TBB Idea #3: Re-Sign Mientkiewicz

The American League MVP and the National League MVP are awards that receive a mass amount of national recognition. These accolades are given out to those special players that had contributed to their respective teams in more ways than one. These are the players that make the dive into the stands or hit those walk-off blasts. These are truly the most valuable players in baseball. 

But, on a much smaller scale, every baseball analyst and fan has to think about his or her own club's MVP. Is it that guy that had statistically the best year, or is it something else that a particular player showcases.. In the case of the Pirates, I will truly argue that Doug Mientkiewicz was the team's most valuable member.  Maybe he only hit .277. Maybe he only drove in 30 RBIs. However, what Mientkiewicz brought to the table was something extra: a fiery and influential personality.

Mientkiewicz spent much of the 2008 campaign on and off the bench. Half the time, the 34 year-old was switching between corner infield spots (first and third), while making most of his starts late July and August. Doug also came off the bench in clutch pinch-hit situations, and on almost every occasion, he was able to drive in that much needed Buccaneer run. Though the word "clutch" is a term overused in baseball these days, the Pittsburgh veteran was the definition of being a clutch performer.

While handling the hot corner and first base, the former Gold Glove winner played superb and consistent defense. He did commit a total of seven errors at third base, but that was to be expected after manning first for most of his career. Mientkiewicz had only earned a Spring Training Invite from the Pirates, carrying slim expectations of making the squad in April. He fortunately worked very hard and learned how to become a much more versatile player. This eventually helped him to strengthen his portfolio and earn a spot on Pittsburgh's bench. 

In the best example of Doug's intense personality, one has to admire what he said had after an embarrassing 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mientkiewicz called out the Bucs for plainly playing a bad game of baseball, calling the entire situation "frustrating." This rant sparked the team the next night, as the 'rats destroyed Los Angeles in a 15-8 blowout. Whether it was ranting, or even veteran-to-youth advice, Mientkiewicz was without a doubt always talking. I don't know how the man did it, but he kept a non-contending team alive and awake almost all the time.

Tim Dierkes has already state it, but bringing Mientkiewicz back to the club would be perfect if it's at a respectable price. Management can't afford to re-sign a older player like Doug for an absurd amount of money, knowing that his already declining stats are bound to drop even more. Still, as I have previously stated, Mientkiewicz doesn't need to be the best player on the field. What he needs to do is preach his values and leadership off it, giving the Bucs a reason to bring 'ol Dougy back.