Albert Pujols: NL MVP Candidate?

You're probably thinking, Why is this even a question? It is Albert Pujols. When isn't he mentioned in the MVP discussion?

Well you'd be correct, but Pujols has had quite the 2011 season.

Plagued by contract negotiations, Pujols, for much of the season, had not been his usual self.

At the All-Star break, Pujols had just come off the DL with a fractured left wrist. He didn't get named to his 10th All-Star team, despite being hurt. But that goes to show that there were more deserving candidates at the 1B position such as defending NL MVP, Joey Votto, and eventual All-Star Game MVP, Prince Fielder. Even still, one would think Pujols could manage to squeak his way on the roster. I mean, he is arguably the league's best player.

However, at the end of the 1st half, Pujols' numbers were .280/18/50. It was more so his batting average than anything. His lifetime career BA entering the 2011 season was .331. So obviously, Pujols was struggling. 

But did you expect a player of Pujols' caliber to continue his slump? Surely you didn't?

So as the second half continued to progress, the Milwaukee Brewers were pulling away in the NL Central after having a 21-7 month of August. The Cardinals, themselves, were only 15-13. 

St. Louis seemed to be done. They were 9.5 games back from the NL Central lead, and 8.5 back from the Wildcard. 

Then came September...

Pujols is hitting .423 in the month of September.

The Cardinals decided to play with pride and dignity as the team decided to make a late postseason charge. St. Louis has gone 13-5, the best record in the NL so far in September. They're now five games back in the central and 2.5 games back in the NL Wildcard. Who's responsible? Well, who else?

Now that the Cardinals Slugger has awoken from his slump, Pujols has a .333/18/47 stat line since the second half has begun. But what's even more impressive is his .423/4/18 in the month of September.

He's coming through in the Clutch when his team was seemingly down and out. Besides, he'll have the numbers too. He's just three RBI's of having his .300/30/100 streak extended. 

If the Cardinals make the Postseason, Pujols should definitely be an MVP Candidate. In fact, he should win the award. But, you know the drill, it's just one man's opinion.

Sources
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujols
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable.jsp?c_id=mlb&tcid=mm_mlb_stats#sectionType=sp&playerType=ALL&statType=hitting&page_type=SortablePlayer&season=2011&season_type=ANY&sportCode='mlb'&league_code='MLB'&split=posas&team_id=&active_sw=&game_type='R'&position=&sortOrder='desc'&sortColumn=hr&results=&page=1&perPage=50&timeframe=posas&extended=0&last_x_days=&ts=1316644929380&tab_level=child&click_text=Sortable+Player+hitting
http://espn.go.com/mlb/standings


NOTE: I do NOT take credit for this photo.

Chase For The Sprint Cup Preview

Jimmie Johnson; The reigning 5-time Champ

So you see the picture don't you? Don't you? I think you do. The Chase officially begins this Sunday at, my home track, Chicagoland Motor Speedway, as the quest to dethrone "Ol' 5-Time" takes its course for ten races.  

Its been since the year 2006, to be exact, since anyone has touched the championship trophy in the Sprint Cup Series. In fact, the last do so was Tony Stewart. 

Some may argue that Johnson's reign should have came to an end last year at the hands of Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Toyota. Instead, in the season finale race at Homestead, Hamlin had a little incident with Greg Biffle. Ultimately, his accident caused damage to the front splitter. His car never drove the same as he finished 14th while Johnson finished 2nd en route to his fifth straight championship. Kevin Harvick would just say that product of Johnson's reign is his acclaimed "Golden Horseshoe." So will Johnson's reign finally to an end? Well, lets break it down shall we?

Kyle Busch

Well, "Wild Thing" certainly has his best chance thus far to deliver his first Sprint Cup Championship since 2008 when he finished 10th in the final    standings. He's done a great job up this point, but can he finally put the pieces together? I say he can. If Johnson, or anyone else, wants the trophy, I'm sure Kyle would have something to say about that. 

Kevin Harvick

Harvick has picked up right where he left off last year. He is one of the more consistent drivers in the Sprint Cup Series. My only concern is that he often comes out of nowhere with his finishes and, sometimes, wins. If Harvick can have races in the Chase like he did at Richmond, he'll be a factor. But then again, he really didn't do that last year, and he battled to the season finale.

