Other than hitting home runs, Stanton was average. What.... a .275 batting average isn't MVP material. Defensively? Meh! Votto is a top 10 hitter, not the equal of Blackmon or Arenado though. Goldschmidt had a very good season and his offensive numbers rivals the two Rockies studs, but he's not the defensive equal of Arenado. Neither is Votto. 

Last season, Arenado couldn't win because the MVP played for a playoff team, with lesser numbers. This year, still can't get a sniff despite making the playoffs.

I ignore baseball writers. They continually expose their ignorance. They're predictable.