ryan-braun

As the MLB season is just a few days away its time to take a look at the contenders for the National League Most Valuable Player Award. Today, we look at Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun.

Take away that inhumane run from Manny last season, and Ryan Braun is slugging it out with Carlos Quentin for the best outfielder in the majors.

Over the last two seasons, Braun has taken the Milwaukee Brewers from Prince Fielder and put them on his back. He earned rookie of the year honors in 2007 and finished third last season in MVP voting.

The best part about Braun’s success is that he isn’t done maturing into a major league hitter. His plate discipline is still improving and he has the ability to hit .300. Braun hit 37 homers last season and I don’t see that number going down at all. His plus speed is a nice addition which could give him more overall value than a guy like Albert Pujols who doesn’t bring speed.

To win the MVP, Braun will have to put up a .290+ average, stay withing 2 or 3 homers and 5 RBIs of Pujols, all of which I think will happen. Braun and Pujols will be going head-to-head in the MVP race and in the NL Central race. If the Brewers wind up higher in the standings than St. Louis, and Braun has the numbers mentioned above, I don’t think there is anyone else in the NL to take the award from him.

Projections: .291/39/114/17