Earlier, The Examiner looked at candidates for the Cy Young Award in both the American and Nationals Leagues and the Most Valuable Player hopefuls in the American League. Each time we tried to examine the top four candidates and make a case for all. Let’s just say that’s not happening for the National League MVP race.
Albert Pujols, Cardinals » This is not a debate. Pujols should win the NL MVP Award or all voters should be immediately deported to Siberia. (Trust us — it would be justified). There is no more efficient offensive player in the game. Pujols has a 1.139 OPS — and no one is close. His slugging percentage is an absurd .690. His on-base percentage is .449. Pujols leads the NL in all three categories. He has a league-best 47 homers and tops everyone with 106 walks. He entered play Monday tied for the lead in RBI (126) and has a .331 batting average — 27 points away from topping that category too, and winning a Triple Crown. Oh, and the Cardinals are running away with the NL Central. About the only flaw is that his defense has slipped in 2009. But Pujols still ranks in top half among MLB first basemen.
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Hanley Ramirez, Marlins » The only other candidate with a remote shot. Leads the NL in hits (186) and batting average (.358) — and not even Pujols is close in those categories. Among the league leaders in doubles (39) and RBI (99) and has 23 homers. Ranks third in OPS (.992) and seventh with 25 stolen bases.
Prince Fielder, Brewers » Third in the NL with 39 homers and tied with Pujols with 126 RBI. Second in OPS (.998). Also flirting with a .300 average. Is slightly below average defensively, but at least passable at first.
Ryan Howard, Phillies » We were a little harsh on Howard early this season. The term “one-dimensional freak” may have been dropped. That was over the top. He has 118 RBI and 38 homers and is in the top five in both categories. Top 10 in slugging (.553). Even having a decent season defensively. Big flaw: A terrible hitter against lefties (.189 average).
