>I also saw Ryan Howard won the MVP award. I probably would have gone with Albert Pujols given the team performances but both were highly deserving. He is a really exciting player to come along, an antidote to the hangover from the steroid era.

I was delighted to see Howard win. He does seem to be the real deal, including being a bright and pleasant guy. I don't think MVP and other awards should be reserved for those whose teams make the playoffs. This year is a good example. Without Ryan Howard, the Phils would have been out of it halfway through the season. Because of him, they had a shot at wild card until the next to last day. An MVP makes his team much better, but he can't necessarily pull them into the post-season. It depends what else there is to work with.

On a similar note, in 1972, Steve Carlton won 27 games and had 30 complete games for a team that won only 59. Did he deserve the Cy Young? You bet he did, even though the team stunk. Should he have been considered for the MVP? Maybe.


>Should Mark McGwire be elected to the hall of fame this year, yes or no? I say no.

No, but maybe later. I don't know what to do with all those guys and their records.

Tamar