[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

How come nobody considers Ryan Howard when selecting their prediction of the NL MVP? He has the most impressive statistics in this Awards contest and can compare to David Ortiz's in the American League. It think it would be correct to give every athlete a fair chance to win an award, even though they may not get any votes.

Because the Phillies aren't going anywhere. It leads to that same old argument that we've heard a million times. About a player being the best or most valuable.

[MJHMarc]

I have participated in plenty of those debates before, ThePundit. But thanks for reminding us about that wise quote which leads to moments of deep thoughts. I think it is still a little to early to call this close MVP race because with a month or so left, anything can happen. For example, David Ortiz currently has 46 homeruns thus far this season. In September, he could go wild and hit 15 homeruns which would give him a total of 61. Not that I'm sure it is going to happen, but then he would definitely be named MVP even though Manny Ramirez is on his team. So personally, I don't think it makes a different if a player has the support of other sluggers. As you know these brillant numbers are catergorized as individual statistics.

[paulguenther]

My vote for NL MVP goes to Ryan Howard. Almost 50 HR already with a month to go...and the guys clean. Just natural size and strength, with the vast majority of his homers being oposite field shots. 140+ RBI and almost a .300 ba. I think he wins it, especially if the phils make the wild card.

[ThePundit]

Welcome to GoTeamGo paulguenther. I think I've changed my mind and agree with you. Howard is so dominant, I would vote for him .

[EmpireWF]

I'd assume Howard gets it (assuming Phillies make the playoffs) and the only case for Carlos Beltran is:

-Better team, best record in league (and Majors)
-More Runs, SBs
-Less Strikeouts
-Better defense

But MVP voters tend to count the power numbers a lot.

[azrael492]

My vote would also go to Howard even if his team doesn't go to the post season. I don't know why a team has to go to the playoffs for consideration. Imagine what this team would be like if Howard was not on this team. The Phils traded away players because they thought they were out of contention. Howard picked up his play and carried them to where they are now.