Comments on: Donovan McNabb Campaigns for Ryan Howard to be NL MVP

By: Gene

Gene — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:42:25 +0000

Another way to look at this issue is that the Cardinals will make every effort to keep Pujols under contract for his whole career. When I was in Philadelphia a month ago, even after Howard’s hot streak had begun, there was speculation in various quarters that the Phillies would not attempt to re-sign Howard in the off season. Enough said.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:16:36 +0000

I have to agree with McNabb that Howard is far and away the best power-hitter in the league. It’s astounding how much more pop that man has than ANYONE else. But, I’m for Pujols too. The difference between Pujols’ and Howard’s OPS (1.086, .872) is like the difference between Howard and Juan Pierre. Think about that.

By: SpinMax

SpinMax — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:07:49 +0000

Howard bats .250, Pujols bats .350.
Enough said.

By: Gene

Gene — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:11:52 +0000

I agree with you. Like reader Joe B., I think Pujols is the best player in baseball. He cannot help it that he doesn’t pitch, and he cannot help it that he gets intentional walks and is pitched around in key situations. Pujols is also a much more accomplished fielder than Howard, and that should count for something.

Howard has had a great September, but so has Manny. If McNabb discounts the fact that Manny was only there half a season, then he should subtract many points from Howard for being there for the first half season, but not really “showing up”.

Bottom line is that there are no real guidelines for MVP and the media votes for their favorite player or for the “flavor of the year”. For example, Ernie Banks won back to back MVP’s for the second division Cubs in the late 1950’s, but the media did not give Ted Williams the MVP either time he won the triple crown (1942 and 1947). In fact, they gave the 1947 MVP to Joe DiMaggio, who missed the first half of the season with a foot injury. Go figure.

By: Joe B

Joe B — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:39:43 +0000

I think it all has to do with the definition of MVP. Is Pujols the best player in the National League? Aboslutely. In fact, he’s the best player in baseball in my opinion. But this year, the most valuable? Hard to say.

Now, I am a Phillies fan, but I actually would vote for Pujols. However, if you want to look at it this way, in a value sense, if you take Pujols off the Cards, they still are a team that won’t make the playoffs. You take Howard off the Phils, especially in September, and they are in third place in the division, not in the driver’s seat for the playoffs. Interesting argument that happens every year. But I’d trade Howard for Pujols in a second. But not many other players.