Brewers Writer gives Pujols a 7th place MVP Vote (1 Viewer)

[TheFanatic]

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Brewers Blog

The Journal Sentinel sports staff brings fans the latest news and inside dope on the Brewers

Pujols is MVP; Braun 3rd, Sabathia 6th

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 17, 2008 |

St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols claimed his second NL MVP award today, collecting 18 of 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, with 12 first-place votes, finished second in the balloting, with 308 points to Pujols' 369 points. A player is awarded 14 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, 8 for third, etc.

Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun was third in the balloting with 139 points, one point ahead of Los Angeles left-fielder Manny Ramirez. Left-hander CC Sabathia was sixth with 121 despite playing only half a season with Milwaukee.

Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge, who didn't blow a save all year, claimed the other two first-place votes and finished eighth in the voting.

Pujols, who won even though St. Louis finished fourth in the NL Central, finished second in the NL with a .357 batting average to go with 37 homers, 116 RBI, 104 walks, a .462 on-base percentage, .653 slugging percentage and only 54 strikeouts in 633 plate appearances.

Howard led the majors with 46 homers and 146 RBI but also batted just .251 and struck out 199 times, second in the NL.

I had an MVP ballot and voted for Howard first because he almost single-handedly carried the Phillies to the playoffs by batting .352 with 11 homers and 32 RBI in September. I like to weight my voting to teams in the playoff hunt because I think that puts more pressure on players and separates the men from the boys. There's little pressure on players having big years if their teams aren't playing for anything at the end.

With the Cardinals finishing fourth, I voted Pujols seventh on my ballot. I don't consider MVP to be "the most outstanding player" award and therefore don't just go by who had the best stats. I like to credit players for lifting their teams to the post-season or at least keeping them in the race until the very end.

I understand that the Cardinals would not have been even close to the wild-card berth without Pujols, but I still like players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And I thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did. St. Louis did stay in the wild card race until mid-September, but mainly because the Brewers and Mets were gagging at the time.

It's a subjective vote and every writer has his own preferences. That's why I voted for Sabathia second and Ramirez third because even though they played in the league only half a season they were primarily responsible for putting their teams in the playoffs.

Here's the way I voted:

1. Ryan Howard, Phil

2. CC Sabathia, Mil

3. Manny Ramirez, LA

4. Carlos Delgado, NY

5. Aramis Ramirez, Chi

6. Prince Fielder, Mil

7. Albert Pujols, Stl

8. Ryan Ludwick, Stl

9. Ryan Braun, Mil

10. David Wright, NY

I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.

This is an inexact science. With 10 names on the ballot, you could move guys around and drive yourself nuts putting them in the spot you feel is best. But that's the way I voted. In sheer offensive numbers, Pujols certainly is tough to beat, which is why it's understandable that he got so much support.

What do you wanna bet he only voted Howard over CC because he knew he would look even more like a raging and tried to retain some sort of integrity....I'm not saying that there aren't legitimate arguments for Howard, CC, and Manny. But why are Delgado, Ramirez and Fielder in the discussion ahead of Pujols?

 

[parasaurolophus]

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Brewers Blog

The Journal Sentinel sports staff brings fans the latest news and inside dope on the Brewers

Pujols is MVP; Braun 3rd, Sabathia 6th

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 17, 2008 |

St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols claimed his second NL MVP award today, collecting 18 of 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, with 12 first-place votes, finished second in the balloting, with 308 points to Pujols' 369 points. A player is awarded 14 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, 8 for third, etc.

Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun was third in the balloting with 139 points, one point ahead of Los Angeles left-fielder Manny Ramirez. Left-hander CC Sabathia was sixth with 121 despite playing only half a season with Milwaukee.

Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge, who didn't blow a save all year, claimed the other two first-place votes and finished eighth in the voting.

Pujols, who won even though St. Louis finished fourth in the NL Central, finished second in the NL with a .357 batting average to go with 37 homers, 116 RBI, 104 walks, a .462 on-base percentage, .653 slugging percentage and only 54 strikeouts in 633 plate appearances.

Howard led the majors with 46 homers and 146 RBI but also batted just .251 and struck out 199 times, second in the NL.

I had an MVP ballot and voted for Howard first because he almost single-handedly carried the Phillies to the playoffs by batting .352 with 11 homers and 32 RBI in September. I like to weight my voting to teams in the playoff hunt because I think that puts more pressure on players and separates the men from the boys. There's little pressure on players having big years if their teams aren't playing for anything at the end.

