NL MVP

So far the NL is stacked with candidates for MVP. Tough decisions to be made here, but the Hairy Guate is gonna take a stab at it.

1. Chase Utley (Phi), .291 BA, 22 HR, 63 RBI, 57 R
Has slowed down a bit after an absolutely MONSTER start. Gets the slight nod over Lance Berkman of the Astros only because Utley is leading his team towards a division title and the Astros have an uphill battle to get into the playoffs.

2. Lance Berkman (HOU), .354 BA, 20 HR, 60 RBI, 1.121 OPS, 12 SB
Lance is putting up ridiculous numbers this year. If he played on a winning team he'd be a lock at the halfway point. Who looks and Lance Berkman and thinks 12 SB halfway through the year? He's a Chipper Jones injury away from being a Triple Crown candidate.

3. Chipper Jones (ATL), .393 BA, 16 HR, 46 RBI, 1.116 OPS, 46 BB
As a lifelong ATL/Chipper fan I would love to see him get MVP number 2 on his way to Championship number 2. Injuries to both Chipper and the entire Braves pitching staff are probably going to prevent this unfortunately. By posting these kinds of numbers this late in his career he is solidifying his place in Cooperstown.

4. Albert Pujols (STL), .347 BA, 16 HR, 42 RBI, 1.105 OPS, 52 BB
Albert is basically a lock for this list every year. He's leading what seems to be an overachieving team at this point. If the Cards keep this up don't be surprised if he leap frogs the top 3. The only thing that will hold him back are nagging injuries. An unhealthy Albert is still a hell of a lot better than most everyone else.

5a. Aramis Ramirez (CHC), .299 BA, 14 HR, 53 RBI, 41 BB
5b. Derek Lee (CHC), .294 BA, 15 HR, 48 RBI
Best team in MLB should have at least some representation on this list. Ramirez and Lee are posting very similar numbers and if either goes on a tear in the second half Cubs fans can rightfully chant MVP! MVP! during the postseason.

Honorable Mention: Ryan Braun, Adrian Gonzalez, Dan Uggla, Matt Holiday