The MVP Race
Oh what an excellent season it has been! The Final Chase event, dare I say, exceeded our expectations and certainly added a bit of drama when it comes to regular season awards. Prior to this event, the MVP race was seemingly locked up by Jamie Graham who had taken over the number 1 ranking from his Doubles partner Matt Guy. Then in struts Mark Richards into the proverbial coliseum, armed with his gladiatorial gear…..
Below is an “argument” for the 4 individuals I believe should have slots on the MVP ballot…They are in no particular order…..
Alex Rawls:
Although I have done so previously on an Episode of the Big Asp Cornhole Podcast, I will again admit that Alex Rawls has exceeded my wildest expectations. I knew the kid was talented…but did I think he was going to be a top 5 player in the world…in his first year?!?! Nope…hence why I owe Mr Crouch $100…Anyways. Alex Rawls has been the model of consistency this season. Currently sharing the number 1 overall spot in Singles with Mark Richards, Alex has found the broadcast (at National events) 4 different time. Although he is yet to win an event, his worst finish in singles and doubles has been 5th place. Again….his WORST finish is 5th. The kid is a gamer. If he figures out how to close….his potential is scary. Now, although he has had an epic Rookie season…he has finished on top of the podium. I respect the hell out of his ability to be so consistent, but is that MVP worthy?
Matt Guy:
Let’s take a journey back a few months. Remember Matt Guy and how he was seemingly winning every event throwing like a 14 PPR (its sarcasm people). He waltzes into National number 1 and wins the singles event. We all start to wonder, “will he ever lose again?” Well, unfortunately for Matt, his mojo in singles has slipped a bit. His best finish since that point has been 9th place…pedestrian for the GOAT. It is important to remember than he and Graham won back to back doubles events and he is tied for most 1st place finishes with Graham at 3 each (2 doubles, 1 singles). People may read this and think he doesn’t deserve the nod….that is classic “what have you done for me lately” type thinking. His resume, although less impressive recently, is certainly good enough to deserve a shot. I think he finds himself behind the pack in this vote though.
Jamie Graham:
Heading into the Final Chase, Jamie Graham was undoubtedly the number 1 player in the world. He looked like he returned to the 2020 version of himself when he dominated the field. His resume speaks for itself. His worst finish (that he can drop from standings) has been 13th in singles. His other singles finishes have been 1st, 5th and most recently 9th at the Final Chase. He is tied with the most first place finishes with 3 (2 doubles, 1 singles) and swept the Bag Brawl contest. Currently ranked alone at 3rd place in Singles, he is also ½ of the number 1 ranked doubles team. Not only has he finished well, but the guy is a stats machine, finding himself ranked in the top 6 of PPR, DPR, 4BP%, RDSWON and RDSLOST (to be noted that these stats do not include the final chase). When we are diving into this vote (hopefully I get a chance again) you have to split hairs when comparing resumes…..Does the 9th place finish at the Final Chase keep him just out of reach for MVP? Or is it outweighed by his 3 first place finishes?
Mark Richards:
Well, someone forgot to tell Mark that the MVP race was “finished”. He struts into the Final Chase and sweeps the weekend, throwing the first perfect game in FINALS history (yes I know Josh Holland did it in the semifinals…..but what’s better…a perfect game in the ALCS or World Series?) and legend has it he still hasn’t missed to this day. He made Derek Holland look pedestrian in that match….and Derek threw a 10.89 PPR. Mark also took down another MVP Candidate, Alex Rawls, in the singles finals, playing his style and hitting his AVG DPR of .85. He has been close all season, with his worst finish in singles being a 5th place finish. In Doubles, outside their 1st National event (placed 25th), they have been rolling as they have a 1st, 2nd and 5th place finish. He passes the Mike Morton School of statistics as he is in the top 10 of almost every major statistical category. Mark also seems like the type of player the ACL has been looking for to be the “new face”. He’s well spoken, can ball out and is always near the top of the standings. Now I completely get that Jamie and Matt have 3 National wins to Mark’s 2. How much stock will recency bias play? What will voters place more stock in….consistency or win total?
Thanks for reading! The results could go several different ways and each of these 4 individuals has had excellent seasons. Be on the lookout for articles on ROY, break out player and Team of the Year! Let us know in the comments below who has your vote!!
As always, I hope you throw it straight and it’s nothing but 4 baggers from here on out!
-Sean
