St. Louis Cardinals: Why Lance Berkman Is More Valuable Than Joey Votto

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 12: Lance Berkman #12 of the St. Louis Cardinals rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning of the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on April 12, 2011 in Phoenix, A

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OK, we're not saying we would trade the artist formerly known as Fat Elvis straight up for Super Joe, but here are 10 compelling reasons why Lance Berkman is more valuable than the reigning NL MVP.

Contract Year

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 12: Lance Berkman #12 of the St. Louis Cardinals bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on April 12, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Cardinals 13-8. (Photo b

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Berkman signed a one-year contract with the Redbirds. At 35, every season requires extra focus for the Big Puma. Meanwhile, Votto is challenged with a new contract, higher expectations and elevated importance to opposing pitchers.

Less Expensive

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 09: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds warms up on deck during the Major League Baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 9, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Speaking of contracts, Berkman is earning $8 million on a one-year contract. Votto inked a $38 million contract for the next three years. It's all Monoply money in the MLB, but is Berkman this year's biggest free-agent bargain?

Better Protection

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 17: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 17, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Besides the Big Puma, opposing pitchers have Matt Holliday and Albert Pujols to worry about in Beer Town. That means more good pitches for Berkman. Votto has lesser evils Brandon Phillips and Scott Rolen near him in the Cincinnati order.

Proven Postseason Performer

NEW YORK - AUGUST 07: Lance Berkman #17 of the New York Yankees walks back to the bench after striking out against the Boston Red Sox on August 7, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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Joey Votto has exactly ONE postseason hit in his career. In fact, he is 1-for-10. Conversely, Lance Berkman has a lifetime .320 batting average in the postseason over eight series and 34 games. What's more, Berkman has seven home runs and 30 RBI.

Great American

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 12: Ryan Theriot #3 of the St. Louis Cardinals high fives teammate Lance Berkman #12 after scoring a fifth inning run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on April 12, 2011 in Phoenix,

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When the division war heats up, here's an interesting fact. Lance Berkman holds the record for most home runs at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati for an opposing player. He has 20 in his career.

Great out of the Gate

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Votto is 1-for-8 in his last three games. He has two homers and eight RBI for the season. Berkman is the NL Player of the Week. He is second in the NL in homers with six.

Proven in Both Leagues

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: Lance Berkman #17 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice against the Texas Rangers in Game Two of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 16, 2010 in Arlington, Texas

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Berkman's a career NL guy, but his stint with the Bronx Bombers last season helped him increase his knowledge of AL pitching. He's also played in the World Series. This provides extra value for the Gas House Gang in interleague games and the postseason.

Switch Hitter

NEW YORK - JUNE 12: Lance Berkman #17 of the Houston Astros hits against the New York Yankees on June 12, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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Lance Berkman hits from both sides of the dish. Moreover, Berkman holds the National League record for most single-season RBI as a switch hitter, 136. Joey Votto can't switch it up if things are going sour.

Media Mojo

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 4: Lance Berkman #12 of the St. Louis Cardinals looses is bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium on April 4, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

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The media loves comeback players. Berkman, a perennial All-Star, has been plagued with injuries in recent years. Stronger, lighter and more agile this season, Berkman is gaining media radar. Unlike Votto, he is not saddled with huge media expectations.

Final Arguments

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It remains to be seen whether Lance Berkman has enough gas left in the tank to sustain his stats for an entire campaign. Right now, however, he is the NL Player of the Week, the most-added fantasy player and the person who is more valuable than Joey Votto. Heck, he's more valuable than Albert Pujols right now, but let's not go there, Redbird Nation.

R. Scott Murphy is an award-winning writer, sports producer and marketing executive. You can enjoy more of Murphy’s baseball stories in his latest book, “Ducks on the Pond.” Follow Murphy @MentalKickball on Twitter for daily Home Run Alphabet entries.

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