Who Will Win the American League MVP Award?
Let’s start with last years award winner Alex Rodriguez. Last year his stats were amazing. He posted 48 homers, 130 RBIs, and 124 runs. On top of that he had 21 stolen bases and he hit for average with a .321 average. He was great out of the cleanup spot in the lineup and really lived up to his huge contract with the great numbers he put up. At times he carried the lineup and during the last stretch of the season he led the Yankees to the postseason. He also won the MVP award because he played gold glove defense at 3rd. He has cemented himself as the best player in the game. However, it is very difficult to win the award in back to back years and there are so many candidates that i don’t think he will win the award again.
Next is Manny Ramirez who had 45 homers, 144 RBIs, 112 runs scored and hit for average with .292. Manny Ramirez is a monster on the offense side. He is a feared slugger and is a RBI machine. Anyone who gets on base in front of him is sure to be driven home. He hits for average and power and is a great hitter. However, the only thing that stands in his way of the award is his fellow teammate, David Ortiz who could also be a candidate for the award.
David Ortiz had 119 runs scored, 47 homers, 148 RBIs, and a .300 average. He too is a great slugger who has consistently done well against the Yankees. His numbers are almost identical to Ramirez, his teammate on the red sox. However, what prevented him from winning the award last year was that he is a Designated Hitter and doesn’t play the field. This will continue to prevent him from winning the award unless his numbers are so staggering that he is given the award. But because he doesn’t play the field, he missed out on the award last year which was given to A-rod.
Vladamir Guerrero had 95 runs scored, 32 homers, 108 RBIs, 13 steals, and a .317 average. Guerrero is a former AL MVP award winner with the Angels. Last year Guerrero was troubled by injuries. However Guerrero is a force to be reckoned with in all aspects of the game. He can hit for power, and average. His 32 homers was a down year for him and his production should increase this year. His steals were also down last year. Guerrero has the ability to steal 30 bases every year. He also can hit for a high average. Furthermore, he is one of the best defensive outfielders and has a cannon for an arm. He has the ability to nail a runner tagging up from third base at the plate and prevent a run from scoring. What hurts him is that their offense has declined every year and this past off season they lost offensive catcher Bengie Molina. I think this will hurt him the most as his numbers just aren’t as impressive as the other guys in this category.
Mark Texeirra stats were 112 runs scored, 43 homers, 144 RBIs, and a .301 average. Texeirra has quietly been among the best hitters in the league. He is really underrated and if he puts together the type of season he had last year he could definitely win the award. What would really cement his name on the award is to lead the Rangers to the playoffs which will be a hard task with the A’s and Angels in their division.
Paul Konerko is the dark horse candidate. He had 98 runs scored, 40 homers, 100 RBIs and a .283 average. Every year some hitter has an outstanding year that gets talk of a MVP award. I think this upcoming season the dark horse will be Konerko. Last year he had a great season. In addition, Konerko is still in his prime and he should get better this year. The addition of Jim Thome also allows Konerko more protection in the lineup and another slugger in the lineup. His RBI production will also increase. In the White sox go deep into the playoffs again, Konerko just might win the award.
