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It's been over a month since my last MVP Watch and to my surprise not much has changed, although I do have a new #1 in each league. Chase Utley hasn't played since breaking his hand on July 26th so he lost the #1 spot by default but he's still hanging on in the Top 5 for the moment. David Wright has been red hot since the break and has made the biggest jump. To no surprise at Albert Pujols is making a serious MVP run yet again. What is amazing about the current N.L. MVP race is that the two best players in the N.L. right now play for a team that is nine games under .500, that being of Hanley Ramirez and Miguel Cabrera of the Marlins. Neither has any shot at winning the real award but they are a cut above the competition at the moment. And finally...Eric Byrnes still leads in the N.L. in Win Shares! I continue to be baffled by this unless he really has become a great defensive outfielder rather than the "one great diving play, misplay the next five" outfielder he was with the A's but I find this hard to believe. Win Shares is the only reason I'm bothering to keep him in the Top 10. 10. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks .301/.367/.494, 82 RC, 117 OPS+, .289 EQA, 35.6 VORP, 24.7 Win Shares 9. Barry Bonds, Giants .280/.495/.589, 79 RC, 183 OPS+, .367 EQA, 51.3 VORP, 18.2 Win Shares 8. Matt Holliday, Rockies .338/.399/.581, 88 RC, 146 OPS+, .314 EQA, 50.9 VORP, 19.9 Win Shares 7. Prince Fielder, Brewers .284/.380/.609, 89 RC, 154 OPS+, .319 EQA, 49.7 VORP, 20.9 Win Shares 6. Jose Reyes, Mets .304/.377/.453, 92 RC, 121 OPS+, .295 EQA, 48.2 VOPR, 22.6 Win Shares 5. Chase Utley, Phillies .336/.414/.581, 84 RC, 154 OPS+, .327 EQA, 55.0 VORP, 21.0 Win Shares 4. Albert Pujols, Cardinals .317/.419/.550, 89 RC, 154 OPS+, .327 EQA, 49.9 VORP, 24.0 Win Shares 3. David Wright, Mets .310/.398/.521, 95 RC, 144 OPS+, .319 EQA, 51.6 VORP, 23.6 Win Shares 2. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins .343/.395/.578, 102 RC, 157 OPS+, .325 EQA, 71.1 VORP, 22.9 Win Shares 1. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .334/.414/.616, 106 RC, 171 OPS+, .340 EQA, 65.5 VORP, 24.4 Win Shares In the A.L. it has gone to sort of being a four player race to a definitive two player race. Magglio Ordonez still hasn't fallen off a cliff which makes me think we're close to someone starting a steroid rumor about him. Speaking of steroid rumors, A-Rod grabs the top spot this time around but it is pretty much a toss up at this point. Ichiro Suzuki and Vladimir Guerrero hung tough through the first half and are still solidily in Top 5 but they have fallen off the Maggs/A-Rod pace. The rest of the Top 10 is a mess and you could jumble it several different ways without getting an argument out of me. 10. David Ortiz, Red Sox .311/.424/.543, 86 RC, 152 OPS+, .315 EQA, 49.6 VORP, 17.2 Win Shares 9. Jorge Posada, Yankees .334/.416/.531, 75 RC, 154 OPS+, .316 EQA, 52.6 VORP, 17.4 Win Shares 8. Curtis Granderson, Tigers .293/.351/.543, 84 RC, 134 OPS+, .295 EQA, 43.5 VORP, 19.7 Win Shares 7. Grady Sizemore, Indians .278/.382/.465, 93 RC, 126 OPS+, .291 EQA, 39.1 VORP, 22.9 Win Shares 6. Brian Roberts, Orioles .313/.397/.461, 89 RC, 128 OPS+, .302 EQA, 48.6 VORP, 20.7 Win Shares 5. Victor Martinez, Indians .301/.374/.505, 81 RC, 133 OPS+, .295 EQA, 42.2 VORP, 22.9 Win Shares 4. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels .319/.404/.531, 95 RC, 151 OPS+, .311 EQA, 46.0 VORP, 24.3 Win Shares 3. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners .347/.396/.431, 99 RC, 125 OPS+, .299 EQA, 49.6 VORP, 25.8 Win Shares 2. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers .356/.430/.595, 114 RC, 169 OPS+, .337 EQA, 65.3 VORP, 26.8 Win Shares 1. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees .305/.412/.630, 117 RC, 177 OPS+, .334 EQA, 68.0 VORP, 26.1 Win Shares

It's the All-Star Break so might as well give out some mideason awards. I honestly haven't paid much attention to the Cy Young or Rookie of the Year races this year and when I did I realized I made a mistake on my last MVP Watch. National League Midseason Awards Starting of course with the MVP, since my last MVP Watch was just 10 days there isn't going to be much change. But there was a major change on the N.L. side as after dropping out of the Top 10 last time in this short span Hanley Ramirez has been on fire and makes a huge jump back into the race which also goes to show you how wide open the N.L. race is. To go along with Miguel Cabrera it is amazing that a team that his five games under .500 has two legit MVP candidates going into the break but neither has prayer for the writer's award if the Marlins don't make a second half run. The other major change was after looking at the Cy Young race I decided I overrated Brad Penny last time around so he's out of the Top 10. Other than that very little change, Chase Utley holds the top spot going into the break, Barry Bonds is slowly moving back up the rankings, and Prince Fielder continues to slowly move down the rankings. I'm going to start losing faith in Win Shares though if it continues to think Eric Byrnes has been the MVP on the N.L. 10. Edgar Renteria, Braves .319/.384/.481, 63 RC, 130 OPS+, .304 EQA, 32.7 VORP, 15.6 Win Shares 9. Albert Pujols, Cardinals .310/.411/.516, 61 RC, 146 OPS+, .319 EQA, 28.6 VORP, 16.3 Win Shares 8. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks .306/.363/.496, 60 RC, 119 OPS+, .288 EQA, 25.4 VORP, 17.8 Win Shares 7. Russell Martin, Dodgers .306/.374/.492, 60 RC, 125 OPS+, .300 EQA, 32.1 VORP, 17.0 Win Shares 6. Prince Fielder, Brewers .284/.376/.620, 64 RC, 158 OPS+, .321 EQA, 35.5 VORP, 14.8 Win Shares 5. Jose Reyes, Mets .307/.387/.439, 65 RC, 123 OPS+, .299 EQA, 35.2 VORP, 16.8 Win Shares 4. Barry Bonds, Giants .295/.512/.589, 64 RC, 191 OPS+, .379 EQA, 41.6 VORP, 15.7 Win Shares 3. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins .331/.388/.538, 68 RC, 148 OPS+, .318 EQA, 45.1 VORP, 16.0 Win Shares 2. