Sept. 28--The presidential election is more than a year away, but manager Joe Maddon seized the opportunity to lobby for his players for top awards.
The Chicago Cubs' most obvious candidate for the National League Cy Young is Jake Arrieta, although Maddon wasn't bashful when asked about Arrieta's credentials for the NL most valuable player.
"He's got to be in that conversation, too," said Maddon, mentioning that Arrieta has stopped several losing streaks -- most recently Sunday night in a 4-0 victory over the playoff-bound Pittsburgh Pirates.
"What he's done in the second half is unparalleled. Nobody's ever seen what he's doing right now, and to have the venue of Sunday Night Baseball twice, he gave up one hit in 16 innings against two pretty good teams. What does that mean?
"There's a lot there that a lot of voters have to consider -- the number of wins, which people don't like. (Arrieta) has earned those."
Arrieta, improved to 21-6 while lowering his ERA to 1.82, is aware of his credentials as well as those in contention for the Cy Young Award.
"Some guys have had some tremendous years around the league," Arrieta said. "I've pitched well. (Zack) Greinke has done some amazing things with the stretches he's been on. So there are a lot of guys throwing well right now."
Greinke has won 18 games and possesses a 1.65 ERA.
"I know the other guys are very good, and, I'm (Arrieta's) manager," Maddon said. "But I've never seen anything like that, and nobody has, either."
Maddon was referring to Arrieta's 0.80 ERA in the second half.
Maddon also said that rookie Kris Bryant should be considered for the NL MVP award as well as the rookie of the year.
"Look at his numbers," Maddon said of Bryant, who is batting .282 with 26 home runs, 99 RBIs and 72 walks. "He's almost got 100 RBIs and 30 home runs and now is batting over .280 and is playing great defense at third and in the outfield."