With the Cardinals finishing fourth, I voted Pujols seventh on my ballot. I don't consider MVP to be "the most outstanding player" award and therefore don't just go by who had the best stats. I like to credit players for lifting their teams to the post-season or at least keeping them in the race until the very end.

I understand that the Cardinals would not have been even close to the wild-card berth without Pujols, but I still like players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And I thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did. St. Louis did stay in the wild card race until mid-September, but mainly because the Brewers and Mets were gagging at the time.

It's a subjective vote and every writer has his own preferences. That's why I voted for Sabathia second and Ramirez third because even though they played in the league only half a season they were primarily responsible for putting their teams in the playoffs.

Here's the way I voted:

1. Ryan Howard, Phil

2. CC Sabathia, Mil

3. Manny Ramirez, LA

4. Carlos Delgado, NY

5. Aramis Ramirez, Chi

6. Prince Fielder, Mil

7. Albert Pujols, Stl

8. Ryan Ludwick, Stl

9. Ryan Braun, Mil

10. David Wright, NY

I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.

This is an inexact science. With 10 names on the ballot, you could move guys around and drive yourself nuts putting them in the spot you feel is best. But that's the way I voted. In sheer offensive numbers, Pujols certainly is tough to beat, which is why it's understandable that he got so much support.

What do you wanna bet he only voted Howard over CC because he knew he would look even more like a raging and tried to retain some sort of integrity....I'm not saying that there aren't legitimate arguments for Howard, CC, and Manny. But why are Delgado, Ramirez and Fielder in the discussion ahead of Pujols?

i think its because he likes players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And he thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did.

 

[sho nuff]

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Brewers Blog

The Journal Sentinel sports staff brings fans the latest news and inside dope on the Brewers

Pujols is MVP; Braun 3rd, Sabathia 6th

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 17, 2008 |

St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols claimed his second NL MVP award today, collecting 18 of 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, with 12 first-place votes, finished second in the balloting, with 308 points to Pujols' 369 points. A player is awarded 14 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, 8 for third, etc.

Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun was third in the balloting with 139 points, one point ahead of Los Angeles left-fielder Manny Ramirez. Left-hander CC Sabathia was sixth with 121 despite playing only half a season with Milwaukee.

Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge, who didn't blow a save all year, claimed the other two first-place votes and finished eighth in the voting.

Pujols, who won even though St. Louis finished fourth in the NL Central, finished second in the NL with a .357 batting average to go with 37 homers, 116 RBI, 104 walks, a .462 on-base percentage, .653 slugging percentage and only 54 strikeouts in 633 plate appearances.

Howard led the majors with 46 homers and 146 RBI but also batted just .251 and struck out 199 times, second in the NL.

I had an MVP ballot and voted for Howard first because he almost single-handedly carried the Phillies to the playoffs by batting .352 with 11 homers and 32 RBI in September. I like to weight my voting to teams in the playoff hunt because I think that puts more pressure on players and separates the men from the boys. There's little pressure on players having big years if their teams aren't playing for anything at the end.

With the Cardinals finishing fourth, I voted Pujols seventh on my ballot. I don't consider MVP to be "the most outstanding player" award and therefore don't just go by who had the best stats. I like to credit players for lifting their teams to the post-season or at least keeping them in the race until the very end.

I understand that the Cardinals would not have been even close to the wild-card berth without Pujols, but I still like players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And I thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did. St. Louis did stay in the wild card race until mid-September, but mainly because the Brewers and Mets were gagging at the time.

It's a subjective vote and every writer has his own preferences. That's why I voted for Sabathia second and Ramirez third because even though they played in the league only half a season they were primarily responsible for putting their teams in the playoffs.

Here's the way I voted:

1. Ryan Howard, Phil

2. CC Sabathia, Mil

3. Manny Ramirez, LA

4. Carlos Delgado, NY

5. Aramis Ramirez, Chi

6. Prince Fielder, Mil

7. Albert Pujols, Stl

8. Ryan Ludwick, Stl

9. Ryan Braun, Mil

10. David Wright, NY

I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.

This is an inexact science. With 10 names on the ballot, you could move guys around and drive yourself nuts putting them in the spot you feel is best. But that's the way I voted. In sheer offensive numbers, Pujols certainly is tough to beat, which is why it's understandable that he got so much support.

