We're getting close to spring training, folks, and the advent calendar is heating up. Behind door #5 we find...J.J. Hardy!
via i.usatoday.net
J.J. Hardy followed up his 26 home run, .786 OPS season in 2007 with 24 home runs and a .821 OPS in 2008. Beyond the Box Score rated him as 2008's most valuable Brewer position player (and 13th most valuable player in the NL), he's only 26, and on top of all that he's a hit with the ladies.
Hardy posted a 113 OPS+ in 2008, the eighth best offensive season by a shortstop in Brewer history:
SS | Season | OPS+ |
Robin Yount | 1982 | 166 |
Robin Yount | 1983 | 150 |
Robin Yount | 1980 | 130 |
Robin Yount | 1984 | 126 |
Bill Hall | 2006 | 125 |
Jose Hernandez | 2002 | 120 |
Robin Yount | 1981 | 114 |
J.J. Hardy | 2008 | 113 |