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 (as of Sunday, September 21st)-

AB: 15     H: 3     R: 3     2B: 0     3B: 1     HR: 1     RBI: 3     TB: 8     BB: 4     SO: 7          XBH: 2     GDP: 0     AVG: .200     SLG: .533     OBP: .368     OPS: .901

Manny Ramirez

Late innings in close games since August 1st (as of Sunday, September 21st)-

AB: 16     H: 5     R: 1     2B: 1     3B: 0     HR: 0     RBI: 3     TB: 6     BB: 2     SO: 7          XBH: 1     GDP: 1     AVG: .313     SLG: .375     OBP: .400     OPS: .775

So, as these statistics show, Ramirez has been better in almost every regular statistic since August 1st (first set of stats). Ramirez also has better stats in RISP stats (second set of stats) since August 1st. In fact, he dominates the RISP stats. Finally, in the third set of stats, they are about equal. Howard edges Ramirez out on some of the late innings of close game stats, but Ramirez edges Howard out sometimes as well.

Overall, when I look at these stats, it becomes evident to me that Manny Ramirez is the better MVP candidate. Not only has he been playing better since his arrival in Los Angeles, but he has single- handily turned the Dodgers into a playoff team.

Just remember, I don't think Howard or Ramirez deserves the MVP. I just thought since Howard is getting consideration for one great month, I thought why not look at Manny who is having two great months.

*If you see any errors in my statistics, please let me know and I'll see where my mistake was.