The 2008 MLB regular season is nearing its final pitch, with that in mind it's time to start debating who should win each league's Most Valuable Player awards:

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Albert Pujols - You can't argue with his numbers, he has the best in either league. He gets on base better than anybody in the business and drives in runs in the process. The writers like to vote for MVP's that are on playoff teams and that may be the only thing to cost him.

Carlos Delgado - The second-half numbers can't be ignored and if the Mets hold on to win the NL Wildcard, Delgado is going to get some much-deserved consideration. Still, where was he earlier in the season. The Mets have a few other guys that could steal some of his local votes too (i.e. David Wright and Jose Reyes).

Chipper Jones - Do you remember when they were talking about this guy hitting .400? That wasn't realistic, but him getting attention in this race is not. 

Manny Ramirez - There's no doubt the arrival of ManRam to LA pushed the Dodgers to the top of the heap in the NL West. That doesn't hide the fact that he quit on his previous team though. How can you possibly reward that selfishness with an MVP vote? I can't, but some will.

Ryan Howard - He might strikeout 949 times this season, but his September tear led the Phillies directly to claiming the NL East title. Teammate Chase Utley could steal some thunder, but he's a serious candidate and fits the "MVP must make the playoffs" criteria.

C.C. Sabathia - Had the Brewers not completely collapsed down the stretch a strong case could have been made for Sabathia to get the award. However, the team has went in the tank, he has failed to stop the losing streak in his last two times out, and his manager got canned. Maybe next year when he plays in New York.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Dustin Pedroia - The Red Sox' second baseman is a spark plug. Not only does he get on base, but he has driven in runs in the clutch as well. Couple that with his gold-glove caliber defense and he is my choice, but will he get enough love with Kevin Youkilis take away some of his votes?

Justin Morneau -  The former MVP can make his case too, as he is as clutch as they come with runners on base. He brings more power than Morneau and better run production, but he's not a complete player that Pedroia can be.  The first baseman is an extremely valuable piece of the Twins' puzzle, but the small market will cost him this time around.

Grady Sizemore - He is only the 16th player in MLB history to hit 30+ HRs, 30+ doubles, and steal 35+ stolen bases. Sizemore is one of the best young talents in the league, but his team's struggles will be his black eye in this race.

Alex Rodriguez - The Yankees did not make the playoffs and that is huge news! A-Rod had a solid year, but he plays under such a microscope that even his solid numbers will be looked at as a disappointment. He may not win the MVP, but he's still one of the league's most valuable players.

Francisco Rodriguez -  OK, the saves record deserves its recognition, but doesn't warrant him winning the MVP award. Outside the saves. his numbers weren't the best in any other major catagory and clearly benefited from the number of opportunities the Angels provided.

Did you miss this week's Fantasy Playbook as I go on with Lance McAlister on 1530 Homer the Sports Animal? Either way here's my notes from the show...
 
TREND OR MIRAGE
QB Kurt Warner (6 TDs/1 INT) – MIRAGE – Two things that will change: (1) he will throw more picks; since 2002 he has 54 TDs, but 27 INTs; (2) he will get hurt, 2001 was the last time he managed to play 16 games in a season.

RB Reggie Bush (32 receptions thru 3 games) – MIRAGE – Don’t get me wrong, Bush is going to produce good numbers this year, but he’s on pace for over 160 receptions. Once the Saints get healthy, those numbers will go down.

RB LenDale White (already with 4 TDs) – TREND – The yardage numbers are not going to be there, but White is a lock for double-digit TD’s. With Chris Johnson getting the Titans’ down the field, White is the goalline back and getting the job done.

WR Randy Moss (avg. 4 rec for 54 yards per game) – TREND – He’ll have his weeks where he explodes, but the ship is sinking in New England and we all know Randy will be the first one to jump off.  Wait for a blowup week and trade him while you can.

TE Kellen Winslow (only 14 catches for 116 yards thru 3 games) – MIRAGE – His turnaround will come and probably this week against the Bengals. He averaging 10 targets per week and that spells opportunity.

INJURY REPORT
Willie Parker (knee) – A sprained knee is going to keep him out for at least 2 weeks. Rashard Mendenhall gets the nod in his absence.
 
Brian Westbrook (ankle) – He's dealing with a high-ankle sprain, but is optimistic he'll play on Sunday. Keep your eyes on this one. Correll Buckhalter will start for Philly if he's out.
 
Steven Jackson (groin) – He practiced in full on Thursday and should be able to carry the full load in Sunday vs. the Bills.
 
BYE WEEKS
Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, New England, NY Giants, Seattle

VALUE PACK
QB – Trent Edwards at STL: Everybody is a safe play against the Rams these days and Edwards has been consistent every week of the season.

RB – Selvin Young vs. KC:  He’s only averaging 60 yards per game early on this season, but only the Lions have allowed more yards than the Chiefs on the ground. The Chiefs have also allowed 6 TDs in 3 games so far in 2008.

WR – Steve Smith vs. ATL: Many fantasy owners were disappointed with 70 yards last week, but be patient. The Panthers host the Falcons this week and their weak secondary this week.

TE – Vernon Davis at NYJ: After catching just 1 ball over the past two weeks, I am going to recommend Vernon Davis as a viable option this week at tight end as only one team has allowed more fantasy points to TE’s than the Jets.

DEF – Bills at STL: I hate to keep picking on the Rams, but the Bills’ D is poised for a big day against a now Trent Grenn-ran offense. Look for plenty of sacks and turnovers for Buffalo and if your league gives points for concussions by opposing QB’s you can probably bank on that too.

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