What do you wanna bet he only voted Howard over CC because he knew he would look even more like a raging and tried to retain some sort of integrity....I'm not saying that there aren't legitimate arguments for Howard, CC, and Manny. But why are Delgado, Ramirez and Fielder in the discussion ahead of Pujols?

i think its because he likes players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And he thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did.

I think I read that somewhere.

 

[Capella]

Guy is a ####ing idiot. Amazing how dumb baseball writers are.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Guy is a ####ing idiot. Amazing how dumb baseball writers are.

Fielder over Braun?This guy is a complete moroon.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Link

Brewers Blog

The Journal Sentinel sports staff brings fans the latest news and inside dope on the Brewers

Pujols is MVP; Braun 3rd, Sabathia 6th

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 17, 2008 |

St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols claimed his second NL MVP award today, collecting 18 of 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, with 12 first-place votes, finished second in the balloting, with 308 points to Pujols' 369 points. A player is awarded 14 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, 8 for third, etc.

Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun was third in the balloting with 139 points, one point ahead of Los Angeles left-fielder Manny Ramirez. Left-hander CC Sabathia was sixth with 121 despite playing only half a season with Milwaukee.

Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge, who didn't blow a save all year, claimed the other two first-place votes and finished eighth in the voting.

Pujols, who won even though St. Louis finished fourth in the NL Central, finished second in the NL with a .357 batting average to go with 37 homers, 116 RBI, 104 walks, a .462 on-base percentage, .653 slugging percentage and only 54 strikeouts in 633 plate appearances.

Howard led the majors with 46 homers and 146 RBI but also batted just .251 and struck out 199 times, second in the NL.

I had an MVP ballot and voted for Howard first because he almost single-handedly carried the Phillies to the playoffs by batting .352 with 11 homers and 32 RBI in September. I like to weight my voting to teams in the playoff hunt because I think that puts more pressure on players and separates the men from the boys. There's little pressure on players having big years if their teams aren't playing for anything at the end.

With the Cardinals finishing fourth, I voted Pujols seventh on my ballot. I don't consider MVP to be "the most outstanding player" award and therefore don't just go by who had the best stats. I like to credit players for lifting their teams to the post-season or at least keeping them in the race until the very end.

I understand that the Cardinals would not have been even close to the wild-card berth without Pujols, but I still like players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And I thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did. St. Louis did stay in the wild card race until mid-September, but mainly because the Brewers and Mets were gagging at the time.

It's a subjective vote and every writer has his own preferences. That's why I voted for Sabathia second and Ramirez third because even though they played in the league only half a season they were primarily responsible for putting their teams in the playoffs.

Here's the way I voted:

1. Ryan Howard, Phil

2. CC Sabathia, Mil

3. Manny Ramirez, LA

4. Carlos Delgado, NY

5. Aramis Ramirez, Chi

6. Prince Fielder, Mil

7. Albert Pujols, Stl

8. Ryan Ludwick, Stl

9. Ryan Braun, Mil

10. David Wright, NY

I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.

This is an inexact science. With 10 names on the ballot, you could move guys around and drive yourself nuts putting them in the spot you feel is best. But that's the way I voted. In sheer offensive numbers, Pujols certainly is tough to beat, which is why it's understandable that he got so much support.

What do you wanna bet he only voted Howard over CC because he knew he would look even more like a raging and tried to retain some sort of integrity....I'm not saying that there aren't legitimate arguments for Howard, CC, and Manny. But why are Delgado, Ramirez and Fielder in the discussion ahead of Pujols?

i think its because he likes players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And he thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did.

I think I read that somewhere.

you mean like in the baseball forum?

 

[Bob Sacamano]

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Brewers Blog

The Journal Sentinel sports staff brings fans the latest news and inside dope on the Brewers

Pujols is MVP; Braun 3rd, Sabathia 6th

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 17, 2008 |

St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols claimed his second NL MVP award today, collecting 18 of 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, with 12 first-place votes, finished second in the balloting, with 308 points to Pujols' 369 points. A player is awarded 14 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, 8 for third, etc.

Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun was third in the balloting with 139 points, one point ahead of Los Angeles left-fielder Manny Ramirez. Left-hander CC Sabathia was sixth with 121 despite playing only half a season with Milwaukee.

Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge, who didn't blow a save all year, claimed the other two first-place votes and finished eighth in the voting.

Pujols, who won even though St. Louis finished fourth in the NL Central, finished second in the NL with a .357 batting average to go with 37 homers, 116 RBI, 104 walks, a .462 on-base percentage, .653 slugging percentage and only 54 strikeouts in 633 plate appearances.