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .324/.393/.576, 70 RC, 158 OPS+, .327 EQA, 39.5 VORP, 16.9 Win Shares 1. Chase Utley, Phillies .325/.401/.571, 69 RC, 151 OPS+, .322 EQA, 42.7 VORP, 17.4 Win Shares On to N.L. Cy Young, even though it is a close race it is hard to go against Jake Peavy at the moment. This was a really easy list to come up with as there's big drop off after the Top 3. Note Win Shares listed are pitching only. 3. Chris Young, Padres 202 ERA+, 2.75 K/BB, 1.06 WHIP, 35.6 VORP, 11.1 Win Shares 2. Brad Penny, Dodgers 183 ERA+, 2.42 K/BB, 1.19 WHIP, 41.7 VORP, 14.2 Win Shares 1. Jake Peavy, Padres 184 ERA+, 3.68 K/BB, 1.06 WHIP, 42.7 VORP, 12.6 Win Shares N.L. Rookie of the Year is probably the easiest race to pick a winner at the moment as Hunter Pence is dusting the field. The question right now is if Ryan Braun got too late of the start to make a serious run but he takes the #2 spot despite having only 179 plate appearances. I went with Troy Tulowitzki over Josh Hamilton for the last spot simply due to Tulowitzki being really the only every day rookie in the N.L. since Opening Day and playing a pretty good shortstop for the Rockies. 3. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies .286/.358/.432, 40 RC, 103 OPS+, .268 EQA, 14.3 VORP, 10.1 Win Shares 2. Ryan Braun, Brewers .350/.391/.663, 39 RC, 173 OPS+, .341 EQA, 27.2 VORP, 10.4 Win Shares 1. Hunter Pence, Astros .342/.367/.589, 49 RC, 146 OPS+, .313 EQA, 30.7 VORP, 11.7 Win Shares AMERICAN LEAGUE MIDSEASON AWARDS Hardly any change at all from 10 days ago beyond dropping Dan Haren out of the Top 10. It continues to very much be a four player race but I still think there's little chance Magglio Ordonez holds down the top spot at the end of the year but I've yet not have him at #1. 10. Orlando Cabrera, Angels .328/.366/.444, 58 RC, 118 OPS+, .282 EQA, 29.0 VORP, 18.4 Win Shares 9. Derek Jeter, Yankees .336/.408/.463, 71 RC, 136 OPS+, .294 EQA, 33.4 VORP, 15.5 Win Shares 8. Gary Sheffield, Tigers .303/.410/.560, 74 RC, 155 OPS+, .320 EQA, 38.2 VORP, 15.3 Win Shares 7. David Ortiz, Red Sox .314/.434/.556, 65 RC, 159 OPS+, .323 EQA, 38.5 VORP, 13.9 Win Shares 6. Grady Sizemore, Indians .280/.393/.471, 72 RC, 131 OPS+, .301 EQA, 35.8 VORP, 18.6 Win Shares 5. Victor Martinez, Indians .324/.382/.553, 68 RC, 148 OPS+, .309 EQA, 38.7 VORP, 19.9 Win Shares 4. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners .359/.410/.459, 77 RC, 137 OPS+, .311 EQA, 44.0 VORP, 21.1 Win Shares 3. Vladmir Guerrero, Angels .325/.416/.547, 75 RC, 158 OPS+, .321 EQA, 39.6 VORP, 21.6 Win Shares 2. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees .317/.413/.665, 86 RC, 186 OPS+, .341 EQA, 54.5 VORP, 18.8 Win Shares 1. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers .367/.446/.604, 84 RC, 177 OPS+, .346 EQA, 52.6 VORP, 20.0 Win Shares For A.L. Cy Young Dan Haren is the easy choice for now but he's starting to comeback down to earth and in the end it will probably be once again Johan Santana's award to lose. One thing of note for both leagues with the whining by the media last year with their being no 20 game winners the writers will be falling over themselves to give the award to a 20 game winner this time around even if there are clearly better pitchers out there (C.C. Sabathia I'm looking at you). 3. Mark Buehrle, White Sox 149 ERA+, 3.18 K/BB, 1.10 WHIP, 34.7 VORP, 12.6 Win Shares 2. Johan Santana, Twins 161 ERA+, 4.17 K/BB, 1.03 WHIP, 38.0 VORP, 11.8 Win Shares 1. Dan Haren, A's 191 ERA+, 3.16 K/BB, 1.00 WHIP, 43.2 VORP, 14.1 Win Shares Now for some CONTROVERSY~! Well not for the top spot as I think Jeremy Guthrie is clear choice for Rookie of the Year in the A.L. at the moment. But as you'll see there is no Daisuke Matsuzaka or Hideki Okajima on the list. I've said it before and I'll say it again, veteran players from Japan are not true rookies and should not be eligible for the ROY. That's just my opinion and right or wrong it isn't going to change. 3. Reggie Willits, Angels .312/.408/.368, 40 RC, 113 OPS+, .288 EQA, 15.8 VORP, 9.8 Win Shares 2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox .318/.400/.450, 43 RC, 124 OPS+, .287 EQA, 19.9 VORP, 11.4 Win Shares 1. Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles 159 ERA+, 4.00 K/BB, 0.91 WHIP, 32.5 VORP, 9.8 Win Shares

It's safe to say that the N.L. MVP race this year may end up being as wide open as the A.L. MVP race was most of last season. After never having a different #1 last season, I now place a 3rd different player at the top spot for this entry. I really didn't see it coming but the new #1 was the slam dunk choice this time around although I'm not sure if the media has noticed yet. For the rest of the list, Brad Penny rockets into the Top 5 and we'll see if he'll avoid a second straight, second half burnout. The previous #1 Prince Fielder is starting to level off which had to be expected but I think he'll keep himself in the Top 10 during the year. And my wire-to-wire MVP from last year Albert Pujols makes his first appearance in the Top 10 this season although he's still quite up to his usual level of greatness. Fantasy tip: If you have Edgar Renteria in your league sell now! 10. Edgar Renteria, Braves .328/.386/.502, 55 RC, 137 OPS+, .311 EQA, 30.9 VORP, 13.8 Win Shares 9. Albert Pujols, Cardinals .298/.401/.527, 54 RC, 147 OPS+, .318 EQA, 24.3 VORP, 15.1 Win Shares 8. Russell Martin, Dodgers .299/.365/.480, 51 RC, 121 OPS+, .294 EQA, 25.7 VOPR, 14.9 Win Shares 7. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks .315/.368/.514, 54 RC, 125 OPS+, .294 EQA, 25.8 VORP, 16.3 Win Shares 6. Barry Bonds, Giants .294/.504/.578, 55 RC, 187 OPS+, .373 EQA, 35.4 VORP, 13.2 Win Shares 5. Prince Fielder, Brewers .282/.372/.622, 59 RC, 158 OPS+, .320 EQA, 31.2 VORP, 14.1 Win Shares 4. Brad Penny, Dodgers 213 ERA+, 2.50 K/BB, 1.13 WHIP, 41.6 VORP, 14.7 Win Shares 3. Jose Reyes, Mets .314/.395/.447, 60 RC, 129 OPS+, .299 EQA, 32.5 VORP, 15.9 Win Shares 2. