In further proof that no one on The ITD Morning After knows what they're talking about, Jimmy "The Cat" Hayes, Doug Vaughn, and myself all said this morning that Ryan Howard would win the National League MVP...not because he should, but just because voters will be enamored with Howard's power totals and the fact that the Phillies made the postseason.

Fortunately, Hall of Famer Rick Hummel was on the show, and he said, "I think Pujols will get it."

Guess who wound up being right?

The Hall of Famer...or the three nitwits?

Fortunately, the Hall of Famer.

Albert Pujols claimed his second MVP trophy (and, honestly, he should probably have one or two more) by beating out St. Louisan Ryan Howard. Pujols received 18 of 32 possible first place votes. Howard received 12.  Ryan Braun, Manny Ramirez, Lance Berkman, and C.C. Sabathia rounded out the top 6.

Personally, as asinine as it may sound, I would have voted Sabathia as the MVP...even though a) he's a pitcher and b) he was only with the Brewers for half the season. In my opinion, no player was more valuable to his team's success than Sabathia, but I know I'm in the minority on that one.

But, the debate---in non-nitwit land---focused on Pujols vs. Howard. Many said Pujols was playing for a 4th place team, and he didn't deserve it based on the Cardinals' team performance. But, the Phillies only had six more wins, and furthermore, fair is fair, as someone not all that creative said. Pujols was edged out by Howard and his non-playoff Phillies' exploits in 2006, the year the Cardinals won the World Series.

Here's what it comes down to: I'm glad Albert got the recognition, because I think both locally and nationally, his greatness is taken for granted in some circles...because it's always been there, literally, since the moment he stepped on the Big League stage at Colorado in 2001.

Pujols has been in the Top 10 in MVP voting every year since he arrived on the scene in '01. That's absurd. But, what is perhaps more absurd is this is only the second time he's won it.

We're watching one of the greatest ever play the game, and today, Pujols got what he deserved. And, in a surprising turn of events, the East Coast and power numbers both lost out.

What do you think of the MVP voting? Did Albert deserve it? Who would you have voted for? Log-in and post your comments below.