I'm saying this as a BoSox fan, so there may be a slight bias, but no one was "scared" when Bernie got up to plate. You knew he could hurt your team, but you didnt avoid him either. Now, J-Gon, at that point was a monster. If guys were on base, look out.
Rbi count 1996: Williams: 102, JGon 144
1998 Williams: 97, JGon 157
Williams was a far better fielder and runner. Far better may not even be strong enough. But, the rbi & hr totals were almost as lopsided.
1998 was weird too. Williams was almost viewed as JAG, in that loaded NyY team. Every dude was an all-star. JGon, had a lot less to work with around him that season.
Now, if you want to argue about unfair MVP votes, 1999 calls. Which two NY writers left pedro off the ballot again?