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .326/.392/.594, 64 RC, 163 OPS+, .330 EQA, 37.1 VORP, 15.5 Win Shares 1. Chase Utley, Phillies .331/.413/.586, 62 RC, 159 OPS+, .331 EQA, 41.2 VORP, 17 Win Shares It was about this time I thought Magglio Ordonez's shocking ressurection would be coming to an end but he's still holding the top spot over some very stiff competition. Ichiro's contract year goodness continues as he's seemingly on his way the best year of Major League career and if the Mariners continue to not suck a second writer's MVP could very well be in his future along with a $20 million/year contract. Alex Rodriguez continues to hold strong even if the Yankees are holding him back. 10. Orlando Cabrera, Angels .334/.372/.446, 51 RC, 120 OPS+, .285 EQA, 28.6 VORP, 16 Win Shares 9. Derek Jeter, Yankees .343/.418/.483, 66 RC, 143 OPS+, .300 EQA, 32.5 VORP, 14.8 Win Shares 8. David Ortiz, Red Sox .319/.433/.573, 59 RC, 162 OPS+, .322 EQA, 35.0 VORP, 13.5 Win Shares 7. Grady Sizemore, Indians .281/.395/.471, 63 RC, 131 OPS+, .302 EQA, 33.6 VORP, 16 Win Shares 6. Victor Martinez, Indians .318/.379/.536, 60 RC, 142 OPS+, .304 EQA, 31.9 VORP, 16.7 Win Shares 5. Dan Haren, A's 224 ERA+, 3.21 K/BB, 0.94 WHIP, 44.6 VORP, 13.9 Win Shares 4. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels .330/.424/.565, 67 RC, 165 OPS+, .325 EQA, 39.2 VORP, 18.6 Win Shares 3. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees .331/.429/.694, 79 RC, 198 OPS+, .350 EQA, 54.9 VORP, 17.4 Win Shares 2. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners .364/.419/.466, 72 RC, 141 OPS+, .316 EQA, 42.9 VORP, 20.2 Win Shares 1. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers .377/.453/.634, 80 RC, 185 OPS+, .352 EQA, 52.8 VORP, 19.2 Win Shares

Well Jose Reyes will not repeat Albert Pujols' feat last season of leading the race wire to wire, then losing the real MVP, but he's not far from the now much fatter top spot. To no surprise at all J.J Hardy's fast start has come crashing down to earth and he is no where to be seen this time around after competing for the top spot last time. Barry Bonds has also cooled off but his rate stats are still way too good to leave out of the Top 10. Russell Martin might be this year's Joe Mauer and I can only hope all around spaz Eric Byrnes' numbers fall off a cliff like they normally do. Also of note the Marlins lead the way in both leagues with three players in the Top 10 but mediocre pitching from both their rotation and bullpen have done them in so far. 10. Josh Willingham, Marlins .267/.373/.475, 52 RC, 131 OPS+, .305 EQA, 15.6 VORP, 12.2 Win Shares 9. Barry Bonds, Giants .282/.488/.564, 43 RC, 181 OPS+, .365 EQA, 24.5 VORP, 10.3 Win Shares 8. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks .313/.375/.512, 40 RC, 129 OPS+, .302 EQA, 21.8 VORP, 12.1 Win Shares 7. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins .321/.391/.496, 45 RC, 141 OPS+, .312 EQA, 27.9. VORP, 10.5 Win Shares 6. Chase Utley, Phillies .302/.383/.551, 41 RC, 144 OPS+, .314 EQA, 25.3 VORP, 11.3 Win Shares 5. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres .296/.358/.514, 51 RC, 138 OPS+, .308 EQA, 17.6 VORP, 12.6 Win Shares 4. Russell Martin, Dodgers .297/.367/.474, 40 RC, 122 OPS+, .299 EQA, 20.6 VORP, 12.9 Win Shares 3. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .330/.398/.590, 49 RC, 167 OPS+, .329 EQA, 27.6 VORP, 12.0 Win Shares 2. Jose Reyes, Mets .308/.394/.453, 50 RC, 132 OPS+, .304 EQA, 27.1 VORP, 14.0 Win Shares 1. Prince Fielder, Brewers .294/.381/.645, 52 RC, 169 OPS+, .332 EQA, 29.4 VORP, 13.5 Win Shares Magglio Ordonez still holds down the top spot in the A.L. but Vladimir Guerrero is right on his tail and A-Rod isn't too behind as well. There's a big drop off those three with the rest of the pack featuring Ichiro Suzuki making a potential MVP run just in time for free agency. Only thing else of note is that I will have all of Dan Haren's babies if he continues to pitch this way all season. 10. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox .338/.426/.529, 48 RC, 151 OPS+, .314 EQA, 27.0 VORP, 10.9 Win Shares 9. David Ortiz, Red Sox .330/.444/.599, 50 RC, 173 OPS+, .336 EQA, 34.0 VORP, 11.0 Win Shares 8. Victor Martinez, Indians .322/.382/.551, 48 RC, 148 OPS+. .308 EQA, 24.4 VORP, 13.6 Win Shares 7. Dan Haren, A's 272 ERA+, 3.62 K/BB, 0.86 WHIP, 36.0 VORP, 12.0 Win Shares 6. Orlando Cabrera, Angels .333/.379/.449, 43 RC, 125 OPS+, .286 EQA, 23.0 VORP, 14.6 Win Shares 5. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners .336/.388/.449, 52 RC, 128 OPS+, .298 EQA, 25.9 VORP, 13.2 Win Shares 4. Grady Sizemore, Indians .283/.400/.485, 52 RC, 138 OPS+, .302 EQA, 25.2 VORP, 13.8 Win Shares 3. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees .300/.400/.648, 58 RC, 179 OPS+, .330 EQA, 35.2 VORP, 13.2 Win Shares 2. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels .341/.444/.589, 57 RC, 178 OPS+, .342 EQA, 37.2 VORP, 16.0 Win Shares 1. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers .367/.439/.668, 61 RC, 191 OPS+, .349 EQA, 41.9 VORP, 14.4 Win Shares

Finally I have an excuse to update this dying blog as HardballTimes.com has release the first Win Shares of the year and I know you are all excited. Okay maybe not, but it least allows me to take my first look of the year at the MVP races in both leagues. Being that we're less than two months into the season you have to take most things so far with a grain of salt. Taking a look back at my first MVP Watch from last year only two players from each league were in my final fictional MVP ballot (Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman in the N.L. and Jim Thome, Travis Hafner in the A.L.). Last season Pujols led the N.L. race wire to wire in my view but he of course lost out to Ryan Howard in the real vote. This year Pujols is off to a very slow start by his standards and is no where in the early MVP picture. Right now it is three players vying for the top spot in Barry Bonds, J.J. Hardy, and Jose Reyes. Hardy's fast start seems a bit fluky but Bonds and Reyes could both certainly be in the race the whole year. 10. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .316/.399/.536, 36 RC, 154 OPS+, .328 EQA, 19.4 VORP, 8.4 Win Shares 9. Carlos Beltran, Mets .301/.385/.523, 34 RC, 147 OPS+, .316 EQA, 19.0 VORP, 8.9 Win Shares 8. Russell Martin, Dodgers .314/.390/.468, 35 RC, 128 OPS+, .308 EQA, 16.7 VORP, 11.4 Win Shares 7. Todd Helton, Rockies .361/.480/.538, 35 RC, 166 OPS+, .348 EQA, 23.5 VORP, 9.3 Win Shares 6. Prince Fielder, Brewers .287/.370/.586, 38 RC, 153 OPS+, .313 EQA, 18.0 VORP, 10.2 Win Shares 5. Jake Peavy, Padres 235 ERA+, 4.05 K/BB, 0.98 WHIP, 25.3 VORP, 8.3 Win Shares 4. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins .344/.420/.557, 36 RC, 166 OPS+, .341 EQA, 28.7 VORP, 9.2 Win Shares 3. J.J. Hardy, Brewers .311/.353/.595, 39 RC, 150 OPS+, .310 EQA, 21.5 VORP, 12.4 Win Shares 2. Barry Bonds, Giants .282/.503/.618, 36 RC, 200 OPS+, .381 EQA, 22.5 VORP, 10.4 Win Shares 1. Jose Reyes, Mets .313/.392/.484, 38 RC, 140 OPS+, .315 EQA, 23.7 VORP, 11.5 Win Shares In the A.L. last year there was the MVP race was a complete debacle...as I picked Derek Jeter as my clear choice for MVP and the world stood still. Oh and Justin Morneau won the real MVP despite being the 3rd best player on his own team. Jeter is off to great start and is in the Top 5 but the #1 spot at the moment was an easy choice although certainly not someone you would have thought of coming into the season. Might raise some eyebrows with two Yankees above two Red Sox on the ballot at the moment but it really gives you an idea of how bad the Yankees have been beyond A-Rod and Jeter. 10. Grady Sizemore, Indians .270/.393/.454, 36 RC, 129 OPS+, .308 EQA, 18.0 VORP, 10.0 Win Shares 9. B.J. Upton, Devil Rays .309/.391/.550, 32 RC, 146 OPS+, .314 EQA, 18.3 VORP, 10.4 Win Shares 8. Orlando Cabrera, Angels .312/.360/.435, 32 RC, 116 OPS+, .281 EQA, 15.5 VORP, 11.3 Win Shares 7. Curtis Granderson, Tigers .286/.347/.583, 36 RC, 144 OPS+, .305 EQA, 19.6 VORP, 9.9 Win Shares 6. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox .347/.429/.535, 39 RC, 154 OPS+, .322 EQA, 22.0 VORP, 9.3 Win Shares 5. David Ortiz, Red Sox .319/.436/.596, 40 RC, 171 OPS+, .335 EQA, 23.6 VORP, 9.0 Win Shares 4. Derek Jeter, Yankees .367/.444/.494, 45 RC, 157 OPS+, .319 EQA, 23.8 VORP, 10.8 Win Shares 3. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees .306/.396/.676, 46 RC, 187 OPS+, .340 EQA, 29.1 VORP, 10.1 Win Shares 2. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels .335/.444/.613, 40 RC, 186 OPS+, .348 EQA, 28.1 VORP, 11.0 Win Shares 1. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers .361/.441/.710, 48 RC, 203 OPS+, .365 EQA, 34.5 VORP, 12.3 Win Shares

This is likely going to be my final look at the MVP race since there is now only two and a half weeks left. Last time I nearly bumped Albert Pujols from the top spot for the first time this season in favor of Carlos Beltran but this time around Pujols' has a firm grip back on the #1 spot. Of course in the media it's a two man race that doesn't include Beltran and almost a once man race with Ryan Howard. I mocked Howard last time but he's almost making a believer out of me as he makes a big jump (now finally the Most Valuable Phillie) but in my view he's still far behind Pujols and Beltran. For those who insist that Howard is the MVP ask these three questions: Is he the best hitter in the league? Is he the best all around player in the league? Is he the best player on the best team in the league? The answer to all three of those questions is no. He's had an amazing year and he might break the "non-steroid" homerun record (which kkk pretty much echoed my thoughts on that bullshit last week) but he's not the MVP. 10. Garrett Atkins, Rockies .326/.401/.551, 111 RC, .303 EQA, 51.8 VORP, 24 Win Shares 9. Jose Reyes, Mets .297/.349/.496, 112 RC, .284 EQA, 52.6 VORP, 27 Win Shares 8. Nick Johnson, Nationals .297/.434/.532, 109 RC, .323 EQA, 53.8 VORP, 27 Win Shares 7. David Wright, Mets .311/.384/.538, 114 RC, .303 EQA, 49.6 VORP, 30 Win Shares 6. Alfonso Soriano, Nationals .290/.361/.590, 122 RC, .303 EQA, 54.7 VORP, 31 Win Shares 5. Lance Berkman, Astros .306/.411/.606, 123 RC, .322 EQA, 57.8 VORP, 30 Win Shares 4. Ryan Howard, Phillies .316/.413/.682, 118 RC, .332 EQA, 74.1 VORP, 28 Win Shares 3. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .339/.430/.582, 132 RC, .330 EQA, 74.7 VORP, 33 Win Shares 2. Carlos Beltran, Mets .283/.388/.617, 119 RC, .318 EQA, 67.3 VORP, 37 Win Shares 1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals .323/.426/.677, 131 RC, .342 EQA, 75.5 VORP, 35 Win Shares Now the A.L. has been a wide open race all year...until now. It's not over yet but Baseball Jesus has now emerged as the clear choice for A.L. MVP. Travis Hafner already had no chance at the writer award and now he has no chance either now on my ballot due to his season ending broken hand. He's at #2 currently but obviously he'll fall lower than that. Now Johan Santana is starting to enter the MVP dicussion in some circles and I think he's making himself a legit case as well. But I think it's going to be tough for him or teammate Joe Mauer to catch Jeter. As the Red Sox have faded, so has Manny Ramirez. I almost gave him the top spot last time but now he barely stays in the Top 5. Jermaine Dye seems to be Jeter's main competition in the media but I doubt he can win if the White Sox don't make the playoffs. 10. Grady Sizemore, Indians .293/.377/.535, 112 RC, .309 EQA, 65.5 VORP, 22 Win Shares 9. Justin Morneau, Twins .324/.379/.583, 110 RC, .313 EQA, 51.7 VORP, 25 Win Shares 8. Jim Thome, White Sox .291/.414/.604, 111 RC, .329 EQA, 57.5 VORP, 23 Win Shares 7. David Ortiz, Red Sox .285/.401/.628, 111 RC, .327 EQA, 63.4 VORP, 24 Win Shares 6. Jermaine Dye, White Sox .322/.388/.637, 110 RC, .325 EQA, 63.5 VORP, 24 Win Shares 5. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox .318/.436/.612, 109 RC, .338 EQA, 60.7 VORP, 26 Win Shares 4. Joe Mauer, Twins .348/.433/.505, 97 RC, .321 EQA, 61.1 VORP, 28 Win Shares 3. Johan Santana, Twins 166 ERA+, 5.35 K/BB, 0.98 WHIP, 74.8 VORP, 24 Win Shares 2. Travis Hafner, Indians .308/.439/.659, 124 RC, .353 EQA, 80.0 VORP, 24 Win Shares 1. Derek Jeter, Yankees .346/.423/.492, 125 RC, .321 EQA, 75.0 VORP, 30 Win Shares

