There have been some allegations made about Wanderlingh receiving the MVP award in 2016 being a sign of favoritism and possibly even collusion due to the head coach being his big brother. Even though Wanderlingh missed the postseason due to a hip injury, his regular season stats explain why he was easily the team's most valuable player.
Wanderlingh played 26 of the team's 32 games in 2016. In those 26 games, Nick had exactly one hundred plate appearances. In those one hundred plate appearances, he reached base exactly FIFTY times. His .500 on base percentage obviously led the team, and his .315 batting average was good for third best on the team.
He led the team in runs scored (25), walks (23), fewest strikeouts among everyday starters (7), stolen bases (12), and finished third in batting average with runners in scoring position (.353).
The team's offense started with Wanderlingh at the top of the lineup, and went as far as he took them each night. When he got on base, half the time he came home to score.
With all that being said, it is worth mentioning the fact that the rest of the players were able to step up in Wanderlingh's absence in the postseason, and win three games against the top teams in the league. That says a lot about the fight and desire to win in this team.
Nick will begin 2017 as the everyday shortstop, although he might see some time behind the dish if the team is unable to figure out their catching problem. Right now, Morin is the only catcher on the roster, and with the team scheduled to play in about ten doubleheaders this season, a second reliable catcher is needed, so we will have to wait and see how much time Wanderlingh sees behind the plate.
Wanderlingh was a huge part in recruiting this offseason as well, as he brought in two of the new players for the upcoming season. On the field, expect Nick at the top of the lineup every night, doing what he does best... getting on base, being a pain for opposing pitchers, and often times his head coach as well. Expect another MVP type season for #77.
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