Jeff Gordon

This guy is no stranger to championships as he has four of them. He's been on quite a roll with nine of his last 11 races resulting in top 10 finishes. I hope the #24 team didn't peak to soon. Quite frankly, if anyone can stop Johnson, it's him. Besides, he was the dominating driver before Johnson came along and now, he wants it back. If he continues this momentum, Jeff Gordon will be the one that becomes a five-time champion.

Matt Kenseth

Matt prides himself on consistency. In fact, that's how he won his 2003 Championship. He only finished with one win. Amazing isn't it? But since we're not under the old points system anymore, he can't get away with that.

What he is going to have to do is win in the Chase. The thing is, he isn't that type of driver. That's why Matt will fall short of his bid for a Second Sprint Cup Championship.

Carl Edwards

Once the Sprint Cup Series point leader now has gone to a team and driver looking for some momentum. Well, throughout the last three races, he's been trending the right direction. He has a 9th, 5th, and a 2nd to back it up with. Looks to me as if he's peaking at the appropriate time. Now can he rack up some wins like he did in 2008? He"ll definitely be in the mix.

Jimmie Johnson

There's no need for an introduction. Instead of pointing out the obvious, here's some interesting numbers of "Ol' Five-Time". He has the best average finish at these ten tracks: 9.7; his closest competitor is Jeff Gordon: 11.6. He has 29 wins combined between the ten tracks. He's second behind Jeff Gordon, who has 31. With that being said, Jimmie has never been this low to start the Chase, which is sixth. Believe it or not, if he doesn't pick up more wins, his reign is over. But then again, how many wins does Jimmie have in the Chase?

Kurt Busch

Kurt is the inaugural winner of the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2004. Since then it has been a struggle. All I recall hearing about him is his constant feuding with rival Jimmie Johnson. But has this been a tactic to get Five-time off his game? If so, it has been working. Instead, Kurt should "Just Do It" on the race track. He's coming off back-to-back top five efforts. Like Carl, maybe he's catching fire in a timely manner.

Ryan Newman

"Rocketman" is having one of his best seasons on his career, and his best season with Stewart Haas Racing. You can basically say he's been the No. 1 guy instead of Tony Stewart. But like I've previously stated, you need to win races and be consistent to beat Jimmie Johnson. Ryan Newman, since 2003, has won six races in the last eight seasons. To me, he will just be another driver in the Chase till he wins on a more consistent basis.

Tony Stewart

Smoke is one of the sleepers in this Chase. It's hard to fathom that he will continue to struggle like he has thus far. The #14 team is showing signs of progress, as he is has three top 10's in the last four. If he doesn't make any noise in the Chase, he has another goal: continue to earn a win in every season of his Sprint Cup Career.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

To say that Junior "limped" into the Chase is an understatement. After being involved in an early caution involving Clint Bowyer, Denny Hamlin, and several others, Junior was hanging on for dear life in the mid 20s to 30s. He finished 16th after all he went through - and primarily because Brad K couldn't put together a race he has had as of late. Astonishingly, Junior has the best average of 7.5 at the Chase tracks raced at so far this season. Junior and Co. should use that as confidence going into race one.   

Brad Keselowski

                             

The "New Kid on the Block" has been a stunning surprise with three wins on the season. What makes those wins even more impressive is he won them injured. If that's the case, I wonder what an injured left foot would do for him? Ha; I kid, I kid. Anyway, he'll have a nice little run, but his novice experience in the Chase will eventually catch up to him.

Denny Hamlin

Once upon a time in 2010, Hamlin had Jimmie Johnson by the ropes going into Homestead, but then he choked his title dreams away thanks to an early race incident. He, and his #11 team, have yet to recover from the devastating defeat. Outside of Stewart, he is the other Chase Sleeper who could sneak up from nowhere and make noise. Hamlin seems to be having more confidence heading into the Chase, which is ironic because confidence has been the issue this year.

Final Standings

1. Jeff Gordon

2. Jimmie Johnson

3. Kyle Busch

4. Kevin Harvick

5. Denny Hamlin

6. Carl Edwards

7. Tony Stewart

8. Brad Keselowski

9. Ryan Newman

10. Matt Kenseth

11. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

12. Kurt Busch

We will have a new "5-time" champion this year in Jeff Gordon. It'll be a reverse of the 2007 season. Jeff even says he has more confidence since 2007. 

Before I wrap this up, we have to have a Favorites and Darkhorses preview for Chicagoland.