Howard led the majors with 46 homers and 146 RBI but also batted just .251 and struck out 199 times, second in the NL.

I had an MVP ballot and voted for Howard first because he almost single-handedly carried the Phillies to the playoffs by batting .352 with 11 homers and 32 RBI in September. I like to weight my voting to teams in the playoff hunt because I think that puts more pressure on players and separates the men from the boys. There's little pressure on players having big years if their teams aren't playing for anything at the end.

With the Cardinals finishing fourth, I voted Pujols seventh on my ballot. I don't consider MVP to be "the most outstanding player" award and therefore don't just go by who had the best stats. I like to credit players for lifting their teams to the post-season or at least keeping them in the race until the very end.

I understand that the Cardinals would not have been even close to the wild-card berth without Pujols, but I still like players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And I thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did. St. Louis did stay in the wild card race until mid-September, but mainly because the Brewers and Mets were gagging at the time.

It's a subjective vote and every writer has his own preferences. That's why I voted for Sabathia second and Ramirez third because even though they played in the league only half a season they were primarily responsible for putting their teams in the playoffs.

Here's the way I voted:

1. Ryan Howard, Phil

2. CC Sabathia, Mil

3. Manny Ramirez, LA

4. Carlos Delgado, NY

5. Aramis Ramirez, Chi

6. Prince Fielder, Mil

7. Albert Pujols, Stl

8. Ryan Ludwick, Stl

9. Ryan Braun, Mil

10. David Wright, NY

I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.

This is an inexact science. With 10 names on the ballot, you could move guys around and drive yourself nuts putting them in the spot you feel is best. But that's the way I voted. In sheer offensive numbers, Pujols certainly is tough to beat, which is why it's understandable that he got so much support.

What do you wanna bet he only voted Howard over CC because he knew he would look even more like a raging and tried to retain some sort of integrity....I'm not saying that there aren't legitimate arguments for Howard, CC, and Manny. But why are Delgado, Ramirez and Fielder in the discussion ahead of Pujols?

i think its because he likes players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And he thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did.

With runners on base: Pujols hit .354; Howard hit .309
With runners in scoring position: Pujols hit .339, slugged .678; Howard hit .320, slugged .589
With runners in scoring position and 2 out: Pujols hit .326, slugged .791; Howard hit .322, slugged .522
In “Close and Late” game situations Pujols hit .314, slugged .600 and had an OBP of .444; Howard hit .158, slugged .337, and had .306 OBP
With a man on third with less than two outs, Howard hit .393 and struck out 8 times in 28 at bats. Pujols hit .538 and struck out 2 times in 26 at bats.Keep elevating your game in crunch time, Ryan. You do a bang-up job.

Albert's biggest sin in this MVP race was his inability to pitch the 7th-9th.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

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Brewers Blog

The Journal Sentinel sports staff brings fans the latest news and inside dope on the Brewers

Pujols is MVP; Braun 3rd, Sabathia 6th

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 17, 2008 |

St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols claimed his second NL MVP award today, collecting 18 of 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, with 12 first-place votes, finished second in the balloting, with 308 points to Pujols' 369 points. A player is awarded 14 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, 8 for third, etc.

Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun was third in the balloting with 139 points, one point ahead of Los Angeles left-fielder Manny Ramirez. Left-hander CC Sabathia was sixth with 121 despite playing only half a season with Milwaukee.

Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge, who didn't blow a save all year, claimed the other two first-place votes and finished eighth in the voting.

Pujols, who won even though St. Louis finished fourth in the NL Central, finished second in the NL with a .357 batting average to go with 37 homers, 116 RBI, 104 walks, a .462 on-base percentage, .653 slugging percentage and only 54 strikeouts in 633 plate appearances.

Howard led the majors with 46 homers and 146 RBI but also batted just .251 and struck out 199 times, second in the NL.

I had an MVP ballot and voted for Howard first because he almost single-handedly carried the Phillies to the playoffs by batting .352 with 11 homers and 32 RBI in September. I like to weight my voting to teams in the playoff hunt because I think that puts more pressure on players and separates the men from the boys. There's little pressure on players having big years if their teams aren't playing for anything at the end.

With the Cardinals finishing fourth, I voted Pujols seventh on my ballot. I don't consider MVP to be "the most outstanding player" award and therefore don't just go by who had the best stats. I like to credit players for lifting their teams to the post-season or at least keeping them in the race until the very end.