Been a little while now since the last MVP Watch as was waiting for Hardball Times to finally update the Win Shares totals. Hey so did you hear that Ryan Howard is now the N.L. MVP winner? If your left handed and fat, this is your year! You know the media goo-goos and ga-gas over homeruns and RBI and then they wonder why players take steroids? Of course is Howard even the MVP of the Phillies is a more interesting question. As for the league he's in Top 10 but with a month left he's got no shot at the top spot on my ballot. Now as for the #1 spot things keep getting more interesting. I really, really wanted to give Beltran the top spot finally but I didn't pull the trigger but that might change a month from now. Also we may have a late 3rd candidate to the race as Miguel Cabrera clocks at a very strong #3. #10 Nick Johnson, Nationals .286/.423/.511, 93 RC, .312 EQA, 42.5 VORP, 22 Win Shares #9 David Wright, Mets .294/.369/.511, 97 RC, .294 EQA, 34.4 VORP, 24 Win Shares #8 Ryan Howard, Phillies .294/.382/.628, 96 RC, .313 EQA, 50.2 VORP, 22 Win Shares #7 Jose Reyes, Mets .298/.351/.488, 103 RC, .285 EQA, 47.9 VORP, 25 Win Shares #6 Chase Utley, Phillies .317/.385/.525, 94 RC, .296 EQA, 53.5 VORP, 23 Win Shares #5 Alfonso Soriano, Nationals .294/.365/.603, 110 RC, .303 EQA, 52.9 VORP, 28 Win Shares #4 Lance Berkman, Astros .308/.414/.614, 112 RC, .323 EQA, 54.7 VORP, 27 Win Shares #3 Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .337/.426/.585, 117 RC, .328 EQA, 64.8 VORP, 30 Win Shares #2 Carlos Beltran, Mets .286/.389/.631, 111 RC, .321 EQA, 63.1 VORP, 34 Win Shares #1 Albert Pujols, Cardinals .323/.424/.665, 114 RC, .337 EQA, 65.4 VORP, 30 Win Shares For the A.L. it's still anyone's guess but by the way things are shaking out now Derek Jeter may win the real award by default and he's still in strongly my Top 5. I nearly had a new #1 here and originally had Manny Ramirez taking the top spot but changed my mind due the uncertain staus of his knee. The media favorite David Ortiz is now clutching his heart (awww I'm mean) and his season could be over. Joe Mauer is still in the Top 5 but he needs a strong September to grab the award. #10 Vernon Wells, Blue Jays .319/.374/.583, 93 RC, .310 EQA, 59.0 VORP, 21 Win Shares #9 Jason Giambi, Yankees .261/.420/.594, 101 RC, .330 EQA, 46.9 VORP, 22 Win Shares #8 Jermaine Dye, White Sox .326/.392/.649, 99 RC, .328 EQA, 59.3 VORP, 22 Win Shares #7 Johan Santana, Twins 153 ERA+, 5.03 K/BB, 1.02 WHIP, 62.7 VORP, 21 Win Shares #6 Jim Thome, White Sox .294/.413/.615, 103 RC, .331 EQA, 53.9 VORP, 22 Win Shares #5 David Ortiz, Red Sox .287/.400/.633, 105 RC, .329 EQA, 61.0 VORP, 22 Win Shares #4 Joe Mauer, Twins .356/.434/.514, 91 RC, .322 EQA, 57.6 VORP, 26 Win Shares #3 Derek Jeter, Yankees .337/.413/.480, 108 RC, .311 EQA, 61.3 VORP, 25 Win Shares #2 Manny Ramirez, Red Sox .326/.442/.628, 108 RC, .345 EQA, 62.8 VORP, 26 Win Shares #1 Travis Hafner, Indians .307/.434/.643, 120 RC, .347 EQA, 74.6 VORP, 23 Win Shares

For the first time this year I actually had to give more than a second of thought for who would take the #1 spot in the N.L. MVP race. As the Cardinals have slumped so has Albert Pujols and Carlos Beltran has now tied him for the M.L. lead in Win Shares. Pujols hangs on to the top spot for now but we now finally have a race. Chase Utley is hot, David Wright is not, and Ryan Howard makes his first appearance of the year. #10 Ryan Howard, Phillies .294/.378/.625, 78 RC, .308 EQA, 41.0 VORP, 17 Win Shares #9 Nick Johnson, Nationals .294/.425/.521, 82 RC, .317 EQA, 39.1 VORP, 19 Win Shares #8 David Wright, Mets .308/.383/.545, 86 RC, .302 EQA, 37.1 VORP, 20 Win Shares #7 Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 175 ERA+, 4.31 K/BB, 1.14 WHIP, 58.3 VORP, 17 Win Shares #6 Chase Utley, Phillies .328/.390/.557, 86 RC, .301 EQA, 52.7 VORP, 21 Win Shares #5 Alfonso Soriano, Nationals .290/.362/.594, 93 RC, .304 EQA, 43.0 VORP, 23 Win Shares #4 Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .326/.422/.547, 90 RC, .319 EQA, 47.4 VORP, 21 Win Shares #3 Lance Berkman, Astros .322/.411/.621, 96 RC, .324 EQA, 46.7 VORP, 24 Win Shares #2 Carlos Beltran, Mets .284/.388/.626, 93 RC, .318 EQA. 52.0 VORP, 27 Win Shares #1 Albert Pujols, Cardinals .319/.428/.684, 98 RC, .344 EQA, 56.3 VORP, 27 Win Shares Hey did you hear the news? David Ortiz has won the American League Most Valuable Player award. ESPN told me so. All kidding aside after not even being on my radar until recently Ortiz has made a big jump on my imaginary ballot and if he keeps this up he could even possibly grab the top spot by the end of the year, but for the moment he's still not even the Red Sox MVP in my view. Travis Hafner has grabbed the top spot back but it wasn't without reservations and I gave consideration to everyone in the top 4 this week for the #1 spot. Carlos Guillen and Justin Morneau both make their first appearance in the Top 10. #10 Vernon Wells, Blue Jays .319/.382/.597, 79 RC, .314 EQA, 52.3 VORP, 17 Win Shares #9 Jason Giambi, Yankees .249/.407/.578, 82 RC, .322 EQA, 35.3 VORP, 18 Win Shares #8 Justin Morneau, Twins .323/.378/.605, 85 RC, .313 EQA, 41.9 VORP, 19 Win Shares #7 Carlos Guillen, Tigers .307/.389/.511, 75 RC, .304 EQA, 42.0 VORP, 20 Win Shares #6 David Ortiz, Red Sox .291/.395/.627, 90 RC, .324 EQA, 51.3 VORP, 19 Win Shares #5 Jim Thome, White Sox .298/.417/.627, 91 RC, .332 EQA, 49.5 VORP, 19 Win Shares #4 Manny Ramirez, Red Sox .319/.429/.633, 91 RC, .338 EQA, 52.7 VORP, 22 Win Shares #3 Derek Jeter, Yankees .350/.425/.487, 88 RC, .317 EQA, 54.9 VORP, 22 Win Shares #2 Joe Mauer, Twins .365/.446/.525, 75 RC, .328 EQA, 52.8 VORP, 22 Win Shares #1 Travis Hafner, Indians .306/.430/.641, 103 RC, .348 EQA, 62.4 VORP, 19 Win Shares

Not much of note in the N.L. this week accept the arrival of You Know Who for the first time this year. #10 Chase Utley, Phillies .317/.382/.531, 71 RC, .294 EQA, 40.5 VORP, 17 Win Shares #9 Barry Bonds, Giants .255/.477/.509, 63 RC, .333 EQA, 27.8 VORP, 17 Win Shares #8 Nick Johnson, Nationals .302/.429/.535, 73 RC, .321 EQA, 39.0 VORP, 17 Win Shares #7 Alfonso Soriano, Nationals .288/.361/.594, 83 RC, .305 EQA, 40.3 VORP, 20 Win Shares #6 Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .330/.429/.545, 78 RC, .321 EQA, 42.8 VORP, 18 Win Shares #5 David Wright, Mets .315/.387/.568, 83 RC, .308 EQA, 37.8 VORP, 20 Win Shares #4 Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 192 ERA+, 4.68 K/BB, 1.11 WHIP, 59.6 VORP, 18 Win Shares #3 Carlos Beltran, Mets .274/.381/.598, 78 RC, .311 EQA, 40.2 VORP, 23 Win Shares #2 Lance Berkman, Astros .318/.403/.602, 87 RC, .319 EQA, 41.0 VORP, 22 Win Shares #1 Albert Pujols, Cardinals .328/.444/.713, 92 RC, .354 EQA, 56.0 VORP, 26 Win Shares And the wide open A.L. race has a new #1. #10 David Ortiz, Red Sox .281/.389/.607, 78 RC, .318 EQA, 42.8 VORP, 16 Win Shares #9 Jermaine Dye, White Sox .316/.395/.620, 71 RC, .322 EQA, 37.6 VORP, 16 Win Shares #8 Johan Santana, Twins 153 ERA+, 5.43 K/BB, 1.01 WHIP, 46.7 VORP, 16 Win Shares #7 Francisco Liriano, Twins 237 ERA+, 4.31 K/BB, 0.97 WHIP, 47.5 VORP, 16 Win Shares #6 Derek Jeter, Yankees .344/.423/.466, 76 RC, .314 EQA, 46.0 VORP, 18 Win Shares #5 Vernon Wells, Blue Jays .322/.385/.624, 75 RC, .320 EQA, 51.5 VORP, 17 Win Shares #4 Manny Ramirez, Red Sox .310/.429/.608, 78 RC, .334 EQA, 43.0 VORP, 19 Win Shares #3 Jim Thome, White Sox .293/.408/.632, 85 RC, .330 EQA, 46.7 VORP, 18 Win Shares #2 Travis Hafner, Indians .308/.438/.637, 92 RC, .351 EQA, 58.1 VORP, 17 Win Shares #1 Joe Mauer, Twins .381/.457/.534, 69 RC, .334 EQA, 51.4 VORP, 20 Win Shares