Favorites

Kevin Harvick

After winning the controversial Richmond race, Harvick comes in as tied for the top seed in the Chase. He has a great record at Chicagoland. He won the first two races here with an average finish of 11.2. He was very pleased with the car after the two practices held on friday. Look for Harvick to throw out the first punch of the 2011 Chase.

Tony Stewart

Despite being in the Chase, it feels as though he doesn't belong. The team's performance hasn't been up to the par that Tony is used. Chicagoland is a great track for him. He has won twice with a 9.5 average finish. Expect a surprise out of Smoke Sunday afternoon.

Darkhorses

Jeff Gordon

Like Harvick, he comes in with momentum. But his momentum has being going on for quite awhile (since June as a matter of fact). He has the best average finish of all drivers in the field with an 8.6 as well as a 2006 win. 

David Reutimann

The winner of last year's event, leading 52 of 267 laps; Reutimann's race win was legit. He hasn't had the best of seasons and after Friday's practice sessions, I think he'll likely pick up right where he left off. 

My race winner, although, will be the #18 of Kyle Busch. He needs to throw the first punch in order to demonstrate he is ready to perform when it counts. Despite being low in the second practice charts, the #18 team showed no signs of panic. No panic= a race winning car. But that's just one man's opinion.

NOTE: I do NOT take credit for any of these photos.

Colts Should Look Into Garrard

Former Jags QB David Garrard went 39-37 as a starter.

Yes, I know, the Colts already have QB Kerry Collins, but let's face it...he's 38 years old. I didn't see much out of Kerry suggesting he had anything left in the tank at Tennessee. Perhaps that is why he retired. 

Now maybe with an array of receivers, Kerry will turn out to be a better pickup than indicated. 

I never had a problem with his signing. He really was the best option Indy had. Then again, that was before the Jacksonville Jaguars cut ties with QB David Garrard...

Quite Frankly, I'm not sold on Garrard, but I firmly believe if he was with Indy, the Colts have a better chance of making the playoffs than with Collins behind center.  

Garrard, last year, threw 23 TD's (Career High) and 15 INT's, also a career high. Keep in mind, he did this with a less than stellar wide receiver core; Mike-Sims Walker was his No. 1. Just Imagine what he could do with Wayne, Clark, Collie, and Garcon??? 

Now apparently, the Seattle Seahawks aren't interested, and the 49ers have indicated any interest either, so that leaves Indy to swoop in for a steal.

Therefore, if Kerry Collins isn't working out, Coach Caldwell could always turn to him. I'm sure if Garrard was released earlier, he would already have been signed and became starter, leaving Kerry Collins still retired. Of course though, it's just one man's opinion.


NOTE: I do NOT take credit for this photo.

Countdown To The Chase: Richmond

And then there was one...Richmond!

This is it for the regular season in Sprint Cup competition, because the remainder ten races are, what we call, The CHASE!

As it is every year, there are drivers who will have a different agenda in this race. 

Drivers like Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, and Jimmie Johnson are trying to help their Chase seeding by simply winning a race as they have nothing to lose. Others like Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are trying to win, but simultaneously, preserve their spots in Chase by finishing in the Top 20. 

Who should the fans look out for the be in contention tomorrow night? Well let's get to it!

The Favorites

Kyle Busch                                                                                         

Kyle Busch celebrates after winning this race in May 2010.

Quietly, this is Kyle's best track statistically with three wins and a 4.9 average finish in 13 starts. He has won three of the last six at Richmond. All and All, he is the safest bet of anyone in the field to pick from. It won't be a shocker if he picks up win #4 at Richmond.

Denny Hamlin

Another Gibbs Driver that has displayed dominance at this track. He is on the outside looking in for the Chase, but luckily he has a win to help his chances greatly. The question is, why not obtain another one? Richmond is one of his best tracks on the circuit; he has a 7.5 average finish with two wins. He is the defending race winner of the last two September races. He starts 28th, so that'll be a tall order to climb.

Clint Bowyer

I'm surprised he only has one win here despite his 9.5 average finish. If Hamlin manages to have a bad race and Clint wins tomorrow night, he's in the Chase. Surprisingly, Clint chooses not to ponder on potential outcomes as he thinks he's done. Of course, he didn't rule out winning tomorrow night. He starts 5th. He'll be leading before you know it.

Darkhorses

Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie's last Richmond win in September 2008.

Five-Time has won each of three Richmond races starting from the top 4; he starts 3rd tomorrow. He and his other Hendrick Motorsport teammate, Jeff Gordon, looked awfully strong in practice. Despite his three wins, Johnson has an average finish of a 16.5. This time, I expect him to be up front all race long. Besides, a win would help his Chase seeding as well.