I understand that the Cardinals would not have been even close to the wild-card berth without Pujols, but I still like players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And I thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did. St. Louis did stay in the wild card race until mid-September, but mainly because the Brewers and Mets were gagging at the time.

It's a subjective vote and every writer has his own preferences. That's why I voted for Sabathia second and Ramirez third because even though they played in the league only half a season they were primarily responsible for putting their teams in the playoffs.

Here's the way I voted:

1. Ryan Howard, Phil

2. CC Sabathia, Mil

3. Manny Ramirez, LA

4. Carlos Delgado, NY

5. Aramis Ramirez, Chi

6. Prince Fielder, Mil

7. Albert Pujols, Stl

8. Ryan Ludwick, Stl

9. Ryan Braun, Mil

10. David Wright, NY

I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.

This is an inexact science. With 10 names on the ballot, you could move guys around and drive yourself nuts putting them in the spot you feel is best. But that's the way I voted. In sheer offensive numbers, Pujols certainly is tough to beat, which is why it's understandable that he got so much support.

What do you wanna bet he only voted Howard over CC because he knew he would look even more like a raging and tried to retain some sort of integrity....I'm not saying that there aren't legitimate arguments for Howard, CC, and Manny. But why are Delgado, Ramirez and Fielder in the discussion ahead of Pujols?

i think its because he likes players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And he thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did.

I think I read that somewhere.

you mean like in the baseball forum?

There's a baseball forum here? Holy crap!

 

[sho nuff]

Link

Brewers Blog

The Journal Sentinel sports staff brings fans the latest news and inside dope on the Brewers

Pujols is MVP; Braun 3rd, Sabathia 6th

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 17, 2008 |

St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols claimed his second NL MVP award today, collecting 18 of 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, with 12 first-place votes, finished second in the balloting, with 308 points to Pujols' 369 points. A player is awarded 14 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, 8 for third, etc.

Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun was third in the balloting with 139 points, one point ahead of Los Angeles left-fielder Manny Ramirez. Left-hander CC Sabathia was sixth with 121 despite playing only half a season with Milwaukee.

Philadelphia closer Brad Lidge, who didn't blow a save all year, claimed the other two first-place votes and finished eighth in the voting.

Pujols, who won even though St. Louis finished fourth in the NL Central, finished second in the NL with a .357 batting average to go with 37 homers, 116 RBI, 104 walks, a .462 on-base percentage, .653 slugging percentage and only 54 strikeouts in 633 plate appearances.

Howard led the majors with 46 homers and 146 RBI but also batted just .251 and struck out 199 times, second in the NL.

I had an MVP ballot and voted for Howard first because he almost single-handedly carried the Phillies to the playoffs by batting .352 with 11 homers and 32 RBI in September. I like to weight my voting to teams in the playoff hunt because I think that puts more pressure on players and separates the men from the boys. There's little pressure on players having big years if their teams aren't playing for anything at the end.

With the Cardinals finishing fourth, I voted Pujols seventh on my ballot. I don't consider MVP to be "the most outstanding player" award and therefore don't just go by who had the best stats. I like to credit players for lifting their teams to the post-season or at least keeping them in the race until the very end.

I understand that the Cardinals would not have been even close to the wild-card berth without Pujols, but I still like players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And I thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did. St. Louis did stay in the wild card race until mid-September, but mainly because the Brewers and Mets were gagging at the time.

It's a subjective vote and every writer has his own preferences. That's why I voted for Sabathia second and Ramirez third because even though they played in the league only half a season they were primarily responsible for putting their teams in the playoffs.

Here's the way I voted:

1. Ryan Howard, Phil

2. CC Sabathia, Mil

3. Manny Ramirez, LA

4. Carlos Delgado, NY

5. Aramis Ramirez, Chi

6. Prince Fielder, Mil

7. Albert Pujols, Stl

8. Ryan Ludwick, Stl

9. Ryan Braun, Mil

10. David Wright, NY

I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.

This is an inexact science. With 10 names on the ballot, you could move guys around and drive yourself nuts putting them in the spot you feel is best. But that's the way I voted. In sheer offensive numbers, Pujols certainly is tough to beat, which is why it's understandable that he got so much support.

What do you wanna bet he only voted Howard over CC because he knew he would look even more like a raging and tried to retain some sort of integrity....I'm not saying that there aren't legitimate arguments for Howard, CC, and Manny. But why are Delgado, Ramirez and Fielder in the discussion ahead of Pujols?

i think its because he likes players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. And he thought Ryan Ludwick had just as much to do with keeping the Cards in the hunt as Pujols did.