First half awards, except Manager of the Year which I could careless about. The smart managers are usually smart every year and the dumb managers are usually dumb every year. The award itself is striclty based preseason predictions and who exceeds them. National League Starting with the MVP of course in my view it is still Albert Pujols' award to lose but in the view of the baseball writer's it appers to be David Wright's award to lose. If the Mets continue to blow away the rest of the N.L. and Wright continues to hit as his current pace he many win the award rather easiy. As you'll see I don't even consider Wright the best player on his team in the first half. Carlos Beltran is getting zero respect simply because he signed a huge contract and because he underachived last year. You'll hear Jose Reyes' name mentioned for MVP more than Beltran's. 10. Nick Johnson, Nationals .295/.421/.538, 65 RC, .319 EQA, 33.8 VORP, 16 Win Shares 9. Carlos Lee, Brewers .290/.353/.563, 69 RC, .297 EQA, 27.8 VORP, 17 Win Shares 8. Bobby Abreu, Phillies .293/.447/.467, 69 RC, .312 EQA, 27.8 VORP, 17 Win Shares 7. Jose Reyes, Mets .300/.357/.481, 71 RC, .285 EQA, 34.5 VORP, 17 Win Shares 6. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 183 ERA+, 4.90 K/BB, 1.11 WHIP, 51.2 VORP, 15 Win Shares 5. David Wright, Mets .316/.386/.575, 75 RC, .310 EQA, 36.8 VORP, 17 Win Shares 4. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .334/.442/.566, 73 RC, .325 EQA, 42.2 VORP, 16 Win Shares 3. Lance Berkman, Astros .317/.405/.607, 77 RC, .320 EQA, 36.9 VORP, 19 Win Shares 2. Carlos Beltran, Mets .279/.388/.606, 69 RC, .315 EQA, 38.7 VORP, 20 Win Shares 1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals .316/.435/.703, 79 RC, .350 EQA, 46.4 VORP, 22 Win Shares For Cy Young this was a pretty easy choice of Brandon Webb as he's been a cut above the competition all year. Jason Schmidt is not getting any notice because of a 6-5 record but he's been dominant. For 3rd it was a toss up between Chris Capuano and Bronson Arroyo but I gave the nod to Capuano for his K/BB ratio. 3. Chris Capuano, Brewers 141 ERA+, 4.48 K/BB, 1.18 WHIP, 39.0 VORP, 13 Win Shares 2. Jason Schmidt, Giants 163 ERA+, 2.50 K/BB, 1.11 WHIP, 44.4 VORP, 12 Win Shares 1. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks Rookie of the Year is another fairly easy choice of Dan Uggla although if I had to bet I think Ryan Zimmerman may end up emerging as the top rookie by the end of the year. Prince Fielder has only 8 Win Shares and a .320 OBP in case you were wondering where he is. 3. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins .271/.337/.413, 50 RC, .268 EQA, 19.1 VORP, 10 Win Shares 2. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals .287/.350/.478, 58 RC, .278 EQA, 15.3 VORP, 13 Win Shares 1. Dan Uggla, Marlins .307/.366/.510, 61 RC, .292 EQA, 30.0 VORP, 13 Win Shares American League Travis Hafner I think deserves the crown as the most underrated player in baseball now. He's arguably been the best hitter in baseball not named Albert Pujols over the last two and a half years yet he still has yet to make an All-Star team. The race is wide open but Hafner doesn't have a prayer unless the Indians go on another second half run and even then it seems highly unlikely they'll get close enough to the Tigers and White Sox for anyone to really notice. Where's David Ortiz? This was actually the first time all year I even gave consideration to Ortiz but he ended about 12th for me. The writers love him because he's "clutch" yet he's hitting a modest .280 with RISP and of course because he leads the leauge in the almighty RBI. Manny Ramirez is besting him in AVG/OBP/SLG and has hit .303 with RISP. 10. Curtis Granderson, Tigers .278/.367/.462, 64 RC, .285 EQA, 23.1 VORP, 17 Win Shares 9. Carl Crawford, Devil Rays .319/.359/.521, 72 RC, .297 EQA, 28.9 VORP, 17 Win Shares 8. Jason Giambi, Yankees .260/.415/.611, 70 RC, .329 EQA, 33.5 VORP, 15 Win Shares 7. Johan Santana, Twins 155 ERA+, 5.75 K/BB, 1.00 WHIP, 42.9 VORP, 15 Win Shares 6. Derek Jeter, Yankees .345/.427/.462, 68 RC, .314 EQA, 42.0 VORP, 16 Win Shares 5. Jermaine Dye, White Sox .318/.397/.646, 66 RC, .326 EQA, 36.2 VORP, 16 Win Shares 4. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox .306/.434/.615, 70 RC, .335 EQA, 38.4 VORP, 17 Win Shares 3. Joe Mauer, Twins .378/.447/.535, 60 RC, .331 EQA, 44.2 VORP, 18 Win Shares 2. Jim Thome, White Sox .298/.414/.651, 80 RC, .334 EQA, 43.4 VORP, 18 Win Shares 1. Travis Hafner, Indians .322/.461/.650, 88 RC, .361 EQA, 55.8 VORP, 17 Win Shares For Cy Young there are three candidates that are head and shoulders above everyone else. I couldn't put Liriano over Santana and Halladay because Liriano has thrown 40+ fewer innings. If they were hitters he'd have about 120+ less plate appearances. That's tough to make up. 3. Francisco Liriano, Twins 250 ERA+, 4.43 K/BB, 0.97 WHIP, 41.9 VORP, 14 Win Shares 2. Roy Halladay, Blue Jays 164 ERA+, 4.50 K/BB, 1.03 WHIP, 44.0 VORP, 14 Win Shares 1. Johan Santana, Twins ROY was a pretty easy list to put together. Myself personally I think both Liriano and Papelbon will level off in the second half as there is no way two rookie pitcher's are going to be this unstoppable all year long. Papelbon's ERA+ is insane but he'll have some bad luck eventually that will shoot that ERA up. 3. Justin Verlander, Tigers 147 ERA+, 2.09 K/BB, 1.17 WHIP, 35.4 VORP, 12 Win Shares 2. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox 803 ERA+, 5.88 K/BB, 0.72 WHIP, 28.3 VORP, 12 Win Shares 1. Francisco Liriano, Twins

