National League MVP: Could Chase make it three times running for Phillies?

It doesn't matter what sport you follow. You always look for that one player that stands out from the rest that we call the MVP. Whether it's the athlete that has the best stats that season, or just a clutch player that always seems to get the job done. This year is pretty interesting, especially in the National League. In my mind, I see three candidates: Chase Utley, Chipper Jones, and Lance Berkman.

Chase Utley, the second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies has been on a tear since the starting gates of the 2008 season opened. Chase is hitting .313 with a majors leading 21 home runs and 58 RBI's, second in the national league. 

In April, he hit six home runs in about a weeks time. Later on June 3rd, he tied the franchise record of consecutive home runs, hitting his 5th bomb off Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo. This feet is surely worth taking into consideration. Seeing as Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins won MVP in the past two years, it would make it three years running if Chase were to win it this year. But it's not just Chase that you should keep your eye on this year.

Chipper Jones, third baseman for the Atlanta Braves is working on a 400 season. With almost half the season gone, Chip is batting .414 with 15 home runs and 41 RBI's. Not bad for a 36 year old kid. Chipper also won MVP in 99'. That year, he finished with a .319 batting average, 45 home runs, and 110 RBI's. Not saying that he can hit all those numbers again, but he's still staying with the pack. He has also been with the Braves for almost all 14 consecutive division titles.

Then there is the big man from Houston, Lance Berkman. This guy has been doing it all. He is hitting .366 with19 home runs and 57 RBI's. Berkman, playing first base and right field for the Houston Astros, has been force to be reckoned with this year. He has made quite a few clutch plays and swings that has made him untouchable. If anyone right now were to come close to a triple crown, it would be Berkman. Second in average, home runs, and fourth in RBI's. That would be a great accomplishment for Berkman if he could get Triple Crown and MVP on his 9thseason with the Astros. But lets not get wishful thinking.

Now it could be just that I was grown into a Phillies family and that it's just in my blood, but I think that Chase Utley should probablely get the MVP.

I just can't help but think of what Jimmy Rollins said before the season started. He said that the Phillies are the team to beat. And for the most part, he has backed that up. The Phillies are sitting on top of the National League East with three games over the Marlins.