I think I read that somewhere.

you mean like in the baseball forum?

Or in the article in the first post.

 

[Mr.Pack]

I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.

This is a complete joke. The MVP isn't just for batting stats. Fielder couldn't field a groundball if it was sitting still in front of him.Fielder: AVG .276; OBP .372; Slugging .507; errors 17Braun: AVG .285; OBP .335; Slugging .553; errors 0Yea, Fielder meant more to this team than Braun./credibitlity

 

[TheFanatic]

What's funny, is I think that the guy that deserves consideration over Howard is CC. The guy was so lights out it was ridiculous. Howard had what, a 250 BA? 250?!?! Sure he had a great September, but are we to ignore the other 5 months of the season?

That being said, Fielder? Delgado? Aramis? Really? I understand the discussion of CC, Howard and Manny, but how in the world are these guys even in the conversation?

 

[Bob Sacamano]

What's funny, is I think that the guy that deserves consideration over Howard is CC. The guy was so lights out it was ridiculous. Howard had what, a 250 BA? 250?!?! Sure he had a great September, but are we to ignore the other 5 months of the season? That being said, Fielder? Delgado? Aramis? Really? I understand the discussion of CC, Howard and Manny, but how in the world are these guys even in the conversation?

I can see the argument for Lidge over any of them.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

What's funny, is I think that the guy that deserves consideration over Howard is CC. The guy was so lights out it was ridiculous. Howard had what, a 250 BA? 250?!?! Sure he had a great September, but are we to ignore the other 5 months of the season?

That being said, Fielder? Delgado? Aramis? Really? I understand the discussion of CC, Howard and Manny, but how in the world are these guys even in the conversation?

If you're going to do that, you might as well look JUST at how players impacted ONLY teams that made the playoffs. And if that's the case, it's a no-brainer who the MVP is from an offensive perspective. Down the stretch, in August and September, for playoff teams:.396-17-53 Manny

.276-18-51 Howard

And that doesn't even touch on the disparity in OBP and SLG. Or what CC did for the Brewers.

Even by the criteria of lifting a team down the stretch, Howard isn't the MVP.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Albert's biggest sin in this MVP race was his inability to pitch the 7th-9th.

If the Cardinals bullpen had been even average, the Cardinals would have made the playoffs, and Pujols would have won the MVP in a rout. Lidge blew ZERO saves for the Phillies. The Cardinals bullpen blew 33 saves, I think it was. So, basically, some are saying that Howard was more valuable than Pujols because his team had a much more reliable closer. Yep, that makes a whole lotta sense.

What's funny, is I think that the guy that deserves consideration over Howard is CC. The guy was so lights out it was ridiculous. Howard had what, a 250 BA? 250?!?! Sure he had a great September, but are we to ignore the other 5 months of the season? That being said, Fielder? Delgado? Aramis? Really? I understand the discussion of CC, Howard and Manny, but how in the world are these guys even in the conversation?

I can see the argument for Lidge over any of them.

Lidge was easily Philly's MVP. On my MVP ballot, he would have been top 3. Howard wouldn't have been top 5. Sorry, but a poor defensive fielder who hits .250 and strikes out almost 200 times is not an MVP, no matter how many HRs he hits.

 

[wadegarrett]

Tom Haudricourt is a joke. What a doosh.

And then there's this from '06...

"I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP," Pujols said...

LinkThink AP will give it back?

 

[Ghost Rider]

And then there's this from '06...

"I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP," Pujols said...

LinkThink AP will give it back?

Will Howard give the '06 award to Pujols (which Pujols should have won, anyway)? What about those years where Bonds won it when SF missed the playoffs, while the Cardinals made it and Pujols finished 2nd?

Didn't think so.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

And then there's this from '06...

"I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP," Pujols said...

LinkThink AP will give it back?

Will Howard give the '06 award to Pujols (which Pujols should have won, anyway)? What about those years where Bonds won it when SF missed the playoffs, while the Cardinals made it and Pujols finished 2nd?

Didn't think so.

This is a bad argument. You have to think a lot of that was sour grapes from Pujols and the frustration of some near-misses. Maybe he still feels the same way, although I doubt he'd admit as much in public. Maybe he sees this as vindication. Maybe he's self-centered and doesn't care, preferring to tailor the sentiment to whatever best fits his current situation.

