After a career year, Valdespin named indy Ducks' MVP

Jordany Valdespin has been named MVP of the independent Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks. Photo Credit: Long Island Ducks

By Devon Teeple

The GM's Perspective

After a career year, Jordany Valdespin was named the Long Island Ducks MVP.

There's really nothing that he hasn’t done in the game. In all, Valdespin has appeared in over 1,300 games at the professional level including parts of four years with the New York Mets and Miami Marlins from 2012 to 2015.

In all that time in the game, he’s never put up a year like he just had. And that’s nothing to be ashamed of. There’s no doubt that one of the most versatile players in the Atlantic League has the skill and talent to again, play at the next level.

The Ducks, who made the announcement prior to their home finale on Sunday, highlighted his numbers for the year and impressive is an understatement.

“Valdespin received the most selections during fan voting at LIDucks.com for the team’s MVP award. The four-year MLB veteran has been outstanding at the plate all season, posting Atlantic League leading totals in hits (151), runs scored (93), total bases (219), triples (7) and at bats (450). Additionally, he ranks second in the league in batting average (.336), third in on-base percentage (.398) and fourth in stolen base percentage (.857). The 30-year-old has totaled 12 home runs, 55 RBIs, 18 doubles, 30 stolen bases and a .487 slugging percentage in 112 games played. For being chosen as the team MVP, Valdespin received a luxury wristwatch, courtesy of Delmonte-Smelson Jewelers.”

The veteran hasn’t always been so praised by his club or teammates. In 2013 Valdespin was suspended by Major League Baseball for 50 games as part of their Biogenesis probe. In addition, he’s had multiple run ins with teammates, profanity laced tirades, and showboating after home runs.

Five years later and obviously now more mature, Mr. “I’m the man right now”, is the man.

Everyone deserves a second chance, and this is no different. There’s also no questioning his determination. No one plays all these years without wanting one more kick at the can. And yes, mistakes have happened in the past, but that doesn’t mean he’s the same guy.

He’s proven to the Ducks and the fans he’s the best version of himself.