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5 Reasons Why Giancarlo Stanton Should Win 2014 NL MVP

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5 Reasons Why Giancarlo Stanton Should Win 2014 NL MVP

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
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There were many players who stood out in the National League, but no one had quite the season like Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton. While his team missed out on the postseason, here are five reasons why Stanton deserves the NL MVP this season.

5. He is Not Just a Slugger

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
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5. He is Not Just a Slugger

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
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Many sluggers in baseball are liabilities in the field, but not Stanton. Although he didn't win a Gold Glove this season, he was among finalists for the award and his seven outfield assists were good enough to finish in the top 10 in the National League. He also finished second behind Jason Heyward in range factor among right fielders.

4. All By Himself

Casey McGehee Miami Marlins
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

casey mcgehee miami marlins

4. All By Himself

Casey McGehee Miami Marlins
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

When pitchers gameplan around the Miami Marlins, there is not a single bat that is focused on besides Stanton. While almost all of the other premium sluggers in the league have protection, Stanton has none. Although he is the only bat that is feared, he continues to put up amazing numbers each season.

3. Raw Power

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
Richard Mackson- USA TODAY Sports

3. Raw Power

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
Richard Mackson- USA TODAY Sports

Stanton can flat out crush a baseball and there is no one in the game who hits the ball farther. His impressive showing in Round 1 of the Home Run Derby showed just how much power he has. Although he has battled injuries in almost every season, he has been able to consistently put up 20-plus homers each year. This year he tied a career high by launching 37 home runs, which was the most in the entire NL.

2. Time Lost

Ginaclaro Stanton Miami Marlins
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2. Time Lost

Ginaclaro Stanton Miami Marlins
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Value is one of the most important factors in MVP voting, and no one was more valuable to their team than Stanton. Before he went down with injury, the Marlins were making a surge to get back in the NL Wild Card race, but after his gruesome injury, the team went just 6-13 the rest of the way and quickly fell out of contention.

1. League Leader

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
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1. League Leader

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
Getty Images

Even with missing much of the final month of the season, Stanton still was atop the league in almost every statistical category. He finished as the NL leader in home runs, slugging percentage and total bases. He was also able to finish second in OBP, OPS and RBIs. When compared to the rest of the league, he clearly has set himself apart.

Pete Schwichtenberg is an MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or add him to your Google Network.

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