Ryan Braun, Not Matt Kemp, Wins 2011 NL MVP

Today, Ryan Braun edged out Matt Kemp for the 2011 NL MVP award.  The announcement came as a bit of a surprise; Kemp, who fell one home run shy of being the fifth player in baseball history to reach the coveted 40/40 mark, was the odds on favorite to win the award.  We chose Kemp over Braun for the Stan Musial Award on our BBA ballot and Kemp was announced as the unanimous winner of that award on October 26, 2011 (the BBA awards are voted on by Baseball Bloggers across the country). 

Ryan Braun had a tremendous season and led his Brewers into the playoffs.  The award was well-earned; he finished second in the NL in batting average, first in slugging percentage and extra base hits, second in runs scored and total bases and was among the top ten in doubles, home runs, RBI and stolen bases. We congratulate him on his achievement.