Frankly, I think only four guys have a reasonable case and I would be shocked it any of the others named -- they're there as filler, honestly -- even cracked the top four at all, barring some sort of Ruthian September. But I will not name those four on the off-chance that others out there disagree.

This race is too close to call right now, and will probably turn on a few late-year highlights and/or the best media push (like the Oscars or Heisman). From what I've read, it looks like Pujols or Jones. They've got the winning teams, and are both having worthy years. I figure Jones will win, because he's had the best highlights and the Braves have been in a close race longer. Also, Pujols' year is just like every year for him...boring to the media.

My Other (not to win, but to get some of those coveted 5th-10th place votes) is Ensberg or Burrell, depending who, if either, makes the playoffs. Either is more likely than Jason Bay, even if they haven't been any better, since they will get the "winning team" vote. I don't think the media or Baseball (marketers, commish) want the award to go the best statistics. Too many questions with answers that way; no debate, no fun.

Interestingly enough, as Dave Studeman pointed out last week at tht, Andruw Jones isnt even leading his own team in win shares. He's at 22, behind both Marcus Giles (24) and Rafael Furcal (23). This is from the 6th though, so those homers he's hit recently might catapult him ahead. The league (and majors) leader? Phat Albert, with 34

I'm torn as I think Jones will be a lot of uneducated people's picks. If the NL and AL voters switched places I'd think Jones would be a near lock. But generally the NL voters have been a bit better in their voting.

It should be Pujols's, as right now it is a tight race between Pujols and Lee for top honors in the NL, but I'm willing to give Pujols credit for his past years where he was behind Barry.

If the question was who should win, the answer in my opinion is Pujols. However, I suspect all the homers Jones is hitting right now and the fact the Cards have almost clinched a playoff spot already will lead to Jones winning easily.

If anyone other than Derrek Lee wins it is a travesty of justice.

I don't know about that. If you like VORP Pujols is ahead of Lee.

This is, rightly or wrongly, a two player race right now - Pujols and A Jones.

I'm thinking Jones' defense is going to be the thing that'll push him over the edge for voters, though his lousy RISP numbers this year could help to offset that.

Okay, I guess if Pujols won it wouldn't be THAT big of a joke. Lee deserves it more that he does, but it isn't a run away.

If Jones wins it, however, it would be ridiculous. (Not for the first time.)

Remember when Delgado should have won the MVP, but A-Rod did. it was not A-Rod's best year, but it was almost a lifetime achievment award. Well, Pujols will win and deserves to win because he should have won, or at least could have won the last 2, if Barry Bonds was not around. I think Jones is a solid choice as well, but this one is Pujols.