Regardless, I don't think Albert's giving the award back anytime soon. In subjective decisions, there's always going to be room to complain and find reasons for the other guy. I'm not sure how much of a case anyone could make for him over Bonds, playoffs or not, though. Was it a tough break to be that good and trumped by the guy doing things nobody else had done before? Of course. But Bonds was no less deserving then than Albert is now.

 

[wadegarrett]

And then there's this from '06...

"I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP," Pujols said...

LinkThink AP will give it back?

Will Howard give the '06 award to Pujols (which Pujols should have won, anyway)? What about those years where Bonds won it when SF missed the playoffs, while the Cardinals made it and Pujols finished 2nd?

Didn't think so.

 

[CBus Alex]

I understand that the Cardinals would not have been even close to the wild-card berth without Pujols, but I still like players who elevate their game in crunch time and lift their teams to new heights. St. Louis did stay in the wild card race until mid-September, but mainly because the Brewers and Mets were gagging at the time.

2. CC Sabathia, Mil

4. Carlos Delgado, NY

6. Prince Fielder, Mil

7. Albert Pujols, Stl

 

[Ghost Rider]

And then there's this from '06...

"I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP," Pujols said...

LinkThink AP will give it back?

Will Howard give the '06 award to Pujols (which Pujols should have won, anyway)? What about those years where Bonds won it when SF missed the playoffs, while the Cardinals made it and Pujols finished 2nd?

Didn't think so.

This is a bad argument. You have to think a lot of that was sour grapes from Pujols and the frustration of some near-misses. Maybe he still feels the same way, although I doubt he'd admit as much in public. Maybe he sees this as vindication. Maybe he's self-centered and doesn't care, preferring to tailor the sentiment to whatever best fits his current situation.

Regardless, I don't think Albert's giving the award back anytime soon. In subjective decisions, there's always going to be room to complain and find reasons for the other guy. I'm not sure how much of a case anyone could make for him over Bonds, playoffs or not, though. Was it a tough break to be that good and trumped by the guy doing things nobody else had done before? Of course. But Bonds was no less deserving then than Albert is now.

I agree with most of that. Yes, Bonds was deserving those years, as Pujols was this year. Howard shouldn't have won it in '06, so I can see Pujols having been frustrated back then about losing out to a player on a non-playoff team that didn't even have as good a year as he had.

 

[Ghost Rider]

http://www.examiner.com/x-1359-St-Louis-Sp...gets-second-MVP

For the first time in three years, the Baseball Writers Association of America (BWAA) were able to put the lazy thinking mentality aside, and vote to give Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols the National League's most valuable player award. The easy decision could possible prove they are aware the game of baseball is more complex than home runs and runs batted in.

Pujols was awarded his second MVP of his career Monday afternoon, making him the first Domincan player to win more than one. He outscored the Phillies slugger Ryan Howard 369-308, also netting 18 of 32 first-place ballots.

While Pujols batted .357 with 37 home runs and 116 RBIs, Howard led the majors with 47 home runs and 146 RBIs. However, he batted for a lowly .251. If you look past the glitz and glamour of the most common numbers referred to as far as offense is concerned, it was far more of a lopsided win for Pujols.

Here is a breakdown of where each player ranked offensively in the NL:

Batting Average:

Pujols .357 - 2nd

Howard .251 - 60th

On Base Percentage:

Pujols . 462 - 2nd

Howard .339 - 49th

Slugging:

Pujols .653 - 1st

Howard .543 - 6th

OPS:

Pujols: 1.114 - 1st

Howard: .881 - 14th

Home Runs:

Pujols 37 - 4th

Howard 48 - 1st

RBIs:

Pujols 116 - 4th

Howard 146 - 1st

Hits:

Pujols 187 - 3rd

Howard 153 - 43rd

Should the MVP Award really go to a hitter who is unable to crack the top 50 in batting average? For as good as a long-ball hitter as Howard is, a .339 on-base percentage is just downright awful — no other words to use. He is unable to put the ball into play, which is another reason he came in second in the NL with strikeouts at 199. Howard had just over 600 at bats this past season, meaning he strikes out almost once for every three times he comes to the plate.

Here is Howard's breakdown for batting average and on-base percentage month-by-month:

Ryan Howard's Monthly Breakdown Batting Average On-Base Percentage

April/March .172 .297

May .238 .344

June .234 .287

July .213 .328

August .283 .379

Sept/Oct .352 .422

Take out the late season surge in offensive production, and most of the year, Howard hit for a .214 average with a .314 OBP. That is the guy many were making a case for the MVP?

