NL MVP pick........Surprised? Probably Not

Ok, so I didn't quite get this one done when I said I would, but I'm still getting it done before the awards are actually announced. This is my take on the National League Most Valuable Player race, and what my ballot would look like if I had a vote.

National League Most Valuable Player

Missing the Cut:

Manny Ramirez OF Dodgers
Put up great numbers in his time with the Dodgers, but wasn't there for long enough to garner an MVP vote from me

Carlos Delgado 1B Mets, Ryan Howard 1B Phillies
Both considered MVP candidates due to power numbers, but not even best candidates on their respective teams. In fact, there are 4 Mets I'd put ahead of Delgado (more on that soon) and 2 Phillies I'd put ahead of Howard.

Carlos Beltran OF Mets
One of the Mets I'd rank ahead of Delgado, when I finished making my list, I couldn't believe Beltran wasn't on it, but there wasn't anyone I'd replace him with. I guess that makes him my pick for 11th.

Any member of the Dodgers, Brewers, or Cubs
I know MVP candidates tend to come from winning teams, and these teams all made the playoffs. However, this year was odd (in both leagues) in that most of the good teams didn't really have any standout players. They were more of a team effort. Baseball isn't like basketball where one player can make a gigantic difference in record, it is much more individual. That can leave the playoff teams without an MVP candidate, while some non-playoff teams (including a team that choked a spot away again) with multiple candidates.

10. Tim Lincecum RHP Giants
Just think of the difference in the Giants odds of winning when he was pitching compared to when anyone else was. That's why he cracks this ballot.

9. Matt Holliday OF Rockies
Although not as good as last year when he could have legitimately won the award, still deserves a spot on the ballot, even if it is much lower.

8. Johan Santana LHP Mets
1b to Lincecum's 1a on my Cy Young ballot, gets higher spot on MVP ballot due to impressive performance down the stretch to keep Mets alive.

7. Jose Reyes SS Mets
6. David Wright 3B Mets
Mets had quite a few good players and these two were the best. It's not their fault that bullpen was bad.

5. Hanley Ramirez SS Marlins
Although he should win this award eventually, it isn't going to be this year.

4. Chipper Jones 3B Braves
Remember him? The 1999 MVP had one of the most impressive seasons of his career. If he could've stayed healthy, he would be higher on this list.

3. Lance Berkman 1B Astros
Started out strong before dropping off a bit, still among the best in the NL this year.

2. Chase Utley 2B Phillies
The best player on his team comes close to making it 3 straight MVPs for Phillies infielders, but can't beat out #1.

1. Albert Pujols 1B Cardinals
Simply the best player in the National League. As good as some of these other guys are, this one is no contest to me.

That's it for me, the AL MVP ballot will be up tomorrow. Think your favorite player was snubbed? Leave a comment.