The AL MVP
Aug 12, 2012, 12:49 AM | Updated: 12:49 am
If the season ended today (which it does not) and if I had a vote for AL MVP (which I don’t) then here is the order in which it would be cast:
1- Mike Trout-CF- LAA
.344 BA .406 OBP .599 SLG 1.005 OPS
21 HR 65 RBI 88 R 36 SB
Trout did not take his first AB until April 28th and started his season 1-11. When the calendar flipped to May, however, Trout ignited a barrage on pitching that has not subsided. He has quickly made up for lost time by piling up historic numbers that has him mentioned in the same breath with the feats of Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle and other baseball dignitaries. He is having one of the best rookie seasons in baseball history and only a select few in the history of the game have put up similar numbers so young. He is leading the league in hitting, stolen bases and runs. He is second in OPS and slugging %. The offensive numbers are sensational, but it is his defense that breaks all ties in the hunt for AL MVP. He plays a demanding defensive position and Trout roams centerfield like a gazelle. According to fangraphs.com his UZR rating is the third best in the American League.
2- Miguel Cabrera- 3B- DET
.322 BA .384 OBP .579 SLG .963 OPS
29 HR 96 RBI 75 R 4 SB
Cabrera has smashed the 4th most homers in the league and is tied with the most RBIs. He is second in average and second and hits. Cabrera is having another monster offensive year and is not far behind Trout. The move the third base has not helped his cause. His UZR rating is a negative number.
3- Robinson Cano- 2B- NY
.315 BA .373 OBP .553 SLG .926 OPS
24 HR 66 RBI 72 R 3 SB
He is top five in doubles and top 10 in homers. His OPS is sixth best in the league. He is one of the best defensive second basemen in the game.
4- Josh Hamilton- OF- TX
.288 BA .354 OBP .579 SLG .933 OPS
31 HR 96 RBI 68 R 6 SB
He is tied for the AL lead in homers and RBIs. His incredible April and May have given way to severe struggles in June and July. In the end his overall numbers keep him in the top five.
5- Edwin Encarnacion- DH- TOR
.288 BA .385 OBP .559 SLG .944 OPS
29 HR 77 RBI 69 R 13 SB
If you look closely you will see that Encarnacion has quietly put together nearly the same exact season as Hamilton so far.
