I know every writer has a different reason for voting for a player for the MVP award. Some do the biggest RBI guy on the best team. Others pick the best story for a good player. While others still define some arbitrary level of value to a "sparkplug" player and pick that player for the award. My system is pretty much what you would expect - pick the player that provided the most wins for his team. That's why my ballot shouldn't be very surprising:
1. Albert Pujols - Cardinals
How good was Pujols this year? He takes a -12.4 runs hit for playing the easiest defensive position on the field, and he still outpaces everyone in the league in WAR. His numbers were a little better last season, when he won his 2nd MVP award, but this year is probably one of his top 3 performances of his career. That's saying something.
2. Tim Lincecum - Giants
If it weren't for Pujols, Lincecum could win both the MVP and Cy Young. I mean, not in the real world because his team didn't go to the playoffs, but in the fake world that we've created here on the internet it could happen.
3. Chase Utley - Phillies
Utley might be my favorite player on an opposing team. He might also be the best all-around 2B since Joe Morgan.
4. Hanley Ramirez - Marlins
Dude carried his team all year. I wonder if the Red Sox regret trading him. On the one hand, they did get Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell. On the other hand, they lost Hanley Ramirez!
5. Ryan Zimmerman - Nationals
An outstanding defensive 3B who can also hit? But...but...he plays for a really bad team, so how valuable can he be?
6. Prince Fielder - Brewers
Bonus points for knocking all of his teammates down with his fat ass at home plate after the game winning home run toward the end of the season.
7. Troy Tulowitzki - Rockies
He's not actually next in WAR, but I gave him bonus points because defensive metrics fluctuate so much from year to year and I don't trust their accuracy enough on a single season.
8. Javier Vazquez - Braves
Probably the 2nd best pitcher in the NL this season.
9. Adrian Gonzalez - Padres
He hit 40 HR while playing half his games in Petco. Nice.
10. Joey Votto - Reds
I just want Joey to get a vote so he'll like me.
How'd I do?