Texas Rangers catcher Mike Napoli is the clear-cut leader in the race for World Series MVP. But others could emerge as well. Here are five candidates: 5. Ian Kinsler (Texas) » His ninth-inning steal in Game 2 — when the Rangers were on the verge of being shut out and going down 0-2 — sparked the rally that turned the series around. Maybe not a steal of Dave Roberts’ proportions but perhaps big enough to get Kinsler the MVP if he does something else dramatic.
4. Chris Carpenter (Cardinals) ?»
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If he can go on three days’ rest in a potential Game 7, it would be hard to bet against the adrenaline-fueled ace. If he wins, it would be hard not to give the MVP to the man who bookended the series with victories.
3. Derek Holland (Texas) » Shutting down the Cardinals on two hits over 81Ú3 innings in the Rangers’ launching pad — a night after St. Louis mauled Texas hurlers for 16 runs — was huge. If the Rangers use him on four days’ rest in a potential Game 7 and he wins, he’s the MVP.
2. Albert Pujols (Cardinals) » He single-handedly wrecked the Rangers’ pitching staff in Game 3 with his 5-for-6 performance with three home runs. If the Cardinals win a Game 7 and he’s the catalyst, who else could be MVP?
1. Mike Napoli (Texas) » He has nine RBI, including two with his bases-loaded double that won Game 5. If Texas wins the series and he matches or tops Bobby Richardson’s record of 12 RBI that has stood for 51 years, it would be hard not to make him MVP.
– Kevin Dunleavy
