There was a big difference between Ryan Ludwick and Carlos Quentin heading into this season, and although they have had comparable seasons statistically, they weren't viewed quite the same in fantasy.
Ludwick is older. He's had chances. He's blown chances. Fantasy owners weren't expecting much from him. But Quentin was outright forgotten, though it's obvious now that he shouldn't have been. He hadn't yet hit his peak and still might not have, which is a bit scary.
Neither were all that popular on draft day. I think Quentin will earn the AL MVP award, because his team is a playoff contender but Josh Hamilton's .500 squad, the Rangers, is not. By the way, can you believe Hamilton was intentionally walked with the bases loaded in the ninth Sunday night? Who do the Rays think he is, Barry Bonds? Ludwick won't earn any hardware, but without his 30-plus homers, I doubt the Cardinals would be a factor, and Albert Pujols wouldn't be my leading contender for the NL MVP.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Eric Karabell
