MLB: Top 10 NL MVP Candidates

As we are approximately 40% through the 2011 MLB season, some of the National League's top talents have put up staggering numbers that placed them in the discussion for the NL MVP. Although some of these superstars do not play for competitive teams, their numbers are still well-worthy of the prestigious award. With that said, here are the Top 10 NL MVP candidates at this point in the season. 

10. Albert Pujols

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 11: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals slides against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 11, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

While The Machine's numbers are down this year, they are still strong. He is in the Top 10 in the National League in both home runs (14) and RBI (40) while posting an outstanding .348 OBP. If he keeps up his current offense, he is on pace for a clip of .274/34/99. Those are stats that have him just cracking the list of MVP candidates. 

9. Gaby Sanchez

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JUNE 05: Gaby Sanchez #15 of the Florida Marlins bats against the Milwaukee Brewers at Sun Life Stadium on June 5, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Gaby Sanchez has put together another outstanding season following a superb rookie campaign. He currently stands at seventh in hits, 14th in home runs, ninth in RBI, and eighth in total bases in National League. He has been a fantastic cleanup hitter for the Marlins offense and is on pace to finish with a clip of .312/27/103.

8. Joey Votto

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 6: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds smiles before batting against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park on June 6, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The reigning National League Most Valuable Player is having another outstanding season in 2011. He currently ranks third in the league in AVG, 15th in RBI, first in OBP and fifth in hits. He has led the Reds to another contending season, and he is on pace to post a clip of .339/19/95.

7. Lance Berkman

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 12: Lance Berkman #12 of the St. Louis Cardinals steps on home plate as he scores a run against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 12, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The Big Puma has come back from the dead to post terrific numbers this season. He has put himself in the MVP conversation with an amazing April and stayed afloat in recent months. Berkman has made up for Pujols' early struggles with his fantastic play.

He currently sits fourth in home runs, fifth in RBI and eighth in AVG in the National League. That puts him in contention for not only the MVP award, but for the Triple Crown. At this pace, Berkman would finish with aclip of . 317/39.114. 

6. Jay Bruce

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 08: Jay Bruce #32 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a run scoring single during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park on June 8, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Jay Bruce is having a ridiculously good season. He has hit better than his teammate Joey Votto and has led one of the most explosive lineups in the National League. He currently is third in home runs, fifth in RBI, fifth in total bases, 14th in hits and sixth in runs in the league. If he continues his current tear, he will finish with the line of .293/41/117. 

5. Hunter Pence

Denis Poroy/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 5: Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros walks off the field after striking out during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on June 5, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/G

Despite playing for one of its weakest teams, Hunter Pence is among the best hitters in the National League. He is in the 10 10 in both AVG and RBI, and is on pace to post a fantastic clip of .318/19/114. Those numbers are well-worthy of taking home the NL MVP.

4. Ryan Braun

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JUNE 06: Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers stands on deck against the Florida Marlins at Sun Life Stadium on June 6, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The man who currently leads the National League in All-Star votes is producing ridiculous numbers. He has helped lead Milwaukee to first place in the NL Central and is one of just two players currently in the Top 10 in the league in AVG, home runs, and RBI.

At his current pace, Braun would finish the season with a clip of .309/36/120. 

3. Jose Reyes

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - JUNE 12: Jose Reyes #7 of the New York Mets throws to first base during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 12, 2011 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Jose Reyes is definitely not distracted by the trade rumors surrounding him. He has led the Mets offense and made them a pretty decent team, showing us once again that he is the most exciting player in the MLB. He currently ranks first in AVG, first in hits, third in runs, fifth in doubles, first in triples, third in total bases and first in multi-hit games. He is well worthy of the National League Most Valuable Player Award. 

2. Prince Fielder

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 12: Prince Fielder #28 of the Milwaukee Brewers runs against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park on June 12, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Brewers defeated the Cardinals 4-3. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Prince Fielder is making his last season in Milwaukee one to remember in leading them to first place in the NL Central. He has been on fire lately and currently sits at second in HR, first in RBI and 14th in AVG in the league.

At his current pace, Fielder would post the ridiculous line of .305/48/148. Those are numbers that will win you the prestigious award in nearly any year.

1. Matt Kemp

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - JUNE 10: Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases as he hit a solo homerun off of Matt Belisle #34 of the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning at Coors Field on June 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Dod

Words can not describe how amazing Matt Kemp's season has been. Without him, the Dodgers lineup might be among the worst in baseball. He has rebounded from a disappointing 2010 campaign and has turned into the most dangerous hitter in the National League.

Kemp currently ranks first in HR, second in RBI, first in total bases, third in AVG, fourth in OBP, first in SLG, third in hits, seventh in runs and sixth in stolen bases. He is currently on pace to have the final clip of .331/47/137 while also scoring 105 runs and stealing 34 bases. Matt Kemp is not vying for only the National League MVP, but for the National League Triple Crown.