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The Chicago Bears are probably this year's least publicized first-place team. They're doing it with defense -- the Bears rank ninth in the NFL in passing defense, fourth in rushing defense and third in the NFL in total defense.
Head coach Lovie Smith hasn't changed the system too much from what he learned under Monte Kiffin in Tampa Bay. The Bears run a 4-3 under, cover-2 defense that is more about quickness than size. It's about penetration, running, pursuit and gang tackling. They want to attack, get after you and make the offense uncomfortable the entire game.
This type of defense starts with the defensive tackles. DT Tommie Harris plays the three-technique over the guard. He's the Warren Sapp of this defense -- an inside, penetrating, one-gap player. DT Tank Johnson plays a one-technique and shades over the nose. Think Bucs DT Anthony "Booger" McFarland. Both players are quick and explosive.
Seems like we heard the words "Triple Crown candidate" this year more often than in recent seasons, which gives you an idea of what kind of year it has been for hitters.
While the National League did not see a Triple Crown winner in 2005, with so many players having great years it made for a lengthy NL MVP ballot as there are legitimate candidates on each contending team as well as on teams that didn't get a sniff of October.
Even with sluggers like Barry Bonds, Jeff Bagwell and Jim Thome not in the awards picture this year, it has remained a crowded field. MVP voters (chosen from a panel of Baseball Writers Association of America members in each National League city) select their 10 choices in order. The results will be announced on Nov. 15, and only one thing is sure. It will be someone new, since Bonds -- who won the last four in a row -- doesn't figure in the equation
A number of other players deserve mention even though they will likely not finish in the top three of the MVP voting. Among them are Cincinnati's Ken Griffey Jr., Aramis Ramirez of the Cubs, Milwaukee's Carlos Lee, Cliff Floyd of the Mets and Florida's Carlos Delgado.
Great years, but not quite up to this year's MVP threshold.
Here's five who are:
Albert Pujols, Cardinals
The case for: Led the Major Leagues in runs and was among the leaders in a dozen statistical categories. He played with a sore heel that hinders his running and yet remained far and away the best player on the team with the best record. And unlike last year, when great years by teammates Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds may have diluted the vote for Pujols, that won't happen this time.
In fact, while much of the case for Andruw Jones revolves around the depleted Braves lineup that Jones carried, much the same can be said for Pujols. He kept a lineup that often featured Abraham Nunez, Mike Mahoney, So Taguchi and John Mabry productive.
Voters will also remember his four consecutive near misses since he arrived on the scene in 2001. In the last four MVP ballots Pujols has finished fourth, second, second and third as Bonds won each year. Albert's time may have finally arrived. By the way, did you know he had 16 steals?
And against: Chicago's Derrek Lee has commanded a lot of attention this year and led Pujols in batting average, home runs and on-base plus slugging percentage. Lee was the best hitter in the league, Pujols was second.
Derrek Lee, Cubs
The case for: Fell off the Triple Crown track because his RBI total didn't keep pace with the league leaders, but that's more indicative of the Cubs offense than Lee. He won the batting title, cranked 46 homers, led the league in hits and slugging, stole 15 bases and played his usual excellent defense at first base.
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And against: The Cubs plummeted in the standings and history has shown that when multiple candidates have comparable years the player on the contending team usually gets the vote.
Andruw Jones, Braves
The case for: Led the Major Leagues in homers and the league in RBIs. Gold Glove center fielder was the best player all year for the NL East-champion Braves.
And against: Batting average is considerably lower than some of the other candidates. Trails Lee and Pujols in most other categories other than homers and RBIs.
Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
The case for: Ranked among the top five in the league in most of the main stat categories and helped keep the Marlins in the forefront of the Wild Card picture until season's end.
And against: His year was a lot like Pujols', but not quite as good -- and Pujols' team made the playoffs.
Morgan Ensberg, Astros
The case for: The Astros would not have won the Wild Card without Ensberg, whose bat helped keep the Astros afloat in the absence of Bagwell and while Lance Berkman was working his way back from injury.
And against: Numbers are very good, but trail most of the other contenders.
Jim Molony is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Player Position Former Team New Team Signing Date Notes
1. Burnitz, Jeromy OF CHC --- --- Club declined mutual option
2. Fox, Chad RP CHC --- --- ---
3. Garciaparra, Nomar SS CHC --- --- ---
4. Grieve, Ben OF CHC --- --- ---
5. Perez, Neifi SS CHC --- --- ---
6. Rusch, Glendon SP CHC CHC 10/31/05 Two-year contract
7. Walker, Todd 2B CHC CHC 10/28/05 Club exercised option for 2006
8. Williamson, Scott RP CHC CHC 10/28/05 Club exercised option for 2006
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