Interesting link, holden, thanks. If I weren't so cheap, I'd subscribe. I could read the opening of it, a very compelling argument. Also, apologies for leaving out Cabrera, he definitely deserves mention. (I love this clip of him not accepting an IBB. Kids, don't try that at home.) I love watching Chase Utley play, but Ryan Howard is the best Phillie to this point this year. Utley went nuts in July, but came back to earth with a rough August (.246BA, .320OBP, .307 SLG) I'm not very schooled on VORP and WARP. I know what they mean, but I don't have enough experience using them to compare players. For example, do they get skewed by position? Like this case, comapring Utley to Howard, or a 1st baseman to a 2nd baseman? Doesn't that have an effect if one position is strong throughout a league (1B) and the other is pretty weak (2B)? Or is it adjusted? To me, Pujols' most amazing number is simply his 39 strike outs. Howard's inexperience does show in his fielding as he has 14 errors. And I assume that significantly costs him in the sabermetric stats. But boy does he crush the ball. Center field, upper deck at RFK.
Pujols is simply the best hitter on the planet. Howard, given his age and his astronomical early production could well be a peer of his for some time. But Pujols OBP, OPS, VORP, and Win Shares (not to mention the homers, RBI and average) are just untouchable. He is your NL MVP - even if for some reason of NY inanity Beltran wins it. Howard seems to me to be a third place finisher in this race - but there is little doubt that he'll be in there for years to come. And he seems, well, nice.
Pujols...untouchable? There just so happens to be a guy that wears #15 for the New York Mets named Carlos Beltran, has anyone heard of this guy? Beltran is having a great year and his team is in first place. Not only first place but the best win-loss record in the league. I think Pujols just got touched, or is it torched by who else, the New York Mets Carlos Beltran. 2006 NL MVP
Very compelling argument. He wears 15, and his team is in first place. Whelp, guess that settles that. Howard's actually a couple months older than Pujols. It's easy to forget Pujols is only 26. He would get my vote, though Cabrera is a close second.
But Pujols OBP, OPS, VORP, and Win Shares (not to mention the homers, RBI and average) are just untouchable. The missed games might hurt Pujols' chances. As well, if they stumble and the Reds pass them for the division title, many voters will (rightly or wrongly) flip their vote to Beltran.
Anyone see Pujols and Howard's 3 HR games? That was an amazing display of power and good hitting. If the Phillies make the playoffs, the Ryan Howard is my MVP. If not, the I think I would give the nod to Albert.
On Monday, Howard led off the bottom of the ninth of a tied ballgame. The Astros intentionally walked him. Of course, when Pat Burrell's protecting you there isn't much incentive... Good column today on Howard chasing 60 homers.