Quickie this time around. N.L. 10. Jose Reyes, Mets 9. Bobby Abreu, Phillies 8. Nick Johnson, Nationals 7. Bronson Arroyo, Reds 6. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 5. Lance Berkman, Astros 4. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins 3. Carlos Beltran, Mets 2. David Wright, Mets 1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals A.L. 10. Derek Jeter, Yankees 9. Paul Konerko, White Sox 8. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox 7. Jason Giambi, Yankees 6. Joe Mauer, Twins 5. Johan Santana, Twins 4. Curtis Granderson, Tigers 3. Vernon Wells, Blue Jays 2. Jim Thome, White Sox 1. Travis Hafner, Indians

Woo hoo, my three World Series box sets showed up today. I’ll try to figure out some sort of entry to do on the sets beyond a simple review. Probably will start by watching the bonus disk on the 1986 set that has Game 6 of the NLCS. Hey remember how overrated Carlos Beltran was and how he was overpaid? What happened to that talk? He’s arguably the best healthy player in baseball right now. To no surprise Pujols is still on top even on the DL but Beltran is making a serious push for the top spot. If the Mets do end up winning the East you could have an interesting teammate duel for the MVP with him and David Wright, depending on how much Pujols’ injury time affects his chances. Scott Rolen has stepped up in Pujols’ absence and makes his first appearance in the Top 10. After a huge jump into the Top 10, Alfonso Soriano goes cold and nearly tumbles out of it while his teammate Nick Johnson is red hot. The slumping Chase Utley drops out of the Top 10 for the first time this season. #10 Alfonso Soriano, Nationals .289/.350/.585, 57 RC, .299 EQA, 23.9 VORP, 13 Win Shares #9 Bobby Abreu, Phillies .292/.455/.500, 54 RC, .318 EQA, 23.9 VORP, 14 Win Shares #8 Scott Rolen, Cardinals .355/.430/.589, 42 RC, .323 EQA, 27.7 VORP, 12 Win Shares #7 Nick Johnson, Nationals .309/.436/.554, 55 RC, .328 EQA, 30.5 VORP, 13 Win Shares #6 Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .339/.435/.562, 54 RC, .330 EQA, 34.0 VORP, 11 Win Shares #5 Lance Berkman, Astros .308/.386/.602, 53 RC, .313 EQA, 24.2 VORP, 14 Win Shares #4 David Wright, Mets .335/.404/.587, 55 RC, .319 EQA, 33.0 VORP, 12 Win Shares #3 Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 226 ERA+, 5.69 K/BB, 1.07 WHIP, 41.6 VORP, 13 Win Shares #2 Carlos Beltran, Mets .300/.408/.643, 59 RC, .329 EQA, 34.3 VORP, 17 Win Shares #1 .308/.442/.751, 65 RC, .357 EQA, 38.1 VORP, 19 Win Shares Finally we have a new #1 in the A.L. as Jim Thome is starting to cool off. He actually leads the league in Win Shares still but the new #1 topped him in every other category. Joe Mauer pulls off what Alfonso Soriano did last week and makes a huge jump into the Top 10. Vernon Wells also makes a big jump and might be emerging as a serious MVP candidate this year. I do have some sad news this week…Baseball Jesus has dropped out. Do not cry though, there will be a resurrection. #10 Curtis Granderson, Tigers .282/.379/.464, 49 RC, .290 EQA, 18.5 VORP, 13 Win Shares #9 Ramon Hernandez, Orioles .292/.353/.498, 50 RC, .291 EQA, 17.7 VORP, 13 Win Shares #8 Miguel Tejada, Orioles .333/.392/.556, 51 RC, .318 EQA, 37.1 VORP, 11 Win Shares #7 Jermaine Dye, White Sox .298/.393/.639, 47 RC, .325 EQA, 23.1 VORP, 12 Win Shares #6 Alexis Rios, Blue Jays .335/.386/.623, 51 RC, .320 EQA, 28.2 VORP, 12 Win Shares #5 Jason Giambi, Yankees .270/.443/.616, 54 RC, .341 EQA, 26.5 VORP, 12 Win Shares #4 Joe Mauer, Twins .378/.443/.523, 44 RC, .331 EQA, 33.0 VORP, 12 Win Shares #3 Vernon Wells, Blue Jays .328/.384/.624, 53 RC, .320 EQA, 34.7 VORP, 12 Win Shares #2 Jim Thome, White Sox .281/.415/.615, 61 RC, .331 EQA, 29.8 VORP, 14 Win Shares #1 .303/.454/.620, 65 RC, .356 EQA, 37.7 VORP, 13 Win Shares

Ugh, I had almost finished the entire entry and my dumbass clicks the back button by accident. Click forward, nothing there. So fuck it I'm not typing all that out again so here's the quick version of the Top 10 for each league and maybe I'll edit in some numbers later. Pujols still has a huge lead although it could be gone if he misses the full six weeks like many think he will. Edit: Okay I've put the numbers in now. National League 10. Jason Bay, Pirates .305/.427/.614, 49 RC, .328 EQA, 30 VORP, 9 Win Shares 9. Carlos Beltran, Mets .266/.389/.572, 42 RC, .309 EQA, 21.4 VORP, 12 Win Shares 8. Lance Berkman, Astros .299/.380/.598, 45 RC, .310 EQA, 20.6 VORP, 12 Win Shares 7. David Wright, Mets .327/.400/.559, 47 RC, .315 EQA, 25.5 VORP, 11 Win Shares 6. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .349/.437/.593, 51 RC, .338 EQA, 32.5 VORP, 10 Win Shares 5. Chase Utley, Phillies .323/.389/.541, 43 RC, .300 EQA, 27.5 VORP, 13 Win Shares 4. Bobby Abreu, Phillies .285/.454/.505, 48 RC, .317 EQA, 19.0 VORP, 14 Win Shares 3. Alfonso Soriano, Nationals .310/.363/.628, 54 RC, .309 EQA, 25.8 VORP, 13 Win Shares 2. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 217 ERA+, 5.00 K/BB, 1.08 WHIP, 40.0 VORP, 12 Win Shares #1 .308/.442/.751, 65 RC, .357 EQA, 38.8 VORP, 19 Win Shares Basically can flip a coin between Thome and Hafner right now but gave Thome the nod for the edge in Win Shares. American League 10. Curtis Granderson, Tigers .287/.388/.483, 43 RC, .295 EQA, 18.9 VORP, 12 Win Shares 9. Vernon Wells, Blue Jays .326/.379/.606, 44 RC, .314 EQA, 28.2 VORP, 10 Win Shares 8. Ramon Hernandez, Orioles .307/.366/.512, 47 RC, .298 EQA, 18.5 VORP, 13 Win Shares 7. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox .319/.434/.505, 44 RC, .322 EQA, 22.1 VORP, 11 Win Shares 6. Jermaine Dye, White Sox .306/.405/.669, 42 RC, .333 EQA, 22.3 VORP, 10 Win Shares 5. Derek Jeter, Yankees .344/.435/.495, 47 RC, .320 EQA, 30.1 VORP, 11 Win Shares 4. Alexis Rios, Blue Jays .359/.397/.631, 47 RC, .324 EQA, 26.5 VORP, 11 Win Shares 3. Jason Giambi, Yankees .277/.458/.620, 51 RC, .350 EQA, 27.0 VORP, 12 Win Shares 2. Travis Hafner, Indians .308/.449/.631, 57 RC, .355 EQA, 33.2 VORP, 12 Win Shares #1 .296/.432/.656, 58 RC, .344 EQA, 30.2 VORP, 13 Win Shares

