>Well, Mike,
>
>Justice is served. Although I can't imagine any reason for so few 1st place votes other than the fact that he won the Cy Young. Unfortunate.

I was pleased that Verlander won it. The reason he didn't receive more MVP votes is some voters sincerely believe it should not go to a pitcher. One of the voters was quoted saying starting pitchers only appear in about 21% of their team's games and for that reason, plus them having their own Cy Young award, he won't vote for one. I respect that opinion although I think there are exceptions, like Verlander this season. He had a truly exceptional year, while at the same time no AL batter had numbers that knock your socks off.

The NL announcement is today. To be honest I have been assuming it will go to Ryan Braun but have been hearing some hot stove chatter that it will go to Matt Kemp of the Dodgers instead. Not taking anything from Kemp at all; he had a sensational year. So did Braun. Kemp had a little better numbers in some categories and Braun was a little better in others. You already know where I'm going with this, don't you? Braun led the Brewers to a division title and the second best record in the league. Kemp's Dodgers were in the middle of the pack, never contenders. Traditionally the MVP goes to someone on a winning team. They may as well rename it "best season by a batter on a winning team." If the recent speculation is correct that has gone out the window this season. In fact I expected Braun's competition to be his teammate (for another couple weeks anyway) Prince Fielder, not Kemp. We'll see. Obviously I hope it's Braun. If not, well, I expect he will have more chances and hats off to Matt Kemp.

I am still pinching myself at what a great baseball season it was.