If Ryan Howard wins his second MVP...

[RedsoxRockies]

So Howard was NL MVP in 2006 correct? But wait the Phillies didn't make the playoffs. But.... his team didn't make the playoffs so he can't win MVP get a better arguement you stupid newb, hey lets make Delgado MVP, He had a good 2 months! yay! lol typical NY fan.

If Howard steals another MVP away from Pujols it's gonn be a travesty. Pujols should already have 4 MVPs maybe 5, if the media wasn't falling all over Bonds in the early 2000's.

he is not really a newb, he has been here two years...

[Pavelb1]

Bonds was far and away the MVP in each year from 2001-2004, so it had nothing to do with the media "falling all over" him.

But Pujols did deserve the 2006 MVP, and arguably 2007 as well.

Wait wait wait....i admit i know nothing about the NL, so I had to look into why a guy with so many HR's and RBI's (and no I don't think RBI's OR wins should be tossed out the window, those opportunities have to be cashed in you know) shouldn't even merit consideration....and I agree he shouldn't be MVP this year.

BUT

In no way is 2006 a 'steal'. Very good BA, fantastic OBA, second in slugging, second in OPS, first in total bases, first in HR's missed Maris's record (yes it's still his) by three. First in times on base. Now maybe Pujols is right up there with him in 2006, but there's no way that's a 'steal'.

[HoustonGM]

In no way is 2006 a 'steal'. Very good BA, fantastic OBA, second in slugging, second in OPS, first in total bases, first in HR's missed Maris's record (yes it's still his) by three. First in times on base. Now maybe Pujols is right up there with him in 2006, but there's no way that's a 'steal'.

Howard hit .313/.425/.659 with 58 HR and 149 RBI, 167 OPS+. Pujols hit .331/.431/.671 with 49 HR and 137 RBI, 178 OPS+. You have to adjust for context to get a proper hold on their value. Pujols played in a neutral park, which maybe slightly favored pitchers. Howard's park was very favorable to hitter's.

Then, you also have to factor in defense. Pujols is the top defensive first basemen in the game. Howard is near the bottom of the league.

Better offense, once context is accounted for, and vastly superior defense, makes it not close. Howard won because he put up sexier counting numbers.