We continue our 2012 MLB award predictions by focusing on the National League MVP race. Unlike the American League race, this award is being hotly contested with three very deserving players in serious consideration. The baseball writers are likely to split on their votes, making this a narrow margin of victory.

Up for consideration, we have the reigning NL MVP in Ryan Braun, the offensive catalyst for the San Francisco Giants in Buster Posey and the star of the rising Pittsburgh Pirates, Andrew McCutchen.

Andrew McCutchen is the sentimental choice as he has been the driving force behind the Pirates resurrection. Had the month of August not been so horrific, McCutchen would have had this award all sewn up. August seems to have been a bit of a summer swoon, as McCutchen is back on track through the mid-point of September.

The Pirates are continuing to make a push towards that wild-card spot, and they will need McCutchen to continue to produce at the plate. The playoff push will garner the Pirates some attention and should give a McCutchen a chance to shine.

A strong September could also give McCutchen the NL batting title, and have him finish top three in SLG at .570 and OPS with .982. McCutchen’s WAR is also tops in the NL at 6.5. Even if Pirates don’t sneak into that last playoff spot, the words “playoffs” and “Pirates” wouldn’t be used in same sentence if not for McCutchen.

Ryan Braun is coming off his 2011 MVP season as well as PED scandal that threatened to have him miss the first 50 games this season. Braun has been Mr. Consistent this year, and is putting up another solid season. This season isn’t quite as good statistically as his MVP year, as offensively the numbers are down a bit.

Also working against Braun is that he hasn’t done anything attention grabbing this year, just goes about his business quietly without the fanfare. Braun’s numbers are still impressive as he leads the NL in homeruns, RBI’s, SLG and OPS while second in runs scored. Braun’s WAR is 6.1 this season, his WAR during his MVP season was a gaudy 7.7.

Buster Posey is making a serious push for MVP consideration as he drives the Giants to another Division title. The Giants have such a lead heading into the playoffs, this may hurt Posey as he will likely get some time off to rest for the playoffs. I think Posey is the dark horse in the MVP race. Writers will be swayed by the fact that the team is in the playoffs and that Posey has cemented himself as the future of this franchise in the absence of Melky Cabrera. For a catcher to have a WAR of 6.1 is hugely impressive as the position itself is so demanding. I just don’t think Posey has enough top ten rankings in the major statistical categories to receive those first place MVP votes.

NL MVP SHOULD BE: Andrew McCutchen

NL MVP WILL BE: Buster Posey, the writers are enamoured with this guy and his post all-star game play will earn him the hardware.