Jeff Gordon

Speaking of teammate, Jeff is fresh off his third win of the season while, ironically, battling Johnson in the last ten laps. With that being said, Jeff had the fastest 5, 10, and 15-lap averages. He has been oh so close to getting back to victory lane for the first time since 2000 here. Do not rule out back-to-back wins.

Risktakers

David Reutimann

He is tomorrow night's polesitter, and I don't expect him to last as I feel he'll find a way to put his car in the wall. Not to mention, he has only one top ten in nine career starts. The trend shall continue.

I think it's pretty straight-forward to know why this race should be watched. As far as the race goes, I think it'll be a part two of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson battling for the race win. Unfortunately, I think Johnson will get the best of Gordon this time around. The competition is too stiff for Jeff to win back-to-back races, but if anyone can do it, Jeff sure can. Then again, it's just one man's opinion.

NOTE: I do NOT take credit for any of these photos.

Countdown To The Chase: Atlanta

                        Kevin Harvick (#29) and Jeff Gordon (#24) racing for position. 

It's two races to go till the Chase begins and the Sprint Cup Drivers make their first and only stop of the season at Atlanta Motor Speedway, better known as "Hotlanta". 

Obviously when the Chase is on the horizon, certain drivers need to claw there way in or fight to stay alive. Bubble drivers like Tony Stewart and Dale Jr. need to get the best finish possible, if not a win, to keep Chase hopes alive while Brad Keselowski and Clint Bowyer are trying to race there way in. 

The question is, will any of these drivers be amongst the list of Favorites and Darkhorses? 

The Favorites

Tony Stewart

            "Smoke" doing burnouts after his win in last year's event.

Stewart is in dire need of a win to cement his spot in the Chase. Here is another shot for him to capitalize; Smoke won last year's event leading 176 of 325 laps en route to his 3rd career win at Atlanta. In 24 starts, his average finish is 11.6. Not to mention, Stewart's camp was very pleased with his race car. He posted the fastest 10 and 15 lap averages in yesterday's practice. Look for Stewart to gather some form of momentum tonight as he goes for back-to-back night race victories. 

Jeff Gordon

"Big daddy" and crew seem to have hit their strides going into the Chase. With Gordon locked into the Chase, he is just going for wins like the five drivers ahead of him. Jeff had the car to beat last week but pit road cost him one.  The Four-time Atlanta winner said his car was "perfect" after Friday's practice. Therefore, you can expect #24 to be a contender all race long. 

The Darkhorses

Kyle Busch

His Atlanta resume isn't exactly astonishing to say the least, but he does have a win here - just not in the night race. His car looked to be very solid on the speed charts. He starts up front which is a great sign for him. It won't take long for him to lead his fair share of laps. Wild thing will get a top five finish tonight.

Carl Edwards 

Looks like Cousin Carl and company are regressing late into the season. I continue to reiterate that he needs to get another race win for reassurance in the Chase seedings. Atlanta is one of his best tracks; he has three wins here. I wouldn't be shocked if Carl sweeps the weekend after winning last night's Nationwide Race. 

Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie doing burnouts in his 07 Atlanta win. He swept both races.

Five-time may have not have done much since his 2007 Atlanta sweep, but quietly he has the best overall finish of anyone in the field with a 10.4 in 19 starts. Like Carl, Jimmie could use another win, but does it really matter with him? After all, he has won five titles in a row.

Kevin Harvick

Harvick has only one win at this track, with it coming on a photo finish with Jeff Gordon in 2001. Then, Harvick had a terrible stretch with 12 of his next 13 Atlanta starts having a finish worse than 15th. Finally, when he was having his worst season ever, Harvick turned it around leading 66 laps in the inaugural night race  in 2009. Ever since then, he has established himself as a title contender. Harvick, much like Edwards, has regressed further into the season. Perhaps Harvick can pick-up where he started off earlier in the regular season. 

My pick to win tonight's race will be Jeff Gordon. I picked him last week and was spot on. He dominated much of the night leading 206 of the 500 laps. Alas, pit road kept him from his elusive 85th career win. Jeff will capitalize tonight, and secure a higher seeding in the Chase with his 3rd win of the 2011 Season. As usual though, its just one man's opinion.

NOTE: I do NOT take credit for any of these photos.