Third MVP could be in the cards for Pujols

ST. LOUIS -- It's not easy to pick a best season for Albert Pujols, but his 2009 campaign has to be in the discussion. As a result he appears to be well on his way to a third National League Most Valuable Player Award and, perhaps, even his first unanimous selection.

But Pujols looks at things by a different measure. Though statistically he may be on his way to a career year, he has a different standard. His career year, in his own mind, was the one that ended with the Cardinals celebrating on the field at Busch Stadium as World Series champions.

Cardinals at a glance 2009 record: 91-71 2008 record: 86-76 NL Central champs WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • McClellan: Hometown boy • Cards: Shaking off walk-off • Ludwick: Dream fulfilled • Hawksworth: On way up • Ryan: Playing it cool • Pujols: Ready for fun stuff • Wainwright: Proud, durable • Holliday: Kids' play • Pujols: Triple Crown? • La Russa: 14th postseason • Carpenter: Heart of staff • Pujols: Eschewing rest • Holliday: A perfect fit • Carpenter: Ready to go • La Russa: Getting proactive • Wainwright: Apt pupil • Pujols: His place in history? • Pujols: The evolution • Holliday: Offensive spark • La Russa: Controls fate • Pujols: MVP No. 3? • Wainwright: Mr. Consistent • La Russa: Winning cures all • Carpenter: A go Game 1 • Holliday: Big impact • Wainwright: Cy in cards? More Cardinals coverage • After going all-in, Cards mull 2010 Cards outperformed by robust foe Postseason comes to abrupt end Holliday welcomed warmly despite gaffe Cards look to '04 for motivation Miscue doesn't diminish Holliday's value Holliday joins long line of 'goats' Cards must cash in to save season Wainwright's gem spoiled in errant ninth Under radar, Pineiro a rock for Cards Cards focused, but history against them Wainwright's outing inspires awe Cards' stars frustrated in LA opener Short turnaround awaits Cards, Dodgers Clubs set left-on-base mark in Game 1 Wainwright has experience on his side Rookie relievers fill out roster Carpenter takes long road back to NLDS A whole new season for Cards, Dodgers La Russa, Torre collide in postseason Stability breeds chances for Cardinals NLDS is Pujols' first step toward goal With loss, Cards must pack bags for NLDS Wainwright denied 20th victory Carpenter's grand slam helps rout Reds Smoltz struggles in Cincy Homer bug bites Pineiro against Reds Dinged Ryan, Molina get night off Glaus returns; at-bats could be sparse Cards drop series finale to Rockies NL Central crown secured Wainwright wins 19th in clincher Cards look beyond Central title Cards can't nail down clinch, fall to Rox Pujols is TSN's Player of the Decade Magic number drops to one, despite loss Rout of Astros puts magic number at two DeRosa helps Cards trim magic number La Russa shuffles rotation for weekend Cards appear built for deep playoff run Bats, bullpen pick up Wellemeyer Lohse OK, set for return Smoltz says shoulder feels better

"I think it's too early to say that [this is my best year]," Pujols said. "The reason I say that is because in 2006 I accomplished what I wanted, and that was winning the World Series. But number-wise, [I could hit] 50 home runs, [record a] career high in RBIs, but I don't necessarily think that means that's your best year."

Still, Pujols is en route to a historic season even within his own career. He stands at 47 home runs with two weeks remaining, giving him a shot at 50 for the first time (his personal best is 49, in 2006). His 127 RBIs are 10 shy of his career high, his .680 slugging percentage would be a career best and he's already set a personal mark with 107 walks.

Pressed a little, though, he admits he has little to complain about as far as his 2009 season goes.

"Consistency-wise, I think I can compare this with the 2003 and 2006 seasons, when I was really consistent with my swing," he said. "I think this year I have been consistent since Day 1, even though I had a bad Spring Training. I put that in the past, and it didn't bother me at all. And I'm a guy who likes to have a really consistent Spring Training, and I didn't have one."

With the Cardinals a heavy favorite to make the postseason, it would be staggering if Pujols doesn't pick up MVP Award No. 3. Especially since, for 3 1/2 months, he was the unquestioned driving force in the Cards' lineup. In the second half, he has been joined in the heart of the order by Matt Holliday, but in the first half, he did much of the heavy lifting himself.

"We have a nice team," manager Tony La Russa said. "We had a winning team, near first place or in first place [in the first half], and he was the difference in the majority of those games. I don't know who the candidates are, but I can't remember playing anybody and thinking, 'Wow, this guy's as valuable as Albert.' "