NL MVP: Can Tulowitzki win it?

Yeah but what's his ultimate zone rating?

 

+4.7 runs for the season

 

Tulo is having an unbelievable month. When you look at the big picture, though, there's no reason to favor him over Votto, CarGo or Pujols. In fact, Adrian Gonzalez and Ryan Howard deserve as much consideration as Tulo. Right now, I'd say Votto gets 65 percent of the votes and CarGo gets 30 percent.

But which guy is really the most valuable to his team? I'd say Gonzo. Without him, nobody would be talking about San Diego right now. Gomes and Rolen each have more than 80 RBIs for the Reds. Heck, Olivo and Ian Stewart have more RBIs than any other Padres player with the exception of mid-season acquisition Ryan Ludwick.

 

Perhaps, but pitching is what has the Padres in contention. The Padres are fading badly now that the rotation seems to be wearing down. Adrian Gonzalez has been great, but not quite up to Votto's level.

Howard is another player finishing strong. Not like Tulowitzki, but very productive after a brutal performance in August. Not sure he belongs in the top five this year, though. Hell, you could make an argument that Aubrey Huff has been just as valuable given how little the Giants have around him.

 

Adrian Gonzalez should be top 5.

So should Votto, Pujols and Carlos Gonzalez. Tulo could slip in there as well.

 

Triple Crown isn't going to happen, but Carlos Gonzalez drove in six runs last night to move back into the NL lead at 113 (one ahead of Albert Pujols). He also leads in batting average at .342, but no way he catches Pujols in home runs. Gonzalez hit his 33rd last night, but Pujols hit two to reach 41.

Gonzalez also stole his 25th base. I know he gets a huge Coors Field boost, but still, this is damn impressive.

 

For someone to win it on the Rockies, it has to be a slam dunk with no one else close, or at least they have to have similar numbers on the road as they do at home.

It will be interesting to see if playing at Coors Field keeps Helton out of the Hall.