According to ESPN Outside the Lines report, the Milwaukee Brewers reigning 2011 National League MVP Ryan Braun has tested positive for taking performance-enhancing drugs.
If this holds true, Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers needs to be named the 2011 NL MVP right now.
While both Braun and Kemp had unbelievable 2011 campaigns, Braun’s is now tarnished with this allegation. With that being said, there is no reason why Braun shouldn’t be stripped of the title.
Some would argue that Kemp had the better year anyways, so there is enough reason for why the MLB should turn their voting around and give the award to Kemp.
In 2011, Kemp batted .324 with 39 home runs and 126 RBI. Those numbers were the best of his career, and he easily was the most dominating hitter in the National League this past season. Braun had a great year as well, hitting 33 home runs with 111 RBI; his batting average was the only better statistic, as it stood at .332.
Braun’s Brewers had a much better season than the Dodgers, and that was likely one of the main reasons why he was given the award. This new situation though will make some wonder if he really deserves to be named the 2011 MVP.
Many will wonder though if the MLB will be willing to punish Braun to that extent. Never in the past has the league revoked a player’s MVP award for PED use, but considering the amount of time between the award and allegation, some could argue that the league should change its ruling in this case.
Obviously it will remain to be seen what comes of this situation. Braun will likely be appealing his case to the MLB to try to clear his name and the likely result of a 50-game suspension.
If it holds true, Kemp deserves this MVP award that obviously Braun didn’t win fairly.
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