• I don't think enough voters have noticed Peralta's season. My guess is that they probably noted his relatively slow start, but haven't paid attention to what Peralta has done all year.

• I don't the voters (some, anyway) would be comfortable voting for a player who agreed to a 50-game suspension in the aftershocks of the Biogenesis scandal last year. And the "Church Lady" factor is substantial within the BBWAA.

• I don't think Peralta will become the center of attention because the Cardinals, overall, have been a mediocre team offensively. (That's changed as of late.)

• Peralta isn't putting up spectacular numbers. In a season of suppressed offense, his numbers are very good. But spectacular? No. Through Tuesday Peralta was batting .269 with a .345 onbase percentage and .456 slugging percentage. He had 18 homers, 35 doubles and 62 RBIs. The MVP is largely based on offense, and gaudy numbers sell the case. Peralta's case would be based on a combination of offense and defense at a critically important position. As it should be, but won't be.

• Peralta is low-key and avoids the limelight. And voters are suckers for "signature moments" so that also works against Peralta.