MVP Baseball Betting – “King Albert” Leads National League MVP Candidates

Sports betting players saw last year’s Most Valuable Player in the National League seemingly come out of nowhere in 2010, but this year’s winner will be very familiar with the award, having won it three times. With all of the drama swirling around him, look for the best player in all of the major leagues to show why he deserves that status.

Albert Pujols, St. Louis

You may have heard that Pujols is looking for a new contract, and he’ll be looking to drive up the price with another brilliant season. The three-time (2005, 2008, 2009) MVP led the National League in homers and RBIs, he was sixth in average, and in addition Pujols won a Gold Glove. He is the best player in baseball and deserves to be paid accordingly, and there will be no shortage of suitors if the Cardinals won’t pony up. He also knows that the Cardinals may lean on him more with Adam Wainwright out for the season, and Pujols sees Cincinnati and Milwaukee creeping on the Cardinals (in fact, the Reds won the Central last year). Look for a massive, massive year from Pujols.

Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado

The 26-year-old is in his prime now, and where else are you going to find a shortstop who is fourth in the league in average with 27 homers and 95 RBIs? He also won a Gold Glove, so he’s dependable in the field, but the problem with Tulowitzki is injuries, which has always been a presence in his career. Tulowitzki played in 122 games last year, and three of his five seasons in the majors have featured some sort of ailment. MLB betting players watched Tulowitzki almost carry the Rockies to the playoffs last season, and if he can stay 100%, a postseason run (and an MVP) isn’t out of the question.

Joey Votto, Cincinnati

The reigning MVP made the jump from “very good” to “excellent” in 2010, finishing second in average, and third in homers and RBIs for the surprising Reds, and now the pressure will be on him to prove that he can do it again. He was one of two players in the National League, along with Pujols, to have an OPS (On-base percentage Plus Slugging) above 1.000, and if the Reds are going to repeat in the Central, they’re going to need similar numbers from Votto, who will be 28 in September. The Canadian should be heading into the best years of his career, so MLB betting players will have to keep an eye on him for the next few seasons.

Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado

Gonzalez was another player who exploded onto the scene in 2010, leading the National League in average, second in RBIs and fourth in RBIs, and he also was a Gold Glover in the outfield as he played everywhere for the Rockies. The duo of Gonzalez and Tulowitzki makes the Rockies a legitimate threat in the National League, but it may cause some to split their votes between the two when it comes to the MVP award, but that is no knock on Gonzalez; it’s just that Tulowitzki has outlandish numbers for his position. Gonzalez will be out to show that 2010 was no fluke, and he deserves to be mentioned with the preeminent players in the game.

Prince Fielder, Milwaukee

Fielder will never be a .300 hitter, although he has come close in some years, but MLB betting players know that he’ll give you at least 35 homers and close to 100 RBIs every season. Last year’s 83 RBIs was an anomaly, so you can expect a return to form for Fielder, who is also in the last year of his contract and will look for a great season to drive up his price tag. He was tied for sixth in the league in homers, and he has a lineup of players with him that can protect him. If the Brewers can contend for a playoff spot, and they should with a retooled rotation, Fielder should be motivated enough to push for the MVP award.

MLB Betting Pick

If you’re looking for value, we would suggest Fielder, who is one of the best hitters in the league when motivated, and there are a number of reasons for him to be pushed. But we get the feeling that Albert Pujols is on a mission to prove why he is the best player in baseball this season, and even the discussions surrounding his impending free agency shouldn’t distract him, in fact, he could be even more motivated. He’s going to have a huge season, so even though he will likely be the favorite for the award, stick with Albert Pujols to win his fourth MVP in your online betting book.