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Odds to Win 2012 National League MVP Award

Who has what it takes to the win the NL MVP in 2012? The Brewer’s Ryan Braun won the award last year, just beating out Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers and teammate Prince Fielder. In my opinion, Kemp was the best player in the National League last year. I understand the Dodgers weren’t in playoff contention, but I don’t think people realize how bad that team would have been if they didn’t have Kemp. If you are serious about betting this prop, you have to make sure you are betting on a player who you are confident will be playing on a winning team. One thing is for certain, the NL MVP race got a lot more open with Albert Pujols and Fielder joining the American League this offseason. Here is a look at the three favorites to win the award. I’ve also added in my sleeper prediction for those of you looking for a little more value.

Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (+700) – There might not be a player who benefits more from Pujols and Fielder leaving than Votto. It was a constant battle between those three in regards to who was the National League’s best first baseman. Votto won the NL MVP in 2010, with a .324 average to go along with 37 home runs, 113 RBI, 106 runs, and 16 stolen bases. The slugger came back to reality last year, hitting just .309 with 29 homers, 103 RBI, 101 runs, and just eight steals. Not only is Votto without question the best first baseman in the NL, but his Reds have a great shot at retaking the top spot in the NL Central.

Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers (+800) – There are plenty of skeptics who think Braun has little chance of defending his MVP from last season. A lot of people think Braun got away with taking an illegal substance. The effects not taking that substance could have huge effects on his performance in 2012, or it might not make a bit of difference. The other thing you have to take into consideration is teams will be able to pitch around him without Fielder in the lineup. Offensively Braun finished second in the NL with a .332 average, but he also hit 33 home runs with 111 RBI, 109 runs, and 33 stolen bases. It’s pretty rare to find a player that can do all of these things that well.

Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers (+900) – Kemp really took a step in the right direction in 2011. After a few seasons of showing flashes of potential, Kemp finally put it all together. The 27-year-old hit .324 with 39 home runs, 126 RBI, and 40 stolen bases. Not to mention he won a Gold Glove in center field. He missed out on becoming just the fifth player in major league history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season. A big reason why I felt he deserved the MVP over Braun. If he puts up another season similar to last year, it would be a shame if they ignored him for the MVP.

Sleeper Pick: Hanley Ramirez, Miami Marlins (+2500) – Injuries really slowed Ramirez down in 2011, but none of that figures to effect his play in 2012. He is a very similar player to that of Braun and Kemp. Ramirez has just struggled to put it all together in one season. If you were to look at his career-best over the last six seasons, you have a player who has the potential to hit .342 with 33 home runs, 106 RBI, 125 runs, 212 hits, and 51 stolen bases. He should only benefit from the team adding in shortstop Jose Reyes, especially in the RBI department. The most important thing, he seems extremely dedicated this spring.

Complete Odds to Win 2012 NL MVP

Joey Votto	+700
Ryan Braun	+800
Matt Kemp	+900
Giancarlo Stanton	+1100
Justin Upton	+1200
Troy Tulowitzki	+1200
Jose Reyes	+1500
Matt Holliday	+2000
Ryan Zimmerman	+2000
Starlin Castro	+2000
Buster Posey	+2500
Clayton Kershaw	+2500
Hanley Ramirez	+2500
Hunter Pence	+2500
Jay Bruce	+2500
Brian McCann	+3000
Carlos Gonzalez	+3000
David wright	+3000
Roy Halladay	+3000
Andrew McCutchen	+3500
Carlos Quentin	+3500
Cliff Lee	+3500
David Freese	+3500
Tim Lincecum	+3500
Cole Hamels	+4000
Lance Berkman	+4000
Rickie Weeks	+4000
Shane Victorino	+4000
Aramis Ramirez	+5000
Mike Morse	+5000
Stephen Strasburg	+5000
Johan Santana	+7500