St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist and 1380 am radio host Bernie Miklasz said it best on his radio show Monday. If you took the Cardinals and Phillies general managers out of the equation and asked the other 28 GMs who they would want to build their teams around if they had a vancancy at first base, who would they choose? It would be a lopsided vote of 28-0 in favor of Pujols.

The problem with bringing up Howard in comparison to Pujols is frustrating because Howard is not even one of the top two players on his team. Brad Lidge, who was a perfect 41 for 41 in save oppurtunities, and second baseman Chase Utley, a defensive whiz and solid hitter, are all better players than Howard.

It is comforting to know the BWAA decided not to penalize Pujols for having a bad bullpen, preventing the team from making the playoffs. The thinking of the lazy voter looks at just batting average, home runs, RBI's and if the player's team made the playoffs — the sexy pick. The thinking this time around justly gave the MVP to the league's best hitter.

 

[mr. furley]

i really don't get the problem with how people vote

it's subjective. wouldn't it kinda kill the point of the vote if people all voted the same way? or more or less the same way?

it's their opinion. how can you tell someone their opinion is wrong?

 

[Thunderlips]

610 was talking about this because there was a writer from Fredricksberg, MD who didn've have Howard in his top 10.....( he had Utley as I believe fourth.....and anyone who knows anything about baseball knows that Howard was more valuable to the Phillies playoff push than Utley). Apparently these guys vote like this so as to not give someone any additional votes. This guy wanted Howard as the MVP and voted Pujols seventh so as not to give him any higher points.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

i really don't get the problem with how people voteit's subjective. wouldn't it kinda kill the point of the vote if people all voted the same way? or more or less the same way?it's their opinion. how can you tell someone their opinion is wrong?

You're right.But his opinion is not.

 

[Kinetic]

610 was talking about this because there was a writer from Fredricksberg, MD who didn've have Howard in his top 10.....( he had Utley as I believe fourth.....and anyone who knows anything about baseball knows that Howard was more valuable to the Phillies playoff push than Utley). Apparently these guys vote like this so as to not give someone any additional votes. This guy wanted Howard as the MVP and voted Pujols seventh so as not to give him any higher points.

Without Utleys first half, PHI doesn't have to make a push, they would have been out of it.The award if for the full year, not just the last playoff push.

It can be argued the Utley was just as , if not more, valuable to the Phills as Howard.

 

[rockalum]

the mvp this year was utley for 3 months and howard for 1.

pujols did not deserve the MVP in my opinion. it is most VALUABLE player. are you telling me the cardinals couldn't have finished 4th without pujols? if he was that valuable, he would have had them closer to the division title. the phillies won the division and won the world series. (i know the postseason is irrelevant). pujols may very well be the best player in baseball. but that doesn't mean he deserves the mvp. that's why they have all-star teams and silver sluggers, etc.

it was a very odd year. the true MVPs were sabathia and manny. neither were in the nl long enough to earn the credit they deserved. manny at least got his team to the playoffs.

my two cents.

 

[curta269]

Tom Haudricourt is a joke. What a doosh.

And then there's this from '06...

"I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP," Pujols said...

LinkThink AP will give it back?

I don't feel like looking for the quote, but Pujols changed his mind on this. It was in a St. Louis Post Dispatch article the other day. He said that Howard did deserve the award, and "the writers were right in '06."

 

[curta269]

the mvp this year was utley for 3 months and howard for 1. pujols did not deserve the MVP in my opinion. it is most VALUABLE player. are you telling me the cardinals couldn't have finished 4th without pujols? if he was that valuable, he would have had them closer to the division title. the phillies won the division and won the world series. (i know the postseason is irrelevant). pujols may very well be the best player in baseball. but that doesn't mean he deserves the mvp. that's why they have all-star teams and silver sluggers, etc. it was a very odd year. the true MVPs were sabathia and manny. neither were in the nl long enough to earn the credit they deserved. manny at least got his team to the playoffs. my two cents.

Where do you think the Phillies would have finished without Howard? I think they still might have won the East. Now, if they hadn't of had Lidge, they definitely wouldn't have won. The Cardinals did not have a closer last year. The bullpen blew over 30 games. If you cut that in half, they would have made the playoffs. Pujols can't close games and play 1B too. Also, they were in contention until about 2 weeks left in the season. You take him off of that team, and you have the Pirates.