Albert Pujols, hands down the best player in baseball (the ESPYs said so,) was unanimously nominated as the National League’s Most Valuable Player this afternoon by a panel of writers from the BBWAA.

The St. Louis Cardinals first baseman was chosen first out of ten choices on all 32 ballots, which is exactly as it should have been. Sure, the NL has some terrific hitters, but none hold a candle to Prince Albert. This season, he hit .327 with 47 bombs and 135 RBIs, along with a league-leading .443 on-base percentage and NL-best .658 slugging percentage.

In addition to his second consecutive and third overall MVP award, Pujols received a second Hank Aaron Award (bestowed upon the top hitter from each league,) a fifth Silver Slugger,  a third TSN Player of the Year honor, and his first TSN Player of the Decade award. He was also voted by players as the NL’s Most Outstanding Player and the Player of the Year.

Pujols’ three MVPs tie him with Stan “The Man” Musial, one of the greatest left-handed hitters to ever play for the organization. Musial, who racked up 3,630 hits to earn seven batting titles, could be replaced by Pujols someday if he stays with the Cards. That will mean big bucks for the franchise, who’ll need to continue to surround him with playoff contenders if they want to keep him around past the 2011 season, when his contract is due to expire.