anywhere close to keeping up those numbers in the World Series, he is going to be awful tough to overlook when it comes time to pick an MVP.

While he has been struggling for the most part this postseason, Boston slugger David Ortiz is the type of hitter that can turn it on and carry an offense by himself. Granted, his .200 batting average in the playoffs leaves a lot to be desired, but despite his issues, he has still managed to smack a team-high three homeruns, including a game-tying grand slam in Game 2 of the ALCS. Ortiz has a history of coming up with big hits, and it could only take a couple of swings for “Big Papi” to tilt the series in Boston’s favor and to make himself the frontrunner for MVP honors.

The Sleepers

Boston closer Koji Uehara has been called in early and often this postseason, and he has more than answered the bell. Keep in mind that the Red Sox have needed seven wins to reach this point, and Uehara has one win and five saves. He has also posted a dazzling 1.00 ERA and 0.56 WHIP in 9.0 innings of work. He has also struck out 13 batters without walking any and allowing just five hits. If Uehara closes out two or three more games in dominating fashion, a World Series MVP could be in his future.

Heading into the World Series, St. Louis second baseman Matt Carpenter is hitting .167 with five runs scored. Keep in mind that this is the same player that hit .318 during the regular season, scoring 126 runs and smacking 55 doubles. Carpenter was a force at the top of the St. Louis lineup all season, and if he can recapture his stroke in the World Series and become the line drive-smacking, run-scoring machine he was all year, Carpenter could redeem himself for his slow postseason start to the tune of MVP honors.

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