Matt Kemp, Not Ryan Braun, Is NL MVP, Paul Maholm Says

Pirates pitcher Paul Maholm (who's nursing a shoulder injury and has some time on his hands) is arguing on Twitter that Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, and not Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, should be the National League MVP.

it's best player. Kemp doesn't have Braun and fielder protecting him. It doesn't say best player for best team.

I'd probably lean toward Kemp as well, but not for the reason Maholm gives regarding Kemp's lack of protection. The two batters have had similar seasons offensively, with Kemp hitting .324/.399/.583 and Braun hitting .334/.398/.601. But Kemp plays center field, a much more difficult position than left field, where Braun plays. It's worth noting, too, that the reason Braun is in left is because his defense at third was horrific. He's not in center in part because he's not good enough to play a tougher position.

For more on the Brewers, check out Brew Crew Ball. For more on the Dodgers, check out True Blue LA.