The debacle that is the 2008 NL MVP

What a great finish to the regular season. And as we take a quick breathe before the playoffs begin I am left pondering - who is going to win the NL MVP this year. This is a strange year. I think there are really 5 candidates for NL MVP (my apologies to those of you in the Johann Santana camp). I see the race between Pujols, Berkman, Howard, Manny, and CC.

You can break this race into three different groups.

1. The amazing numbers, but subpar team group - Pujols and Berkman. Both had amazing seasons, but both teams ended up a bit short of a playoff run. There is some precedent for MVPs coming from non-playoff teams, but its not very often.

2. The allow me to carry my team in September after having a subpar year group - Howard. Ryan Howard's final numbers are very impressive, but voters are overly impressed with two things September play and home runs. Howard has both of these in spades. It is true if he wasn't carrying the Phillies in September the Mets would have likely won the NL east, but if Chase Utely and Pat Burrell didn't pick up the slack in earlier months - the Phils would have been the fish. And at the end of the day, I am not ok with an MVP who hit 0.245

3. The trade deadline pickup group - Manny and CC. Neither player was a member of the NL when the season began, however both were intrigal parts to the Dodgers and Brewers making the playoffs. Can you win an MVP by playing only half a season? If either guy was putting up these numbers in this league all year, it would be a two horse race. CC has the added trouble of being a pitcher.

Verdict: Look Pujols and Berkman both had great years and Howard had a great September in a pennant race. But if we look at the term Most Valuable Player - it has to be CC. Everyone else on the Brewers (with the possible exception of Prince Fielder) were folding like tents while CC demanded the ball and pitched like it was the dead ball era. I don't think he will win MVP, but I truly believe he was the most valuable player in the NL this season. Try to imagine where the Brewers are without him, they are the Cardinals - and that is why CC gets the nod over Pujols.

I like to picture the conversation between CC and his agent in September

Agent: CC - you have gone 8-0 for the Brewers, but I am getting worried about all these complete games. What do you think about resting a bit in September?

CC: Give me the ball!

Agent: CC, we are going to sign over 100 million dollar contract - you can be a Yankee, or an Angel, or a Met, but you have to stay healthy!

CC: Give me the ball!

Agent: Look CC the Brewers are just using you. They know they won't re-sign you next year so they want to over-work your arm the rest of the season. Look what they have done to Ben Sheets.

CC: Give me the ball!