The Better National League MVP Candidate: Manny Ramirez or Ryan Howard?

First of all, let me say I don't think either of the two should be in the running for the MVP. I think the MVP should be Albert Pujols.

Anyway, since many people are saying that Howard should be considered for the MVP based on his great September, I thought, why not include Manny Ramirez for his two great months then?

I went ahead and gathered each of their stats since August 1st. I was surprised at the result, and I think you will be as well.

Ryan Howard

Since August 1st (as of Sunday, September 21st)-

G: 48     AB: 177     H: 47     R: 32     2B: 12     3B: 1     HR: 16     RBI: 46     TB: 109        BB: 29     SO: 52     XBH: 29     GDP: 3     AVG: .265     SLG: .616     OBP: .364     OPS: 1.045

Manny Ramirez

Since August 1st (as of Sunday, September 21st)-

G: 48     AB: 173     H: 69     R: 33     2B: 13     3B: 0     HR: 16     RBI: 49     TB: 130        BB: 33     SO: 36     XBH: 29     GDP: 5     AVG: .399     SLG: .751     OBP: .493     OPS: 1.358

Ryan Howard

Runners in scoring position since August 1st (as of Sunday, September 21st)-

AB: 40     H: 11     R: 16     2B: 2     3B: 0              HR: 2     RBI: 20     TB: 19     BB: 13     SO: 12         XBH: 4     GDP: 0     AVG: .275     SLG: .475         OBP: .429     OPS: 1.075

Manny Ramirez

Runners in scoring position since August 1st (as of Sunday, September 21st)-

AB: 37     H: 18      R: 18      2B: 5     3B: 0            HR: 3     RBI: 27     TB: 32     BB: 22     SO: 9            XBH: 8     GDP: 0     AVG: .468     SLG: .865            OBP: .652     OPS: 1.517

Ryan Howard

Late innings in close games since August 1st

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