ESPN is already doing the "Chasing Bonds" treatment for Albert Pujols but it really should be "Chasing Wagner." According to HardballTimes.com Pujols is on pace to tie Honus Wagner's single season record of 59 Win Shares set back in 1908. I am outraged the media is ignoring this potential historic event. Come on the homerun record has been broken twice in the last eight years, the Win Shares record hasn't been broken in 98 years! Don't you remember as a kid always wondering if someone would reach that magical #59? Anyways no shock at all who's #1 in the N.L. still and I might as well give the entire Top 10 to Pujols. Not much else of note, two drop out and one of the "Most Overrated Players in Baseball" cracks to the Top 10. Drop Outs: Carlos Delgado, Carlos Lee #10 Bobby Abreu, Phillies .276/.447/.503, 36 RC, .316 EQA, 13.8 VORP, 10 Win Shares #9 Chase Utley, Phillies .328/.406/.554, 35 RC, .298 EQA, 18.9 VORP, 10 Win Shares #8 Bronson Arroyo, Reds 195 ERA+, 3.79 K/BB, 1.06 WHIP, 26.7 VORP, 8 Win Shares #7 Carlos Beltran, Mets .259/.382/.600, 32 RC, .324 EQA, 20.6 VORP, 9 Win Shares #6 Morgan Ensberg, Astros .272/.403/.627, 36 RC, .322 EQA, 20.8 VORP, 9 Win Shares #5 Miguel Cabrera, Marlins .335/.432/.599, 41 RC, .338 EQA, 25.4 VORP, 8 Win Shares #4 Tom Glavine Mets 167 ERA+, 2.32 K/BB, 1.13 WHIP, 23.0 VORP, 9 Win Shares #3 Lance Berkman, Astros .296/.375/.605, 40 RC, .307 EQA, 17.1 VORP, 11 Win Shares #2 Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 191 ERA+, 6.00 K/BB, 1.10 WHIP, 28.1 VORP, 9 Win Shares #1 .323/.450/.804, 58 RC, .365 EQA, 37.8 VORP, 17 Win Shares On the A.L. side there's a lot of change with five players dropping out from last week with a couple of familiar faces jumping in including Baseball Jesus himself. But the #1 spot stays the same and even though Thome isn't blowing away the rest of the league like Pujols he definently has a comfortable edge right now. Of course a name you will not see anywhere on this list is the WORST PLAYER EVER, MR. UNCLUTCH A-FRAUD!!!!! God damn how is he not playing in Single-A now? How do the Yankees win any games with him dragging down the club? Drop Outs: Jonny Gomes, Vernon Wells, Alexis Rios, Nick Swisher, Ramon Hernandez #10 Jose Lopez, Mariners .292/.322/.497, 40 RC, .284 EQA, 15.8 VORP, 10 Win Shares #9 Jose Contreras, White Sox 250 ERA+, 2.73 K/BB, 0.87 WHIP, 25.9 VORP, 8 Win Shares #8 Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox .319/.432/.503, 36 RC, .318 EQA, 15.7 VORP, 9 Win Shares #7 Miguel Tejada, Orioles .333/.391/.587, 35 RC, .325 EQA, 27.6 VORP, 8 Win Shares #6 Jason Giambi, Yankees .260/.464/.583, 40 RC, .348 EQA, 19.6 VORP, 9 Win Shares #5 Manny Ramirez, Red Sox .314/.441/.577, 36 RC, .337 EQA, 20.5 VORP, 9 Win Shares #4 Derek Jeter, Yankees .348/.433/.519, 41 RC, .325 EQA, 27.6 VORP, 9 Win Shares #3 Travis Hafner, Indians .311/.443/.627, 46 RC, .353 EQA, 26.6 VORP, 9 Win Shares #2 Scott Kazmir, Devil Rays 199 ERA+, 3.19 K/BB, 1.28 WHIP, 26.2 VORP, 11 Win Shares #1 .304/.440/.684, 51 RC, .351 EQA, 28.7 VORP, 12 Win Shares

It's Christmas time for stat geeks as Hardball Times has released the first Win Shares of the 2006 season and thus I can now I start tracking the MVP candidates for the season. Of coursing being that we are just a little over six weeks into the season this can all be taken with a grain of salt but hey I need excuses for entries. So every Tuesday now I'll have an updated Top 10 list for each league. I'll start with the National League as let's face it, the race is alredy over. Barring injury everyone is running for second place behind Albert Pujols this season. He just completely blows away the field and didn't give a thought to anyone else at the top spot. What you will notice is the high placement of a couple of pitchers which didn't surprise me as with the small sample of games the more impact an individual starting pitcher can have. Those two pitchers are the least likely candidates to still be in the Top 10 come September. #10 Chase Utley, Phillies .302/.372/.547, 25 RC, .277 EQA, 14.8 VORP, 8 Win Shares #9 Bobby Abreu, Phillies .257/.437/.459, 27 RC, .288 EQA, 7.9 VORP, 8 Win Shares #8 Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 167 ERA+, 5.71 K/BB, 1.18 WHIP, 22.1 VORP, 7 Win Shares #7 Morgan Ensberg, Astros .281/.401/.619, 30 RC, .291 EQA, 15.1 VORP, 8 Win Shares #6 Carlos Delgado, Mets .298/.394/.610, 34 RC, .291 EQA, 15.9 VORP, 7 Win Shares #5 Carlos Lee, Brewers .296/.392/.655, 34 RC, .296 EQA, 20.1 VORP, 8 Win Shares #4 Bronson Arroyo, Reds 221 ERA+, 3.58 K/BB, 1.01 WHIP, 23.1 VORP, 7 Win Shares #3 Lance Berkman, Astros .319/.384/.652, 37 RC, .293 EQA, 18.0 VORP, 10 Win Shares #2 Tom Glavine, Mets 189 ERA+, 2.64 K/BB, 1.03 WHIP, 20.2 VORP, 8 Win Shares #1 .333/.469/.833, 49 RC, .327 EQA, 33.1 VORP, 14 Win Shares Now for the American League which could be a wide open race all year. As of right now DH's (or DH types) are dominating the field with the likes of Giambi, Thome, Hafner, and Gomes. Ramon Hernandez, Alexis Rios, and Jose Contreras all won't be there at the end and Contreras' stock will drop dramtically pretty soon with him on the DL. The two big candidates from last year, Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz, are both off to relatively slow starts but figure both will make a push at some point. #10 Ramon Hernandez, Orioles .315/.385/.488, 29 RC, .280 EQA, 11.0 VORP, 8 Win Shares #9 Nick Swisher, A's .305/.405/.664, 28 RC, .294 EQA, 18.4 VORP, 7 Win Shares #8 Alexis Rios, Blue Jays .367/.386/.692, 30 RC, .294 EQA, 17.2 VORP, 7 Win Shares #7 Vernon Wells, Blue Jays .358/.407/.642, 33 RC, .294 EQA, 24.7 VORP, 7 Win Shares #6 Travis Hafner, Indians .314/.430/.628, 37 RC, .303 EQA, 21.6 VORP, 7 Win Shares #5 Miguel Tejada, Orioles .361/.402/.613, 30 RC, .295 EQA, 25.7 VORP, 7 Win Shares #4 Jonny Gomes, Devil Rays .288/.421/.648, 32 RC, .295 EQA, 18.7 VORP, 10 Win Shares #3 Jason Giambi, Yankees .269/.480/.654, 38 RC, .311 EQA, 19.9 VORP, 8 Win Shares #2 Jose Contreras, White Sox 335 ERA+, 1.91 K/BB, 0.87 WHIP, 24.3 VORP, 8 Win Shares #1 .290/.438/.694, 43 RC, .304 EQA, 23.0 VORP, 11 Win Shares I'm personally not sold that Thome will keep this up all year but you never know.