Both Player A and Player B, whose 2012 batting stats and WAR values are shown above, are middle infielders for same major league baseball team. Given that Player B has logged more games and plate appearances than Player B, their overall production numbers are remarkably similar.
One of the players is a former Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger, Gold Glover (twice), All-Star (thrice), and MVP. The other hasn’t been any of those things. In fact, he’s often been a utility infielder.
Can you guess which unnamed player is the former MVP? And can you guess who these really players are?
A Pedroia, B Aviles?
Bingo.
Aviles isn’t an OBP machine, but he’s certainly earned his paycheck this year. Wish I could say the same for Pedroia.