I own the Nikon lens in the VR version and it is and amazing lense. I used it mainly to photograph by boys playing baseball and indoor basketball. It is absolutly perfect for baseball. i get all the shots my eye can captures. It is super fast and sharp. I find the VR is very helpful. The VR compensates for camera movement, not subject movement. Some of the gyms my kids play in are the photographic equalivilant to caves. It is the best I can do since a flash is not permitted in my area during the game. I have tried to use a friends 1.8 but I could not get the correct focal length I needed for the fast moving game. The 70-200 allows me to tract the game well from mid court.
I know that Nikon glass usually commands a premium and in this case i have never tried the lens you are also looking at so I can't tell you i have seen both and buy the _________. All I can tell you is that what I have learned about photography is that getting better at it is a curse (best curse you could hope for !) in a snse that things that were acceptable to me a year ago are no longer today. It is like music, once you can hear the diffeernce you can't go back.. I would suggest you invest in the best glass you can afford and enjoy it, If you can rent both lenses to shot them out, great. I am a big fan of Nikon glass.
I hope this helps you, if you have specific questions please feel free to ask.
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